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Pioneer Log School House.

The First Registry Office in Lennox and Addington, Millhaven.

LENNOX AND ADDINGTON
HISTORICAL SOCIETY* ^

PAPERS AND RECORDS.

VOL V.

SCHOOL PAPERS.

PRICE, 25 CENTS.

NAPANEE, ONTARIO.

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY.

1914.

PRINTED AT THE BEAVER OFFICE.

vs-o

CONTENTS.

Pioneer Log- School House Frontispiece

The First Registry Office in Lennox and Addington,

Millhaven Frontispiece

Chronology 4

Publications of the Society 5

Introduction— The Bell and Laing- Papers— by C. M. W.. 6

The Bell and Laing School Papers 7

Notes, by C. M. W 23

Introduction— An Early School Register— by W. S. H... 28

An Early School Register 29

Notes, by W. S. H 58

Index . . 62

CHRONOLOGY.

Society Organized May 9th, 1907

Constitution Adopted June llth, 1907

First Open Meeting held Oct. 25th, 1907

Affiliated with the Ontario Historical

Society March 31st, 1908

Papers and Records Published : —

Volume I June 12th, 1909

" H September 19th, 1910

" III November 15th, 1911

" IV lime 14th, 1912

OFFICERS SINCE ORGANIZATION.

Honorary Presidents-
Rev. Canon Jarvis 1907 to 1908

•John Gibbard, Esq 1907

*James Daly, Esq 1908 to 1913

Walter S. Herrington, K.C 1909 to -

Presidents—

Clarance M. Warner 1907 to -

Vice Presidents —

Mrs. Alexander W. Grange 1907 to -

Secretary-Treasurer —

Ulysses J. Flach, Esq 1907 to 1913

John W. Robinson, Esq 1913 to -

Executive Committee —

Mrs. H. T. Forward 1907 to -

Mr. Frederick Burrows 1907 to 1913

Uriah Wilson, Ex-M.P 1907 to -

Geo. D. Hawley, Ex-M.P.P 1907 to -

•Rev. Alexander Macdonald 1907 to 1913

Raymond A. Leonard 1913 to -

John W. Robinson 1913 to -

•Deceased.

PUBLICATIONS.

Vol. I. Chronicles of Napanee, first published in 1873
and 1874. The Origin of Some of Our Local Names, by ,W.
S. Herrington, 1908. Yarker and Vicinity, by E. R.
Checkley, 1908. Some Notes of Early Ecclesiastical His-
tory,— Bay of Quinte District, by Rev. Canon Jarvis, 1908.
Some early Amusements of the County, by C. M. Warner,
1908. The Village of Centreville, by J. S. Lochhead, 1908.

Vol. II. Early Education, by Frederick Burrows, 1909.
A Story of the Rear of Addington County, by Paul Stein,
1910. John Thomson, Inventor of a Process for Making
Wood Pulp, by C. M. Warner, 1909. Newburgh, by Geo.
Anson A,yles worth, 1910. The First Telegraph Office in
Napanee, by Mrs. John Perry Hawley, 1909. The following-
copies of Original Documents in the Collection :— In M«mor-
iam, B. C. Davy, Esq., (1874) ; Assignment of a Slave,
(1824) ; School Teacher's Contract, (1818) ; Proceedings of
the Napanee Club Library, (1853) ; Programme of Proces-
sion when Corner Stone of the Market Hall was laid,
(1856) ; Montreal's Invitation to Celebrate the Completion
of Grand Trunk Railway between Montreal and Toronto,
(1856) ; Railway Pass to Attend the Above Celebration,
(1856).

Vol. III. The Casey Scrap Books. Introduction by W.
S. Herrington, 1910. Concerning Mr. Thomas W. Casey,
by A. Dingman. An Old Adolphustown Burying Ground, by
T. W. Casey. Champlain, the Discoverer of Bay of Quinte
and Lake Ontario, by T. W. Casey. Champlain in the Bay
of Quinte District, by T. W. Casey. First Explorers and
Discoverers of this Section, by T. W. Casey. This County
a Century Ago, by T. W. Casey. Our County's First
Surveys, by T. W. Casey. The Adolphustown U. E. L.
Burying Ground, by T. W. Casey. In Old Time Graveyards,
(from Toronto Sun, Aug-. 9th, 1899). The Old Time Dis-
trict Councils, by T. W. Casey.

Vol. IV. The Casey Scrap Books— Part Two. Early
Bay of Quinte Steam-boating, by T. W. Casey. Early
Slavery in the Midland District, by T. W. Casey. Some
Anti Rebellion Arrests, by T. W. Casey. Our First Repres-
entatives in Parliament, by T. W. Casey. This County in
the Sixties, by T. W. Casey. Amherst Island, by T. W.
Casey. Newburgh, by T. W. Casey.

INTRODUCTION.

Shortly before the death of Dr. William Canniff,
whose valuable work, "The History of the Settle-
ment of Upper Canada" was published in 1869, he
presented to the Lennox and Addington Historical
Society a portion of his collection of papers and
documents. In that collection were found a few
papers on the early schools in the Bay of Quinte
District.

References to these have been made in Dr.
CannifT s own book ; Dr. Hodgins in Volume I. of
the "Documentary History of Education in Upper
Canada" has copied a few of them, and Mr. W. S.
Herrington quotes from some of them in his "His-
tory of Lennox and Addington".

It has been deemed advisable to print exact
copies of all of these papers in order to have them
in convenient form for reference. The original
spelling is given and a few explanatory notes are
added.

The Society hopes to publish, at an early date,
a complete list of all papers secured from Dr. Can-
niff. There are several hundred of these, most of
which relate to the militia of the Bay of Quinte
district during the years 1787 to 1833 inclusive.

C. M. W.
Napanee, March 1st, 1914.

THE BEI.lv AND LAING SCHOOL PAPERS.

Address

Mr. William Belli
at the Head of the Bay of Quinte.

Sir. I received your letter, respecting the Mohawk
School.2 I can give you no positive answer at
present ; because I have agreed, conditionally, with
a Schoolmaster at Montreal. That is, if he comes
up he is to have the School. But three or four
weeks are elapsed since he promised to give me a
positive answer. I expect daily to hear from him ;
altho I do not think it very likely that he will
accept the Employment.

Some time ago Mr. Ferguson^ mentioned you
to me as a Person who would probably undertake
that charge. I told Cap't. John* that if the person
from Montreal disappointed me, I would talk with
you on the subject. Therefore if you come to King-
ston about the time you mention I will be able to
give you a positive answer.

The salary is £30 Sterling, with a house to live
in and some other advantages which depend wholly
on the pleasure of the Mohawks. But the teacher
must be a man and not a woman however well
qualified.

I am

Sir
Your very humble Serv't

John Stuart.5
Kingston

Sep't 26, 1796.

LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Exchange for 15 £ Sterl.s

Mohawk Village, Bay of Ouintie.
July 5th, 1797

Sir, At thirty days sight of this my first of
Exchange (second and third of same tenor and date
unpaid) please pay to Mr. Robert Macauley or
order the sum of fifteen Pounds Sterling, being my
half year's Salary, from the I5th Day of November
1796 to the 1 5th day of May 1797 due from the
Society, without further advice from

Sir
To Calvert Clapham Esq Your humble Servant

Treasurer William Bell

To the Society (Schoolmaster to the Mohawks)
for the Propogation
of the Gospel in
foreign Parts.7
Duke Street.
Westminster.

Kingston, Aug. i8th, 1799
Sir,—

Unless the Mohawks will send such a number
(of) their Children to School as will justify me in
continuing (a) Schoolmaster ; in Duty to myself,
as acting for the Society (i) shall be under the dis-
agreeable necessity of discontinuing the payment of
your salary after the Expiration of (the) present
year, which I believe will end next month. 8 -

This information I think proper to give your
that you may govern yourself accordingly
I am,

Sir
Your very humble Servant

Jno Stuart.
Mr Bell.

Schoolmaster
to the Mohawks.

Bay of Ouinte.

THE BELL AND LAING SCHOOL PAPERS.

Kingston, March 16, 1800

Sir, — By a letter lately received from your place I
am happy to hear that the school is now furnished
with a dozen or more Scholars. And it is expected
that you will be very strict in your Discipline and
see that Prayers are read, night and morning, — that
the Children are taught the Lords Prayer, Creed,
and ten Commandments, — that the Children may
not be sent Home, even if their Parents do not
send wood at the stated times, — that cattle may
not be allowed to go into the School, but that it
be kept clean, and the wood belonging to it, may
not be used unless in school Hours.

The opportunity for writing being unexpected I
can only give you these short hints at present.
However your own Discretion will point out to you
that every reasonable method of giving satisfaction,
and being useful, should be adopted.

I am, Sir

Your hum'l Servant
Jno Stuart.

Mr. William Bell

Schoolmaster to
the Mohawks.

Mohawk Village.

Mohawk Village, 3oth March, 1801.
Rev'd Sir,—

I received a letter from you dated 27th Feb'y and
also half a dozen Mohawk primers.9 The primers I
am at a loss how to dispose of as by giving them
to any particular Children would affront others,
and there is not enough for the whole children that
I have reason to expect will come to school in the
summer. I am sorry to inform vou that voiir

10 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

letter did not reach me in time to see Mabie before
he left your land.io However I left word with Mr.
Somes to tell him to come to me when he comes
down. He moved to some place up the Bay the
24th of Feb'y with all his cattle Etc. I had a
letter ready wrote to inform you that he had left
your land when I received yours, but I am told th'at
he will be down as soon as the ice is out of the Bay
to bring his fowls and shingles which he has been
making on your land. I am told he has made a
great many thousand shingles last winter for sale.
He and a man who boarded at his house in partner-
ship and injured the place very much by taking the
best of the pine timber for that use. Now Sir in
order to prevent such practices in future I think it
would be necessary to put a stop to- his taking
away what shingles he has made and the stuff
which he has ready to make more of. He has
cleared last season and sow'd some wheat which
looks very well, which wheat if he should not pay
you before harvest will pay you and a Great Dale
to Spare. I have put off writing you thinking to
see the man and let you know what he said with
respect to paying you and when you might expect
it.

As there is a Great Dale of Repairs wanting to
the fences, I have told Mr. Somes that he should
have the use of the place for this year for the sum
of £3-0-0 which sum he is satisfied to pay you.
Mabie has about half the land that is cleared taken
up with wheat and rye. I am

Rev'd Sir your
Most obed't
& humble servant

William Bell

Mr. Somes promises to take care that no persons
shall cut or take away any timber off the land Etc.

The Rev'd John Stuart
Kingston.

THE BELL AND LAING SCHOOL PAPERS. 11

Kingston, Sep't. nth 1801
Sir,—

I have waited with Patience to see whether
(the) Mohawks would send their Children more
regularly, but if the accounts I receive are true the
money is (spent) to no purpose. I am told that
there has not been a (days) School since last
spring, and as I have never found (the) fault was
on your side I cannot, in conscience, allow (the)
Salary of the Society to be paid for nothing.

Therefore unless Capn John and the Chief men
of (the) village will promise that the school shall
be furnished with at least six constant scholars I
must dismiss you (from) their service. That is if
you now have or are promised immediately six
scholars the school may continue ; if not it must
cease as soon as you receive this notification.

I hope you will see the reasonableness of this
determination of mine and you may show this let-
ter (to) Capn John & the other Mohawks, by which
they (will know) the continuance or discontinuance
of the School (is) wholly on themselves.
I am Sir

Your Friend

(John Stuart)

Note. — The signature has been torn from this
letter, but it is in the Rev. Mr. Stuart's handwrit-
ing, and was evidently sent by him to Mr. Bell.

Kingston, Aug 26th, 1802
Dear Sir,—

I have not yet received any letter from the
Society ; But, for the reasons which I mentioned to
you, I think it will be expedient to let the Mohawk
School cease, at least, for some time. I therefore
notify you, that after your present Quarter is ended
you are not to expect a continuance of the Salary.
I expect to see you at the Village, in the course of
a few weeks. In the meantime I am

Sir

Your very hum'l Servant

Jno Stuart
Mr. Wm. Bell.

12 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Quebec 2ist May 1795.
My Dear Son11,—

I hope this will find you in health as we are at
present thank God for it. On the 9th inst. your
Father rec'd a letter from Mr. Betty. I understand
by it you are well and I hope happy though I
should have been more so to have had a letter from
you by the same conveyance, as the December
packet (by which I suppose you wrote) was taken.
However we had pretty early intelligence through
Mr. Lyrnburner of your being arrived in the Downs
on the nth November. We have enjoyed a toler-
able share of health. Although it has been a very
sickly winter there has not been many deaths.
Some few however have died with very short ill-
ness. Mr. McKay (our neighbor) died early in the
winter. Mr. Reid of the 6oth Reg't also of the
brain fever. Mr. Colins went to bed very well and
was found dead next morning. Mr. Webb is also
dead. About a fortnight ago Mr. Willard (being
crazy as they supposed) fired a gun into the print-
ing office which unfortunately killed doctor Lajer's
eldest son. He survived till next day and next
morning when Hill told Mr. Willard he was dead
he strangled himself.

We lately rec'd a letter from Mr. Hayward who
desires his best wishes to you. Mr. Warner desires
likewise to be remembered to you. Mr. O. Ayhoin
likewise.

We have had very poor markets this long time.
Everything very scarce and very dear. All the
people that were in prison for treason are dismiss-
ed. John Neilson is not returned nor do we hear
anything about him.

I hope you find London agreeable altho we have
been told it has been very cold there. I fear you
have suffered with your toes. I beg you will write
me soon and let me know how Mr. and Mrs. Betty
and your Aunt received you and how they behave
to you since and how you like the people where you
are. Tell me how you are situated and where you
lodge. Tell me all the curiosities you have seen.
Be sure fill you letter full. I make no doubt but
you have heard all the Ministers that are worth
hearing in London by this time. Though you live

THE BELL AND LAING SCHOOL PAPERS. 18

in a place full of snares and temptations yet the
almighty is all sufficient to keep you in the midst
of them. I hope you will not leave off to watch
and pray. I never neglect to humbly beseech the
Almighty to bless you and guide you in the way he
would have you to go that the light of his coun-
tenance may shine upon you continually. I suppose
your father will write you by this opportunity.
Your sisters join me in love to you. Pray, give all
our best respects to Mr. & Mrs. Betty & love to
your Aunt.

Your father has wrote to Mr. Betty for 500
Queens Needles, however there is a very pretty sort
of needles I don't know the makers name they are
marked with the letter C under the eye. They are
made in Liverpool. If Mr. Betty could procure that
sort it would be better.

I remain

Your affectionate Mother
Elizabeth Laing.

I beg you will write me often. When there is no
opportunity of a vessel coming here put your let-
ters in the bag at the Coffee House to go by some
vessel to New York — directed to the care of Messrs.
Burkanan & Mabie, Merch'ts. New York.
Robert

Upper Canada 26th October 1816.
Honourable Sir,13

A becoming amendment to my behaviour ap-
pears to me such an acknowledgement as you
would expect that I had the honour to receive your
letter of the 2yth February yet as my conduct here
though it should be offensive might from its being
without your official notice escape your observa-
tion. I am now so far conformed to the counsel
which through sympathy in my Father's feelings
you were pleased to bestow on me as to be occupied
in the capacity of elementary instructor where my
manners are in some degree approved by my em-

14 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

ployers having engaged me for a second term in
the same situation when the first one ended.

Notwithstanding my mode of life as represented
to you gives me no claim to be treated with deli-
cacy I have derived comfort from the terms of
consideration in which you have seen meet to speak
of (to) my near connexion and I hope it may pre-
vent you regret for preferring mildness before sever-
ity in my case, that my subsequent conduct has in-
vited other instances which indicate that a habit,
marked by drunkenness the sourse of so much dis-
order may be quickly abandoned for one of steady
sobriety and of course that probably many persons
might easily benefit themselves and others by avoid-
ing that evil through the force of their own reflex-
ion awakened or assisted if necessary by Christian
representations from friends.

In the humble desire that intention to express
by this the sense I have of your compassion for my
relations and consideration and lenity towards my-
self may sufficiently appear to obtain from your
liberal discernment such allowance as anything
here submitted has need of.

I beg leave to subscribe myself,
Honourable Sir,

Your greatly obliged,
and obedient servant

Robt Laing.

Mr. Robert Laing at the Township School
House 4th Concession of the town of Fredericks-
burgh14 to the care of Mr. Miles,15 Printer, King-
ston, Upper Canada. Mr. Osgood begged the favor
that he would forward it to its address —

From William Laing, Quebec.
1817

(Last line and date are in different hand.)

THE BELL AND LAING SCHOOL PAPERS.

A LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.16
Commencing 26 Jan'y 1817.

Scholars
Names
(Katy
(Bekky
(George
(William

(Polly

Mr. Jacob Smith Senr

Mr. Matthias Smith

Mr. George Smith

Mr. John Pickle

Mr. George Lucas

Mrs. Bo wen

Mr. Asabel Bradshaw

(July Ann
(Philip
(Viney
(Elizabeth

(Samuel

(Philip

(James

(Hercim

(Doctor

(J. Easudy

(Katy

(Terysa

(William R.
(Mary J.

(Daniel
(George
(Clarinda
(Maria

(James

(Peter

(Jacob

(George
(Sheldon
(Charles
(Martin

192

228

413

203

123

299

134

305

1« LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Mr. Kauchner (Everard

(Barbara

Mr. Scriba (Rachel

(Jacob

Mr. Shaw (Betsey

Mr. Sharp (Jacob

We the Subscribers promise according to the
number of Scholars subscribed for by us severally
to pay Robert Laing Ten Dollars when due for
keeping School in Mr. Peter Cole's house for one
month commencing 28 April 1817 each day Sundays
and every other Saturday excepted and also to
contribute according to our several portions to
furnish him with board, lodging and washing during
the same, he to make up after the end of the month
any loss of time that he may not attend duty dur-
ing the same, and agreeing to quit when a majority
of the subscribers shall desire it on being paid for
the time he has remained.

Big Island17 28 April 1817

Number of Number of

Subscribers Scholars Subscribers Scholars

Peter Cole . 3 .

James Benedick. 2 .

Jacob Tremper 2 .

Johh Prich I .

Cornelious Greenleaf . . I .

James Parke I .

John Vader... 2 .

We the Subscribers do hereby engage and ac-
cordingly do hire Robert I^aing to keep School at
the school house near Mr. Essom Loveless house in
Ameliasburgh18 on the following conditions, Vis.
that he is to keep a steady day School for one
quarter to commence on "Friday the 8th inst.
School hours to be seven hours in the dav or there-

THE BELL AND LA1NG SCHOOL PAPERS. 17

about, but in dull weather the School may be
dismissed at an early hour. Every other Saturday
to be a holiday — and he is not bound to keep school
when there is not a proper supply of firewood.19
And we do promise to furnish him with board
lodging washing for the quarter according to our
several proportions.

And to pay the Trustees20 for him seven shil-
lings & six pence21 per quarter for each Scholar
subscribed for by us severally in monthly payments.

We promise also to pay our respective propor-
tions to repair the school house and keep it in
repair. And to furnish one cord of wood made
sufficiently small by chopping or splitting for each
Scholar Subscribed for by us or two dollars for a
cord.

We appoint Mr. John Snyder to act as Trustee
to receive the payments above mentioned and the
supply of wood.

Ameliasburgh 6th January 1818.

Number Number

Subscribed Subscribed

Subscribers Names for Subscribers Names for

Essom Loveless 2 .

John Snider.;., 3 .

Henry Vantassel I .

David Gerow... . . I .

John Loveless I .

William Crompton ... . I .
Cross... . 2 .

This agreement made this ninth day of May,
One Thousand eight hundred and eighteen, between
Robert Laing, Teacher, of the first part, and the
other Subscribers hereto, Inhabitants of Hallowel22
of the Second part, Witnesseth, — That the said
Party of the first part engages to keep a good
school, according to his ability, and to teach
Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, if required, for

one Quarter to commence on next,

at the School house nearest to Daniel I/eavens, and
William Clark, in the second Concession of the said
Township. That he is to keep school from eight

18 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY-

o'clock till twelve, and from half after one till five
o'clock each School day ; the remainder of the time,
and every second Saturday, to be at his own dis-
posal, but he is to be allowed the liberty used by
other teachers, of being absent at other times, if he
should require it, and make up for the same. That
in a general way he is to cause the scholars to say
six lessons each day besides tasks, if practicable,
but is nevertheless subject to reasonable directions
respecting the School from the said Daniel Leavens
and William Clark, who are hereby acknowledged
Trustees thereof — And the said party of the second
part doth promise, according to the number of
Scholars subscribed for by each of them respect-
fully, to pay the said Robert Laing, at the rate of
Twelve dollars and a half per month ; whereof
one half in Cash at the end of the Quarter, and
the other in orders or other value Monthly,
if requested, and to furnish him with board,
lodging and washing, as aforesaid, during the
said term. And if the said Trustees, for good
cause, should desire him to retire from the
said Employment before the time above appointed,
he is to be paid for the days he has kept at the rate
of Twenty-four to the month—

In Witness whereof, we have hereunto severally
and respectfully subscribed our names the day and
year first herein written —

Robe't. Ivaing, Teacher.

Number Subscribed
Subscribers for Scholars. by each.

Daniel Leavens 2

William Clark 3

John Huff %23

David Clark i%

Eli McConnell %

Norman Leo Harvey... i

Henry Gerow %

Abraham Greene i%

Reuben Burlingham il/2

Peter Leavens.. i%

THE BELL AND LAING SCHOOL PAPERS. 19

We the Subscribers engage to employ Robert
Laing to teach. Reading, Writing and Arithmetic
if required at the School house near the Farms of
Peter leavens and Daniel Leavens at the rate of
ten dollars per month and to find him with board
lodging and washing provided he keep a good school
— to enable him to do which we promise to support
such proper endeavours as he may make for that
purpose. School to begin on Monday the 17 May
1819. School hours to be from 8 to 12 and from I
to 5 or thereabouts.

WTe are to supply the Children properly with
books.24 He is engaged till the first of September
— and Daniel Leavens, Peter Leavens and William
Clark are to be Trustees till then if they are willing
(and) receive (such) money (and) have charge of the
allowance from the Government if any should be
applied for — for the above period. And may require
payment up to the time he is discharged — Not more
than 9 shillings per Scholar.
Hallowel May 1819.

No. of

Subscribers Names No. Subscribers Names Scholars.

. William Muskell ....

. Benjn Gerow i

. Isaac Gerow I

. Daniel Leavens i%

. Reuben Burlingham . . i%

. Peter Leavens i%

Article of agreement between Robert Laing of
the one part and we the undersigners of the other
part that is to say that Robert Laing doth engage
to keep a regular School for the term of seven
months from the first day of November next at the
rate of two pounds ten shillings per month and he
further doth agree to teach reading writing and
arithmetic to keep regular hours — keep good order
in school as far as his abilities will allow, see that
the Children goes orderly from School to their res-
pective homes, and we the under signers doth agree
to pay Robert Laing the sum above named of ten

20 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

dollars25 per month for the time above mentioned
and further doth agree to find a comfortable house
for the school and supply the same with wood fitted
for the fire and further to wash mend lodge and
victual him for the time of keeping said school.
School to be under the Charge and inspection of the
following trustees William Clark, Peter Leavens
and Daniel I/eavens.
Hallowell Oct 28th 1819.

It is understood that the said Robert lyaing has
performed his business rightly till he is discharged.

Robt Laing.

Subscribers Names Scholars.

William Clark 3 . Num<ber

Peter I/eavenS 2 . Subscribers Names Scholars.

Daniel I/eavens .... 2 . Norman S. Harvey . i

Benjamin I/eavensi . . % . John Tucker I

Abraham Gunter . . . 2 . DC i

Reuben Burlingham . 2 . Henry Gerow i

Isaac Gerow i .

William Muskel ....%.

Benjn Gerow 2 .

THE BELL AND LAING SCHOOL PAPERS.

Quebec 26th Sep't 1821
Dear Brother

I received yours of the 27th ulto and was much
concerned to learn you had not received the box and
letter I sent from hence in the Steam Boat Quebec
by Mr. David Douglas the loth ulto. I wrote in
haste as it was late in the day I heard he was going
up. The letter was to be put in the post office at
Montreal and the case was directed agreeable to
your direction to Peter Smith Ksqr Kingston to
care of Messrs. Forsyth & Co. Montreal. I wrote
again by the thursday post from hence more parti-
culars. I hope you will have received all safe before
this comes but if not you will apply as above and
let us know the result that we may make enquiry
as we will of course be anxious and hope you will
let us know how you make out. We are all as
usual and join in Affectionate Remembrances

I Remain
Dear Brother

Your Affectionate Sister
Ann I/aing

The outside address.
Mr. Robert lyaing

School Master Belleville26
Upper Canada.

22 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

At Public )

)

Auction ) Will be sold on Thursday the 23rd Day
of October 1823 at the House of John Taylor Inn-
keeper in the Township of Thurlow at the hour of
ten o'clock in the forenoon the following wearing
apparel and Books, the Property of the late Robert
Laing Deceased— Vizt I New Blue Coat, I Drab
Surtout Coat, 3 Satton Wiastcoats, 3 Wollen
Wiastcoats, 4 Cotton Wiastcoats, I Silk Handker-
chief, i pair of Shoes, i Rasor, i Comb, 9 pair of
Stockings, i Cotton Nightcap, i Back of an old
Wiastcoat, about l/2 lb of Thread, 6 fine linen Shirts,
one old Shirt, i Diaper To well, 2 Cotton Handker-
chieffs, 2 Dozen and 8 Buttons, i Gilt Bible, i
I/attin Bible, I Old Lexicon, I Shorter Catechism,
i I/attin Grammer, i I/attin and Grek Book, i
Hymn Book, i I/attin Vergel, i Greek Grammer, i
I/attin Dictionary and one Book, — The whole of the
above Property to be Sold to the Highest Bider in
order to Defray the Funeral Expenses of the said
Robert Laing and if any money should remain after
the Funeral Expenses are paid the same to be
Equaly Devided amongst the Creditors, Provided
they bring just accounts Duly authenticated on the
Day of Sale to be Delivered to William Bell Esqr.

Coroner for the Midland
District.

Reverse.

An Advertisement
of the effects of the
Late Robert Laing
to be sold on the
23rd Day of Octr 1823
to be put up at
Belleville.

THE BELL AND LAING SCHOOL PAPERS.

NOTES.

1. William Bell was born about 1760, presumably in
[rcland as early letters from his brother were sent from
that country. He served as a British soldier through the
American Revolutionary War and came to Canada shortly
after peace was declared. During- the war he was with
Lieutenant James Lavice of the 31st regiment of foot and
on active duty in the Lake Champlain region for about
eight years. Our first records of him tell of a partnership
with John Ferguson in a store in the 8th township on the
Bay of Quinte, Sidney, in 1789. From this date his life was
entirely spent in this township, at the Mohawk village and
in the township of Thurlow. He devoted but a portion of
his time from 1796 to 1802 in teaching the Mohawks and
appears to have given up teaching in 1802.

The most interesting part of his career is that portion
associated with the army. He was actively connected with
the Hastings Militia from the time he first arrived in the
country until his retirement in 1824. Early in 1798 he was
commissioned an Adjutant, later in the same year as
Captain, in 1800 as Major and in 1809 received his com-
mission as Lieutenant-Colonel from Lieut. -Governor Sir
Francis Gore.

On April 24th 1824 in reporting the rolls and returns
of the eleven companies of Hastings Militia he asked his
old friend and associate for so many years, Colonel Fergu-
son, stationed at Kingston, to be relieved from further
duty, complaining that rheumatic pains in his back prevent-
ed his attending to the duties of his office. He was then in
his sixty-fourth year. He served his new country well
throughout the war of 1812.

Lt.-Col. Bell was included among the first appointments
of Magistrates for Thurlow and he held Court regularly
after his appointment. No record of his death is obtain-
able.

In the collection of the Lennox and Addington Historical
Society several hundred letters, muster rolls and other
interesting papers which belonged to Lt.-Col. Bell are
preserved.

2. The Mohawk School was situated in the tract of land
bordering upon the shores of the Bay of Quinte which was
bought from the Mississaugas by General Haldimand and
conveyed to the Mohawks. The precise time that the school
was opened is not known but reference is made to it as
early as Sept. 18th, 1792, when John Bininger was employ-
ed as teacher. Bininger taught the school until 1795.

3. Mr. John Ferguson was actively engaged in trade
with the Indians of the bay district for a number of years
throughout which time he was in partnership with Mr. Bell.
He was Colonel of the Hastings Militia throughout the war
of 1812. During that war he had charge of the Hastings

124 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

soldiers on duty at Kingston. He should not be confused
with Lieut. Ferguson, who with Capt. Singleton started
the first store in Thurlow at Myers Creek. Col. Ferguson
lived in Kingston and held his military position for many
years after peace was declared.

4. Captain John Brant, (Deserontyou) , was a cousin
of the celebrated Mohawk Chief, Joseph Brant, (Thayenda-
nagea). He was instrumental in locating the Indian
reservation on the bay. He spent a considerable portion of
his time at the Bay and was a trusted friend of Mr.
Stuart. A certificate of character given him by the mission-
ary, on September 9th, 1806, is in the Lennox and
Addington Historical Society collection. Forrester's Island,
situated in the Bay of Quinte, opposite Deseronto, was
formerly called Capt. John's Island, after Chief Deseront-
you. Captain John Brant died of cholera at Brantford,
Ontario, on August 27th, 1832.

5. The Reverend John Stuart, D.D., was born in
Harrisburg, Pa., in 1740. He received Holy Orders in the
Church of England in 1770, and was immediately appointed
missionary to the Mohawks at Fort Hunter. He ex-
perienced many difficulties during the American Revolution-
ary War, because of his loyalty to England, and was
ultimately forced to leave the United States. He finally
settled at Cataraqui, Upper Canada, in August, 1785. Mr.
Stuart is frequently referred to as the last missionary to
the Mohawks. He was the first clergyman to settle in
Upper Canada, and was known as the father of the Church
of England in Upper Canada. Dean Starr in his interesting
history of Old St. George's, (Kingston), relates many
incidents in the life of "The little gentleman". Mr. Stuart
died at Kingston, on August 15th, 1811.

6. From this draft it is apparent that Mr. Ferguson's
recommendation and his talk with Mr. Bell, after his
arrival in Kingston, secured for him the position of teacher.

7. The Society for the Propogation of the Grospel in
Foreign Parts not only employed Mr. Stuart to work in
the missions among the Mohawks, but likewise set apart a
sum of £30 as a salary for a teacher to instruct the child-
ren of the Indians upon the Bay of Quinte. The Society
had its headquarters in England.

8. In these days difficulty was experienced in educating
the Indians. They seemed to have a prejudice against
sending their children to school. Undoubtedly they were
influenced by the fear that the children would not turn out
strong men and women if they were confined for so much
of the time. The Government experienced the same diffi-
culty for many years after the Indian Schools were
established.

9. The only regular school book used was the primer,
which had been translated into the Mohawk language. The
New Testament was the principal book in the school. This
had been translated for the Indians and several copies are
now known to exist. The teachers were instructed to
teach the Christian religion.

THE BELL AND LAING SCHOOL PAPERS. 25

10. Mr. Stuart was an extensive land owner. He is
reported to have had title to four thousand acres at one
time, and some of his lands were near the Mohawk reser-
vation, in Thurlow.

11. This letter sent by Mrs. Elizabeth Laing to her
son, Robert Laing, who was evidently on a visit to the old
land, is given to show some of the characteristics of the
future teacher's mother. It is most interesting because it
tells of some of the conditions at Quebec, in May, 1795, and
of the methods of travel and of receiving mail.

12. Robert Laing, some of whose correspondence and
contracts for teaching school are given in this little
volume, evidently spent his younger days at his father's
house in Quebec City. No record of his birth is obtainable.
This letter from his mother would indicate that his visit
to London was made while he was yet a young man. If
the school teacher referred to by Mr. Stuart in the first
letter given in this volume was Robert Laing, as is
probably the case, he evidently did not remain a long time
in the old land. Our next reference to him is in a letter
sent from Quebec in 1800, in which he is reproved for his
bad habits and particularly for his use of liquors. His own
letter of October 26th, 1816, tells of being employed as a
teacher in Upper Canada, and would indicate that he had
reformed. According to the address which follows this
letter he was teaching at the school house in the fourth
concession of Fredericksburgh, Lennox and Addington, in
1817.

The various contracts which follow show that he
taught at Big Island, Hallowell and Ameliasburgh, while
the letter from his brother would indicate that he was
located at Belleville in 1821. His death probably occured
in 1823, as we find the coroner advertising his personal
•effects for sale on October 23rd of that year. The papers
copied here are the only ones relating to Robert Laing
known to exist.

1 13. The address for this letter has been lost. The
gentleman to whom it was written was evidently a friend
of Laing's father, William Laing, and probably lived at
Quebec. This is a copy of the letter kept by Laing.

14. Fredericksburgh is one of the townships in the
County of Lennox and Addington, originally being called
Fourth Town. It was named for one of the sons of King
George the Third. There has never been a village of much
importance in the fourth concession.

15. Mr. Miles, the printer referred to here, was the
printer and publisher of the "Kingston Gazette". This
weekly paper was started in 1810, and it cost the sub-
scribers four dollars per annum. It was a four page paper,
the page being about 11 in. by 17 in.

16. These names of contributors are those of "the
parents sending pupils to the school at that time. The
numbers given after the names of the children evidently
indicate the aggregate number of days all of the children

26 LENNOX AN1!) ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

of each subscriber attended school during the term. Part
of this document is missing. The original probably gave
the school register.

17. Big Island is located in the Bay of Quinte, off the
north shore of the township of Sophiasburgh, in the County
of Prince Edward. It lies directly south of the present
village of Shannonville, which village is situated at the
western extremity of the Mohawk reservation. The Island
contains about three thousand acres of good farm land.

18. Ameliasburgh, named for Amelia, one of King
George the Third's daughters, is the most westerly town-
ship in Prince Edward County. It was originally known as
Seventh Town.

19. This teacher had evidently found some difficulty in
keeping a good supply of wood on hand during the winter
months. In one of the early school registers in the Lennox
and Addington Historical Society Collection, several days
have the following entry, "No wood, no school".

20. The fact that trustees are mentioned in this con-
tract and that a school house was provided, would indicate
that an effort was being made to operate the school under
the act of 1816, and therefore receive a Government Grant.
To secure such a grant they would have required at least
twenty scholars.

21. Note should be made of the fact that in one con-
tract before given the pay of the teacher was named in
dollars. The price of wood is given in dollars in a later
paragraph of the same agreement.

22. Hallowell is a township in Prince Edward County,
lying immediately south of Sophiasburgh. The principal
town in it at the present time is Picton.

23. Mr. W. R. Rigg, ex-Inspector of Public Common
Schools in the County of Leeds, in an interesting letter
on early schools, written in 1896, explains the "half a
scholar" as follows, — "The 'signer' became bound to pay the
teacher one dollar at the rate of two dollars per scholar,
whether he sent any pupils to the school or none, though
he generally contrived to send one or two for an occasional
few days, and then omitted sending any for a month, 'to
make up', taking special pains that his 'average attendance'
should not exceed one scholar for half a term, or half a
scholar' for the whole."

24. This is the first reference to the supply of school
books in Mr. Laing's contracts. In the earlier days it was
quite the common thing for the teacher to have the only
books used in the school.

25. The apparent difference in the price named here,
and the one given in the early part of the document is
explained by the fact that the "pound" of those days was
equal to $4.00, and the "shilling" to 20 cents.

THE BELL AND LAING SCHOOL PAPERS. 27

26. Belleville had been so named in 1816. The Kingston
Gazette of Aug. 24th, 1816, tells of the interesting manner
in which the name was selected. "The Lieutenant-Go ver-
nor, in council, has been pleased to give the new town
(formerly known by the name of Myer's Creek), at the
River Moira, the name of Bellville, by the request and
petition of a great number of the inhabitants of that town
and the Township of Thurlow." In the issue of Sept. 7th,
the Gazette remarks, "We were under the impression, from
the very pleasant situation of that town (Bellville) that
its name was from the French ; but we have since been
informed that it has been given the name Bellville in honor
of Lady Gore". The Lt. -Governor's wife was Lady Bella
Gore. The old name of Myer's Creek was after Captain
Walter Meyers of Jessups' corps, who moved to the mouth
of the Moria in 1790, where he built a saw mill in 1791,
and a grist mill in 1802. The population of Bellville was
about 150 in 1818. Note that the original spelling was
Bellville instead of Belleville as at the present time.

2« LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

INTRODUCTION.

Among the interesting records of our ;Society is a
school register, which is herewith reproduced in full. The
family names are those of the early settlers of the first and
second concessions of Ernesttown, along the bay shore, east
of Millhaven. The little hand-made book is similar to one
known to have been kept by John C. Clark in 1810, in
Wilton, and the handwriting appears to be the same. Is
this the same John C. Clark who taught school in Freder-
icksburgh in 1786, who is said to be the first school teacher
in the County of Lennox and Addington ? If so, he must
have been pretty well advanced in years at this time.

Paper was scarce, as the little book was used for other
purposes than that for which it was originally prepared.
It may be that it was more convenient to make the other
entries in the register, as it was so small, seven inches by
three and one-half, that it could be easily carried in his
pocket, and he could always have it ready at hand. Every
available space was used. The writing, other than that
devoted to the school attendance, is in a cramped hand,
and some of it so small that it cannot easily be read with-
out the aid of a glass. The writing itself, and the fact of
the weather record having been so faithfully kept, indicate
that the penman was an old man. Young men, as a rule,
are not given to keeping records of this character.

W. S. H.

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER. 29

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER.
DAY BOOK COMMENCING OCT 31 1831.

Names of Schollars

31
M

Nov.
T

1 2
W

3
T

4
F

Ira Smith

Eliza Smith

David Smith

Mary Garbbutt

Nancy Garbutt

Henry Garbutt

Henry Walker

Anthony Rankin

James McAuley

Richard Baker

William Baker...

Decemr 1st Snow above one foot deep. Cold.

2nd— Weather very cold. Sleighs going lively

3rd Wind N.E. Clear and very cold. 4 o'clock cloudy.

4th Wind N.E. Snowing most of the day, and more
mild.

5th 9 o'clock wind S.W. 2 o'clock wind N.W. Cold
good sleighing.

6th 9 o'clock wind S.W. cloudy, snowing. 1 o'clock
still snowing

7th 8 o'clock wind N.W. very cold and clear. 2 o'clock
clear.

8th 8 o'clock wind N.E cold and cloudy. 4 o'clock P.M.
W South chilly

9th 8 o'clock w S.W. clear and pleasant 1 o'c mild
thawing in the sunshine.

10th Wind S.W. cloudy

80 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

DAY BOOK

M. T. W. T. F. S.

Names Nov'r 7 8 9 10 11 12

Ira Smith a a p p a

Eliza Smith P P P P p

David Smith a a a a a

Mary E. Garbutt P P P P P

Nancy Garbutt P P P -2 P

Henry Garbutt P P P P p

Henry Walker p p p -J p

Anthony Rankin P P P P P

James McAuley P P P P P

James Baker P P P P P

Richard Baker P P P P P

William Baker p a p p p

David McAuley P P P P P

Martha Purdy P P P P P

Charlotte Odle P P P P P

George Lamkin p p p p

DAY BOOK

Names of Scholars

Novr 14

T.
15

W.
16

T.
17

S.
19

Ira Smith.

Elizabeth Smith

Eliza Smith

David Smith

Mary E. Garbutt

Nancy Garbutt

Henry Garbutt

Henry Walker

Anthony Rankin

Mary McAuley

Jame*2 McAuley

David McAuley

James Baker

Richard Baker

William Baker

Martha Purdy

Charlotte Odte

Georere Lamkins...

. P

llth Wind S.W. cloudy and cold
12th Wind South W. Clear and cold

13 Wind S.W. Cloudy and very cold. High wind.

14 Wind N. clear, and perhaps the coldest morning this

season.

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER.

Names of Scholars

M
Novembr 21

W
23

F
25

S
26

George Lamkin

Elizabeth Smith

. a

Ira Smith

Eliza Smith...

David Smith

Mary E. Garbutt

Nancy Garbutt

Henry Garbutt .

\rchd Garbutt

Henry Walker

. p

Anthony Rankin

Mary McAuley .

James McAuley

David McAuley

.Tames Baker

Richard Baker ....

William Baker

Martha, Purdy

Charlotte Odle...

. a

15th Wind North, fair 8 o'c very cold. 1 o'clock wind
S.W. Snowing

16, 8. o'clock high wind S.W. cloudy. A severe storm
2. o'clock a tremendeous blow, with flurries of snow 4. o'c

17th 8. o'c snow fell last night over a foot. Wind W.
Snow and drift like also. 2. o'c. wind blowing a gale and
the snow flying that I cannot see but a few rods. 5. o'c,
clear and verv cold.

32 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

M. T. W. T. F. S.
Names of Scholars Novr 28 29 30 1 2 3

George Lamkin a a a a p p

Elizabeth Smith a a a p p p

Ira Smith p a p p a p

Eliza Smith p a a p p p

David Smith a a a a a a

Mary Eliza Garbutt P P P P P P

Nancy Garbutt a a a a a a

Henry Garbutt P P P P P P

Archd Garbutt a £ a a a a

Henry Walker P P P P P P

Anthony Rankin P P P P P P

Mary McAuley a a a a a a

James McAuley p a a a a a

David McAuley a a a a a a

George Baker p p i a a a

James Baker p p p a a p

Richard Baker r... p p p a a p

William Baker a a a a a a

Martha Purdy p a a a a a

Charlotte Odle a a a a a a

Jacob Homes p p p a a a

Ann Swan p p a a a a

Jacob Helmer p a a a a a

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER. 33

]

Scholars Names Deer

VL
5

T.
6

Mr. George Smith
Mr. J. Lamkins

a
}

a
1

rtf

Mr. Wm. Garbutt
Mr. Henry Baker .

2*
2

2
2

2
a

2
2

Mrs Walker

>-i

Mr. Rankin .

Mr. Samuel Purdy...

Mr. Joseph Purdy
Mr. Saml Swan

a
a

9
g

Mr. James McAuley ..

Mr. B. Vanwinckel...

•1

18th Wind N.W clear and very cold, the coldest day this
winter. 5 o'clock cloudy, has the appearance of

snow.

19th 8. o'c. A.M. snow fell last night about 5 inches, still
snowing. 1. o'c. PM. Fair and Calm

20th 8. o'c. M. Wind S.E. Snowing. 1. o'c wind S.W.
severe storm. 2. o'c. P.M. Roads drifted full
and still snowing and drifting.

21st 8. a.m wind high from S. W. snow still drifting and
cloudy. 9 a.m. snow and blow, a tremendeous
storm. 1 P.M. a little thaw south side of the
house, snow flies like Jan'y

*22d 8. a.m. Fair and very cold. The Ic.e took in the lake
last night. 1 P.M Fair and Cold. 4 o'c. Boys
Skating, on the ice

23d 8 a.m Wind South Cloudy. 1 P.M— Wind South
cloudy, weather more mild. 9 P.M. a heavy
wind from S. Appearance of a Storm. Cloudy.

24th 8. A.M Wind S. snowing very fast. 2 P.M. W. S.W-
mild thawing a little South side of house.

25th Christmas, fair, calm and pleasant 9 o'clock 2 P.M.
Cloudy but pleasant.

34 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Scholars Names

M.
Deer 12

T.
13

T.
15

F.
16

S.
17

Wm Garbutt

Henry Baker

.... OQ

Mrs Walker

Mr Rankin ..

....I

Samuel Purdy

Joseph Purdy

J ames Me Auley

Samuel Swan...

••• o

26th 8. A.M. Wind N.E. Cold. Snowing a little. 1 P.M
wind S.E. snowing fast

27th 8. o'c. Wind W Fair Cold but pleasant.
1. P.M W. S.W. Fair and pleasant. •

28th 8. o'c. W. N. cold and snowing. 1. o'c. W. N.E.
cloudy and snowing a little. 4. o'c. Snowing yet.

29th 8. o'c. A.M. calm, Cloudy but mild.
1. o'c. P.M. Still cloudy and mild

4. o'c Wind rises from West, weather cooler and snow
drifts

30th 8. o'c. Wind W. Fair and cold
1. o'c. P.M Fair and pleasant

31st 8. o'c. A M Wind S.E. cloudy, snowing a little

1. o'c. P.M. Wind S.E. Snowing very fast.
*Mrs. Galacher died at Mr. Roses at 1 o'clock this morning.

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER. 35

Scolars Names M. T. W. T. F. S.

in numbers December 19 20 21 22' 23 24

Mr. George Smith

—

" J. Lamkin

Wm. Garbutt

.... 2

" Henry Baker

.... 2

Mrs. Walker

.... 1

Mr. Rankin

Saml Purdy

—

J.oseph Purdy ... .

. . —

—

" James McAuley... .

. . 2

" John Hough

.... 1

" Saml Swan

—

Jany 1st 1832. Fair, calm and mild, thawing a little,
south side of the buildings— 4 o'clock P.M. cloudy
and cold
*Mrs. Galacher Buried.

2nd 8. o'c. A.M. wind N. Cloudy and cold. 1. o'c. P.M.
wind N.E clear and cold. 10. P.M. Wind S.E.
Snowing fast.

3rd 8 A.M. Wind S.W. Cloudy. Roads drifted full
1. P.M. Wind S.W. Snow flying and cold.

4th 8 A.M. Wind N. Cloudy and one of the coldest morn-
ings this winter. 1 P.M— Wind N.E. cloudy and
cold.

5th 8 A.M. Wind South, Cloudy weather milder

1. P.M Wind S.W. Snowing moist thawing little.

4 P.M. Wind W. Cloudy, mild, appearance of a thaw.

36 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Proprietors Deer 26

T.
27

F.
30

Mr.

Mrs,
Mr.

George Smith
J Lamkin

2
2

2
1

1
1

2
1

1
1

1
2
2
1

1
1

1
1
2
1

cT !~r

Wm Garbutt
Henry Baker
Walker

Hunkin

Saml Purdy
Joseph Purdy
James McAuley
John Hough
Saml Swan...

6th 8. o'c. A.M. Wind N.W. brisk and snowing, the antici-
pated thaw has shifted to cold.
1. o'clock P.M. Calm, Cloudy but mild. A wood bee

7th 8. A.M. Wind N. Fair and pleasant. 1 P.M-Wind S.E.
pleasant — cloudy

8th 8. o'clock Wind E. 2— wind South begins to rain and
freeze. 10 P.M. Wind shifted to N.E.— a little
snow.

9. 8 A.M. Wind S.W. Cloudy but pleasant. Crust on the
snow near a quarter of an inch. 1. P.M Wind
S.W. cloudy and thawing.

10th' 8. High wind from South. Cloudy. 1 P.M. wind
still brisk from south and cloudy

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER. 37

January 1832
Subscribers

M.
2

T.
3

T.
5

F.
6

S.
7

Mr. George Smith

52»

" J Lamkin

o o

rt- ^,

" Wm Garbutt....

o
. o

o
o

0
0

" Henry Baker & 3 0 Z.B » "^

ooo tTo ° o

Mrs. Walker <» «> w g w «g g.

« g, S- P 2- cr 0

Mr. Rankin 5 no 2 &

ooo .o o^ o

James McAuley f Q ^

Sam'l Purdy..
Joseph Purdy.
John Hough...

Jan'y llth 8 A.M. Wind north, Cold and snowing.
1. P.M. Wind N.E. begins to clear away

12th 8. A.M. wind N. Fair, cold and good sleighing
1. P.M. Wind S.W. Cloudy
4 P.M. Wind E. snowing moderate
*James Losee & Hannah Grass married

13th 8 A.M Wind S.W. fair and pleasant. 1 P.M wind
S.W. Fair and thawing very pleasant. 5, Fair,
this was the most pleasant day this winter so
far.

14th 8 A.M. Fair, Calm and foggy— appearance of a thaw.
1 P.M. Fair. Wind S. Thawing
*Henry Grass shop burned last night.

15. 8 A.M. partially fair, Wind S.W. warm and pleasant.
1. P.M. Fair. Wind S.W. warm and Thawing. After
one of the most boisterous Decembers that was
ever known in U. C. the weather now appears
like April

38 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Proprietors Jan'y

M.
9

T.
10

W.
11

T.
12

F.
13

S.
14

Mr. George Smith
" J Lamkin

4
1

" Wm. Garbutt
" Henry Baker
Mrs Walker . .

2
1
1

1
1

2
1
1

i
i

Mr Rankin

James McAuley
Samuel Purdy
" Joseph Purdy

3
1

3
*

" John Hough
Oliver H. Ellithorp

-J

16th 8 A.M. Light wind from E. partially fair and warm.
1 P.M. wind light from S. Another warm day.

17th 8 A.M. Fair calm and pleasant.

*Mr. Rankins child died last night.

1 P.M. Wind S. Cloudy, warm, has the appearance

of rain.
5. begins to rain. High wind from South.

18th 8 A.M. Rained most of last night, cloudy and foggy
1 P.M. cloudy and foggy. 10 P.M. Heavy rain.

19th 8 A.M. Wind W. Fair weather getting colder, bad

roads.
1 P.M. Wind W. Cloudy but thawing.

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER. 39

Proprietors Jany 16

T. W. T.

17 18 19

S.
21

Mr.

George Smith.

— li| 3

J. Lamkin

1 ig 1

••

Wm. Garbutt

Henry Baker

JL -1 t^ Q

"3 •*• ^

Mrs

Walker

1 i^' 1

Mr.

Rankin.

,_f

•James McAuley ....

2 1 1, 3

Saml D. Purdy

—

Joseph Purdy

1 i| 1

—

John Hough

•

Oliver H. Ellithorp .

—

00*

—

Jan

20th 8 A.M. Cloudy

wind

S.W. Froze a

little

last

night
1 P.M. W. S.W. Cloudy and thawing

21st 8. A.M. Wind N.W. cloudy, snowing a little colder.

*1 P.M. Wind N.W. Fair and cool. Donald Ross liv-
ing at Major Kreins Broke his leg near Mr. A.
Ameys.

22nd 8. A.M Wind E. Fair, cool and pleasant.
1 P.M. Fair and pleasant

23rd 8 A.M. Wind brisk from S.E. Fair and cold
1 P.M. Wind do S. Cloudy and chilly

24th 8. A.M. High wind from S, cloudy and appearance of

storm

1 P.M. do do do 4 o'clock snowing and blowing
wild

25th 8 A.M. Wind N. Cloudy and very cold

1 P.M. Cold wind from N. Snowing a little.

26. 8 AM Wind N. partially fair and very cold
1 P.M. Wind E. Fair and Cold

40 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Proprietors Jany

M.
23

T.
24 -

W.
25

T.
26

Mr. George Smith

. 3

" Wm Garbutt

.24

" Henry Baker...

Mrs. Walker
Mr. H. Rankin

" James McAuley

" Saml D Purdy

" Joseph Purdy
" John Hough
" Oliver H. Ellithorp

'. 1

—

B. Vanwinckel 1 1 1

Jan 27th 8 A.M. Wind S.W. Snowing a little and cold.

1 P.M. Wind S.W. Snowing and blowing a cold storm

28th 8. A.M. Wind N. Snowing a little, bad storm last

night
1 P.M. Wind E. still snowing. 10 High wind & snow

29. 8 A.M. Wind N. Cloudy and cold.

1 P.M. Fair Wind N. and very cold.
*5 P.M. Mr. Rose cellar took fire and Mrs. Rose
severely burned

30. 8 A. M— Wind N.E. Snowing and blowing, a severe

storm.

1 P.M. Wind N.E. still snowing, but not so cold as
in A.M.

31. 8 A.M. Wind S.W. Cloudy

1 P.M— Do. Do. Do.

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER. 41

Proprietors 30

T. W.
Feb'y
31 1

T.
2

F.
3

S.
4

Mr.

Mrs
Mr.

George Smith
Wm Garbutt
J. Tjanrilcin

2
1

1
3

2
14

2
1

1
3

2
1
3

1
3

2
1

1
3

2
2

1
2

James McAuley
Henry Baker

Hugh Rankin
Saml Swan

Saml Purely

Joseph Purdy
Walker

John Hough
Oliver H. Ellithorp...
Benjn VanWinckel .. .

Feby 1st 8 A.M. Light wind from N. Fair and pleasant
1 P.M. Cloudy and not very cold
*Sylvester Lamkin and Miss Hough married

2. 8 A.M. Cloudy and Raining heavy. 1 P.M. Cloudy

and Thawing.

*Mr. Edward Walker shot himself this morning at Mr.
Rents Barn

3rd 8 A.M. Wind NE. Cloudy Roads soft.
1 P.M do do do
8 P.M. Mrs. Rose died.

4. 8 A.M. Wind S.W. partially fair, cold
1 P.M do do do.

42 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Feb 5. 8 A.M. Wind N. Snowing and cold
1 P.M. do and Fair and cold

*Mrs. Rose Hurried

6th 8 A.M. Wind E. Cloudy and cold
1 P.M. Wind S. Snowing

7-8 A.M. Wind N. Fair and cold

1 P.M. Wind N.E. Fair and pleasant

8—8 A.M. Wind N.E. Snowing and cold
1 P.M. Do Do. Do.

9th 8 A.M. Wind N. Snow & blow, road drifted full

1 P.M. Wind N.E. Snow, hail and rain, a bad storm

10th 8 A.M. Wind S.W. Cloudy and cold

1 P.M. Wind do Partially fair and pleasant

llth 8 A.M. Wind N. Cloudy and cold

1 P.M. Wind S.E. Cloudy and appearance of rain
4 P.M. Rain and hail

10 P.M. Wind S. heavy rain, roads soft and wet

12th 10 A.M. Wind N.E. Snowing, weather mild.

2 P.M. do do do

13th 8 A.M. Wind W. partially fair and cold
1 P.M. Wind S.W. fair and cold

14th 8 A.M. Wind N.W. Cloudy and snowing a little
1 P.M. Calm, cloudy but pleasant —

15. 8 A.M. Wind N. Cloudy and mild, snow last night
1 P.M. Wind W. Cloudy, thawing a little

16—8 A.M. Wind N. Fair and cold

1 P.M. Wind N.W. Fair and cold

17. 8 A.M. light wind S. Cloudy and cold

1 P.M. Wind S.W. Cloudy and cold

18. 8 A.M. Wind S.W. Cloudy, rained a little last night

1 P.M. Wind N.W. Snowing

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER. 43

1831— November 23rd

Samuel D. Purdy one load wood

24th Mr. James McAuley one load wood

Deer 3rd Mr. W. Garbutt, one load wood

' 14th Mr. Henry Baker— one large load wood

Mr. Joseph Purdy, one large load — not short

Jan'y 6th 1832 Mr. Saml D. Purdy one load — not short
" 17th Mr. James McAuley, one load, not cut
" 25th Mr. Lamkin, one load, fit for the stove

Febr llth Mr. Smith, one load — cut short at school.
" 14th Mr. Henry Baker one load— good wood— short
" 27 Mr. George Smith one load of wood, not short

Mch 9th Mrs. Walker one load not short
" 24. Mr. Rankin one load of wood

Arithmetic's used in this school

Gaugh, an Irish work
Ingram, a Scotch author
Gray, a do do

Willets an American Author
Pikes, do do

Dilworth an English Author
Tutors Assistant do do

LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Proprietors Feb'y

S.
11

Mr. George Smith
Wm Garbutt
" J Lamkin

. 1
1

3
1

2
1

1
1

James McAuley... .
Henry Baker
" Hugh Rankin
Mrs. Walker

. 2
. 2

2
2

3
2

3
1

1
2

Mr. B. VanWinckel
" Saml Purdy
" Oliver H. Ellithorp

. 2
. 1
. 1

1
1

19th

8 A.M, Wind N.E. Snowing
1 P.M. do do cloudy

20. 8 A.M. Wind E Cloudy but mild

1 P.M. calm cloudy thawing a little
*John Savage & E. McAuley married

21. 8 A.M. Wind N.W. Cloudy and cold

1 P.M. do do Fair, Snow flying and cold
10 P.M. Cloudy wind S.W.

22nd 6 A.M. Wind N.E. Snowing and cold

8 A.M. Wind S. W. cloudy snow flying

9 do Snowing very fast

1 do cloudy snowing a little

23rd 8 AM Wind N. snowing, a bad storm
1 P.M. Wind N.W. Snow flying cloudy

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER. 45

Feby

M.
13

T.
14

T.
16

F. S.
17 18

[r. George Smith

Wm. Garbutt
James McAuley
Henry Baker

4
2

H
2
1

3
2
1

2
2

Hugh Rankin
[rs Walker

1
1

[r Saml Purdy

" B. VanWinckel ..

—

24th Last night very windy and very cold.

8 A.M. Wind N.W. Fair, one of the coldest mornings

this winter. Thermometer 2^ degrees lower than

in 5 years before.
1 P.M. Wind S.W. Fair and cold.

25th 8 A.M. Wind E. Cloudy & very cold

1 P.M. Wind S. E. Snowing & blowing, bad storm
5 P.M. Wind South and snowing
10 P.M. Calm and very foggy—

*Donald Ross who broke his leg commenced walking
on crutches

26. 8 AM— Wind South, Partially fair and mild

1 P.M do do Fair and cold

27. 8 AM. Calm, fair and foggy. Appearance of a thaw

1. Wind S. Chilly

28. 8 AM— Wind S.W. Snowing, roads drifted full.

1 P.M. Wind S.W. Misty and thawing a little.

LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Proprietors Feby

T.
21

W.
22

S.
25

Mr. George Smith
" J Lamkin

1
1

—

" Wm. Garbutt
James McAul«y
Henry Baker... ,... ,... .
" Hugh Rankin
Mrs. Walker.

2
1

2
2
2
1
1

2
2

1
1

2
2
2

1
1

3
1
1
1

2
2
1
1

Mr. Samuel Purdy
B. VanWinckel
" R. Bouglass

1
1

29th 8 AM. wind N.W. Fair and cold

1 P.M. Wind W. Fair and chilly

March 1st 8 AM. Wind N. Fair and very cold
1 P.M. Wind S.W. Fair and pleasant

2nd 8 A.M Wind N. Fair cold but pleasant

1 P.M. Wind S. Fair and pleasant. Thawing.

3rd 8. A.M. Wind W. Cloudy but moderate

1 P.M. Wind S.W. Fair Thawing considerable

4th 8 A.M. Calm, Fair and foggy

1 P.M. Fair, Thawing fast, roads getting soft.
8 P.M. Wind N.E. Cloudy. Some sleet

5. 8 AM Cloudy wind N.E. Storming sleet

1 P.M. Wind N.E. Cloudy and raining a little
*Betsy Vanwinckel married to Saml Badgley
T. Borland Esq Bied.

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER. 47

Mc'h

Feby

Mr. George Smith ^ — — — —

" Wm. Garbutt o 2£ H 2 2

" Henry Baker 3 2 3 14 2

" James McAuley o 3 2 3 3

" J. Lamkin CL 1 1 1 1

" Hugh Rankin 1111

" Saml Purdy Ill

Mrs. Walker 1

Mr. Richard Douglas Ill

" B. Vanwinckel — — — —

" John Hough 22-

6th 8 A.M. Wind N.W. Cloudy. Snowing a little. Cold
1 P.M. do do cloudy and chilly

7. 8 A.M. Wind N. Cloudy and cold. Roads hard
1 P.M. Wind N. Cloudy and cold

8th 8 A.M. Wind N.E. Cloudy and chilly

*This morning Charles Blanchard, a carpenter, hanged

himself in his barn
1. Wind S.W. Thawing roads wet

9. 8 AM. Wind S.E. Cloudy and chilly

1 P.M. Wind S.E. Cloudy and misty. Thawing

10th 8 AM. Wind S.E. Cloudy and thawing, road dirty
I P.M. Calm, Fair and thawing fast.

48 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

]

March

VI.
5

T.
6

W. T.

7 8

Ir. George Smith
Wm. Garbutt
Henry Baker
James 'McAuley
J. Larrikin

1
1
2
2
1

2
2*
2
2
1

3 2!

i 3

3 §

1 «•

tzj
o

Hugh Rankin
Saml Purdy
John Hough
Irs Walker

1
1
2
1

4
1
2
1

1
1
2
1

Ir. Richard Douglas

" B. VanWinckel .

—

llth 8 A.M. Wind N.E. Raining very steady, thawing
fast Water two or three feet deep on the ice in
many places, a great thaw.

1 P.M. Calm. Partially fair, water running in tor-
rents. Spring approaches with rapid strides.
5. Brisk wind from W. with heavy rain.

13th 8 A.M. Wind brisk from W. Cold and snowing
1 P.M. Wind N.W. Cloudy and cold. Ice hard

14. 8 A.M. Wind NW. Fair and very cold.
1 P.M. Wind N.W. Fair and cold

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER.

March

M.
12

T.
13

W.
14

T.
15

F. S.
16 17

[r.

George Smith
Wm Garbutt
Henry Baker ... .
James McAuley .. . .
Josiah Lamkin

2
3
1
2

2
2
1
2

3
2
2

1
2
3
2
1

2
2
2

1
1

Hugh Rankin
Saml Purdy

1
1

|r«

Walker

Lr.

John Hough
Richd Douglass

15th 8 A.M. Wind S. Fair cold and chilly

1 P.M. High wind from South, thawing

16.

8 AM. High Wind from S. Cloudy
1 P.M. do do Fair and thawing

17th 8 A.M. Wind N.E. Cold, freezing beginning to snow
1 P.M. do do snowing fast cold

18th 8 AM.
1 P.M.

Wind N.E. Still snowing. A cold storm
Wind N.W. Cold and snow flying

19. 8. AM. Calm. Fair and very cold. Sleighing by Ice

land.
1 P.M. Wind S.W. Fair and cold

50 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

March

T.
20

W.
21

T.
22

F.
23

Mr.

George Smith
Wm. Garbutt
Henry Baker
James McAuley

2
2
2

3
2
2
1

2
3
2
1

1
2
3
2
1

rt-

hrj

Surveying

Mrs

Hugh Rankin
Saml Purdy
Walker

1
1

Mr.

John Hough
Ricd Douglas
Henry Badgley
Riehd Clark

1
1

3
"T

1
1

20th 8 A.M. Brisk wind from S. Cloudy. Appearance of

storm
1 P.M. Wind S. Cloudy & thawing. Misty.

21. 8 A.M. Calm. Cloudy & mild, a little snow last night
1 P.M. Wind S.W. thawing partially fair
5 P.M. Wind W. cold and freezing

22nd 8. A.M. Wind N.W. Fair and very cold
1 P.M. Wind W. partially fair and cold

23rd 8 A.M. Wind N.W. Cloudy and cold
1 P.M. Wind S. Fair and thawing.

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER. 51

March

T.
27

F.
30

S.
31

Mr.

George Smith
Wm Garbutt
Henry Baker

2
2
2

2
2

3
3
24

2
3

James McAuley

Josiah Lamkin ..

Hugh Rankin
Saml Purdy

1
1

Mrs

Walker

J. Hough

Henry Badgley
Richard Clark

1
1

24th Through the day Fair and Warm. Pigeons flying, and
many summer birds appeared

25th 8. Wind S. Smoky, looks like Indian Summer. Fields
bare except about fences, but low lands are cov-
ered with ice.

3 P.M. High wind South. Cloudy, foggy and appear-
ance of Rain

26. 8 A.M. Wind N.W. cloudy and snowing fast Sleighs

still travelling on the ice. roads bare.
1 P.M. Wind N.W. Partially Fair. 'Chilly
*Betsy Ladley & Wm McKee married

27th 8. AM. Wind E. Cloudy but pleasant, hard frost last

night

1 P.M. Wind S. Fair but chilly, thawing
*Susan Lockwood married

28. 8. AM. Wind N. Cloudy but pleasant, hard frost last

night.
1 P.M. Wind N.E. Fair warm and pleasant.

LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

April

M.
2

T.
3

T.
5

F.
6

Mr.

Georg-e Smith
Henry Baker
Wm. Garbutt
James McAuley

3
2

2
3
3

COCOrH |

4
li

Mrs

Josiah Lamkin
Hugh Rankin
Saml Purdy
- Walker

1
1
1
1

1
1

J. Hough

Henry Badgley
Richard L. Clark
Wm. Hawlev...

1
1

1
1
1

1
l

29th 8 A.M. Wind S. Fair warm and
Phebe bird sing this morning
1 P.M. Wind S. Fair and warm

pleasant heard a

30th 8 A.M. Wind N.E. Partially fair and pleasant
1 P.M. Wind S. Fair and warm

30. 8 A.M. High Wind S. Cloudy, a little rain this morn-
Rain and Thunder

1 P.M. Wind S. Cloudy

2 do Fair

Apl 1. Wind N.W. Cloudy and cold, flurries of snow

2. 8 AM High Wind S.W. fair Cold and frosty, ground
froze hard— 1 P.M. Wind S.W. Cloudy and chilly
Sleighs on ice yet

3rd. 8 A.M. Wind S. Cloudy and rain

1 P.M. Wind N.W. Cloudy. Squalls of snow.

4th 8. A.M. Wind S.W. Snow and blow— bad storm
1 P.M. High wind from S.W. Fair and cold.

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER. 53

April

M.
9

T.
10

T.
12

F.
13

S.
14

George Smith

. 3

Wm Garbutt
Henry Baker
James McAuley

. 24
. 3
2

4
1

2
3

3
3
3

H
3
3

J T jam lei n

«
Mrs

Hugh Rankin
Saml Purdy
- Walker

. 1
. 1
. 1

1
1
1

1
1

John Hough ....

«,«

Henry Badglev .. ..
Richd L. Clark
Wm. Havvley

1
. 1

. i

1
1

1
1
1

Apr 5, 1832 Wind N. Fair and Cold
6th Wind N.W. Fair and cold
7. Wind S.W. Fair and Warm

8 Wind N. Fair and Cold

9 Wind N.E. Fair and Cold. Cutter and horse crossing the

Ice.

10 Partially fair. Wind S.K Warm and pleasant

llth Wind S.W. Cloudy, but warm and pleasant
1 P.M. Smoky warm weather

12 Fair and warm, smoky. Roads dry. Ice rotten but

people crossing on foot

13 Wind S.E. Fair and warm, handsome weather Ice

breaking up.

14 Wind S. a little rain this morning but fair the remaind-

er of the day

15. Wind N.E. partially fair, cool, Ice clear from this to
Kingston

16th Wind N.E. a heavy rain and some hail

P.M. Snow and cold a bad storm. Boat crossing

17th Wind N.E. Still raining, Sleet and cold, snow on the
ground

18th Wind N.E. Still raining and cold. P.M. Raining still

19th 8 A.M. Wind N.E. Raining yet
P.M. Wind N.E. Partially fair

20th Wind N.E. Cloudy P.M. Fair and cool

21 Wind S.W. Cloudy and cool
P.M. Wind S.W. Raining

22d Wind S.W. Cloudy. A little snow
P.M. Wd N. Fair and cold

23rd Wind E. Cloudy & cold— hard frost last night

24 Wind E. Fair and cold.

25 Wind S. Foggy and rain.

26 Wind N.E. Fair and cold.

:, i

LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

M. T. W. T. F.
April 16 17 18 19 20

S.
21

Mr. George Smith GO 02 233

" Wm Garbutt al si 24 2 2 2

Henry Baker 2322

" James McAuley

" Hugh Rankin 1111

Mrs - Walker 1111

Mr. John Hough

" Henry Badgley

" Richd L. Clark 1111

" Wm. Hawley 1111

Saml D. Purdy

Josiah Lamkin

M. T. W. T. F. S.
April 23 24 25 26 27 28

Mr. George Smith 3

" Garbutt -

" H. Baker o

J. McAuley 2

" H. Rankin — Attending Court

Mrs. - Walker 1

Mr. Sam'l D. Purdy -

Richd L. Clark -

" Henry M. Badgley ... -

" Wm Hawley -

27th Wind E. Partially, fair

28. Wind variable, fair

29th Wind S. Cloudy and rain

30 Wind E. Cloudy a little rain

May 1st Wind N.W. Brisk Fair and cold

2nd Wind E. Fair and pleasant, frost last night
3rd Wind E. Cloudy and cold. P.M. Raining a little
4th Wind N.E. Raining fast, all day cold storm
5th Wind N. Partially fair and Cold
6th Wind N.E. Fair and Cold, froze ice last night

7. High Wind S. Fair

8. High Wind. S. Cloudy and a little rain

P.M. Fair and pleasant

*Barbary How & Mr Ruttan married

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER.

T.
May
1

W.
2

T.
3

F.
4

S.
5

George Smith.

Wm Garbutt
H Baker

. 2
1

2
1

3
2

2
1

J McAuley

1.1

H Rankin

Mrs

Walker

. 1

S Purdy

Richd L Clark

H M Badgley

Wm Hawley

<•

Thos. Smith...

9th Wind S. W. fair and pleasant

10th Calm, fair and pleasant

P.M. Warm and Calm. Spring weather

llth Wind S. Partially fair and pleasant
*Protracted meeting Waterloo.

12th Wind S. Fair, Smoky and pleasant
13th Wind S. Fair, Smoky and pleasant

14th Wind S. Cloudy. Appearance of rain
P.M. A little rain

15th

Wind S. W. Rainy
P.M. Fair

16th *Public Fast. Wind S.W. Rainy
P.M. Wind N.W. Fair

56 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

May

T.
8

T.
10

F.
11

S.
12

George Smith

Wm Garbutt

H. Baker

J McAuley

Mrs

Hugh Rankin
Walker

1
1

1
$

S Purdy

Richd L Clark...

Henry M. Badgley ...

Thomas Smith...

, 1
1

1
1

May 17. Wind S.W. Partially Fair and cold

P.M. Wind S. Cloudy. Appearance of rain

18th Calm and Cloudy. P.M. Wind S.W. a little rain

19th. Wind N.E. Cloudy. P.M. Heavy Rain
Went to 5th Concession.

20th Wind N. Fair and Cold

21st Wind N.W. Frost this morning Cold and chilly

22nd A.M. Wind N.E. Warm and Fair

P.M. Wind S.W. Cloudy and Cold— returned from 5th
Con.

23rd Wind E. Cloudy and cool
P.M. Wind S.W. Raining
*Mr. Dopple died
10, o'c. P.M. Wind very high S. Rain. Violent storm

24th Wind S. Rain. P.M. Partially fair— cold

25. Wind N.E. Cloudy and cold. P.M. Rain

26. Wind S.W. Fair. P.M. Wind E. Rain and Cold.

27. Wind N.E. Fair and pleasant.

P.M. Cloudy and cold.

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER. 57

May 28. Light wind. S.W. Fair and pleasant
*Caravan in Bath

29th Light Wind S. Partially fair and pleasant.
P.M. Cloudy, Rain in the evening.

30th Heavy Rain last night.

Wind West. Cloudy and Cold.

P.M. Wind variable with rain and hail

31st Wind N.E. Fair and cold
P.M. Warm and pleasant.

June 1st Light Wind E. Cloudy P.M. Fair and warm
2nd Fair calm and warm. Fine weather

3rd Wind E. Fair and pleasant

P.M. Cloudy & Cold — appearance of a storm

4. Wind N.E. Cloudy and cold

P.M. A little cold rain

5. Wind N.E. Partially Fair and Cold

6. Wind N.E. Partially Fair and Cold
7th Wind S.W. a little rain

8 Wind E. Partially fair and cold

12 o'clock — some thunder to the north

9th Wind S. Some Rain this morning
10th Wind S.E. Fair foggy and warm
llth Wind light and variably. Fair Warm. Mare died.

12th Wind S.W. Partially fair. Smoky and warm
P.M. A heavy shower, and very seasonable

weather
13th Wind E. Cloudy. P.M. Rain and warm summer

14th Wind S. Very foggy. Fair and warm

15. Wind S. Fair and warm P.M. Chilly, appearance of

rain

16. Wind S.W. Cloudy a little rain.

58 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

NOTES.

Page 29. The idea of utilizing the spaces at the bottom
of the pages of his register, or Day Book as he calls it,
evidently did not occur to him until a month after he had
been keeping the record of the attendance of the scholars.
The register begins on October 31st, and the memoranda
subjoined was, not commenced until December 1st.

It will be observed that school was kept open for six
days of the week. The custom, at that time, was to treat
every alternate Saturday as a holiday, and he followed this
rule at the commencement of his engagement, but, later on,
perhaps to make up for lost time, he had very few holidays
except Sundays.

He could not have consulted his spelling book when he
wrote "schollars" at the top of this page.

Page 30. Five new pupils were admitted this week.
With the exception of the Smith family, the pupils were
very regular in their attendance.

Two more pupils appear upon the roll— Elizabeth Smith
and Mary McAuley. As these two families were already
well represented, th« teacher must have made a favorable
impression.

Page 31. — The 17th of December was ushered in with an
old-fashioned blizzard, which had a disastrous effect upon
the school attendance, as will be seen by a reference to the
register for that date.

Another member of the Garbutt family has put in an
appearance, but it is safe to conjecture that Archibald won
no prizes for his regularity.

Page 32. As the season advances the roll increases, but
the new arrivals do not appear to have taken full advantage
of their opportunities. The average attendance does not
compare very favorably with that of the preceding weeks.
The snow storm of December 1st must have kept most of
the scholars at home.

Page 33. The teacher here introduces a new system and
records the number of pupils from the several families in-
stead of entering the names of pupils, although he erroneous-
ly retains the heading "Scholars Names". It may be that
he had ruled his book in advance and had filled in the
heading and dates before he changed his style of entry.

The attendance is on the decline.

Samuel Purdy established the first stage line between
Bath and Kingston in 1816, and in the following year in-
augurated a line between Kingston and York. Single fare
was eighteen dollars.

The teacher records his first prediction on the evening of
the 23rd, and the following entry establishes his reputation
for the time being as a very fair weather prophet.

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER. 59

He availed himself of the vacant spaces set apart for
Saturday, the 10th, to credit Mr. Rankin with 26 Ibs. of
flour, which, no doubt, was on account of his salary.

Page 34. The astericks are used by the teacher to direct
attention to entries of events other than the weather bul-
letins. He adopts the phonetic system of spelling- in his
reference to Mrs. Gallagher.

Page 35. The slim attendance during this month may
be accounted for by the severity of the weather. He says,
under date of January 15th, that this was the most bois-
terous December ever known in Upper Canada. It must also
be borne in mind that some of the scholars had long dis-
tances to travel. Joseph Purdy lived on lot 41, and Henry
Baker on lot 19, both in the first concession. William Gar-
butt lived on lot 35, in the second concession ; and James
McAuley owned lot 28 in the first concession, yet these
four families were all supporters of the school, sending no
less than twelve scholars, some of whom had to walk two
and three miles through the heavy drifts. Note the spelling
of "Scolars".

Page 36. For the first time he now adopts the new
heading "Proprietors" at the top of the page.

In well chosen language he reluctantly confesses his
erroneous prediction of the 5th.

Samuel Purdy contributes 27 Ibs. of flour to the teach-
er's larder, and is duly credited with that amount.

Page 37. It seems incredible, at a time when fire wood
could be had for the asking, that the school should be
closed for over a week through want of fuel, but here the
faithful old teacher presents the fact to us in such a manner
that it cannot be questioned.

He changes his heading to "Subscribers", but evidently
concluded that the term was not suitable, as he falls back
again during the remaining weeks to "Proprietors", and
continues its use when he fills in a heading.

Page 38. As the weather moderates the attendance im-
proves.

Page 39. Here we see the teacher figuring in a new role,
writing deeds and memorials, thereby earning a few shillings
to help out his small salary.

On the 24th he makes another prediction of a storm,
which did not materialize.

For the five weeks following the wood famine, the
teacher had no holiday on Saturday. It looks as though he
was endeavoring to make up for that lost week. The
scholars were not all in full sympathy with this course, as
some of the most regular attendants absented themselves on
this day.

Page 40. B. Vanwinckel, for the first time, avails him-
self of the privileges of the School, although as early as the
first week in December his name appears as one of its
supporters. He lived on lot twenty-seven, in the first
concession.

60 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Page 41. The Vanwinckels must have raised the old
gentleman's hopes during the week, but soon dashed them
to the ground, as they were not seen in the school again
after Monday of the following week. That section was
sorely in need of a truant officer.

The teacher, in his items of gossip, pretty well confines
himself to the tragedies and matrimonial events of the
neighborhood.

Page 42. Just here he indulges in a little extravagance,
and sets apart a whole page for his entries of the condition
of the weather, after which he resumes his former place.
Note with what precision the observations are made at
8 a.m. and 1 p.m. On the 12th he varies it to 10 a.m. and
2 p.m., but as this was a Sunday he may have had good
reason for postponing the entry. He made two extra entries
on the llth to establish his record as a weather prophet.
The prophecy, however, preceded the storm by only three
hours.

Page 43. This page was set apart on November 23rd
for the purpose of keeping an account of the contributions
to the wood pile, and the entries were made from time to
time as the wood was hauled to the School. This is
apparent from the nature of the entries, the date at the
top of the page, and the fact that the same colored ink was
not used throughout.

D. Purdy, the Stage proprietor, drew the first load and
was also the first to relieve the wood famine on January
6th.

With what pride he records the fact that he was in
possession of no less than seven arithmetics.

Page 44. E. McAuley, whose marriage was recorded on
the 20th, was evidently a member of the family of James
McAuley, as no scholars from that family attended school
upon that day.

Page 45. The entry respecting the 24th of February
appears to be a comparison merely of the temperature of
that with the particular day of the month with the same
day of the month of former years, otherwise he wouldn't
speak of it as "one" of the coldest mornings.

Page 46. Captain Thomas Borland was a prominent
farmer in the Township of Adolphustown, and was placed
in command of a company of Volunteers at Kingston during
the War of 1812.

Page 47. By referring to the wood account, it will be
seen that George Smith relieved the wood famine on this
occasion, and none of his children were in attendance during
the week to enjoy it. He also contributed a load and cut
it at the school on the llth.

Page 48. The trustees of this school, if there were any,
could not be congratulated upon their management of the
wood problem. Mrs. Walker came to their rescue on the
9th with one load. On Sunday, the llth, the teacher looks
forward with satisfaction to the approaching Spring, when
his troubles in feeding the stove will end.

AN EARLY SCHOOL REGISTER. 61

Page 50. On Friday the teacher takes his first holiday,
or, at least, gives one to the scholars, and on Saturday he
-absents himself from school and assigns a very commendable
reason for his doing so.

Page 51. The experiences of the severe winter must
have been a sore trial to the old gentleman, if such he was,
as he loses no opportunity to welcome the evidences of
Spring. Note the recurrence of the word "pleasant".

Page 52. We can see his face aglow with delight as he
listens to the merry song of the "Phebe bird" on the 29th.
How disappointed he must have been on the morning of the
4th as he plodded through the "bad storm" to school.

Page 53. He again sets apart a whole page and devotes
it exclusively to the weather, but does not seem to evince
the same interest in the subject. For the most part he
contents himself with a single entry to each day, and, in
few instances does he give the hour of the day. He does
not appear to have been pleased with the belated Spring.
The ice did not go out of the bay until April 15th.

Page 54. There is no hint as to the capacity in which
he was attending Court, and he does not appear to have
seen anything in the town worth mentioning. Even his
favorite theme, the weather, is disposed of in a summary
manner.

Page 55. It is remarkable that a man who took such
pains to preserve a record of the trifling variations in the
weather took no notice of the public events of the day.
Marshall Spring Bidwell and Peter Perry were making
things pretty lively for the Family Compact about this
time. Bath was the commercial centre of the County, and
the merchants and other business men of that thriving
village ought to have furnished the news gathering with
more interesting gossip than we find interspersed among
these items of wind, snow and rain. What good purpose
these were intended to serve it is difficult to conjecture.
He does not associate the conditions of the weather with
any event, and rarely makes comparisons with other
seasons.

Page 56. This concludes his "Day Book" of the school.
Whether his services terminated with this last entry . there
is nothing to show.

Page 57. It appears, from the entry of May 28th, that
a travelling menagerie honored Bath with a call.

62 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

INDEX.

Addington County , 5

Adolphustown '. 5

Ameliasburgh 16, 17, 25

American Revolution 24

Amey, A 39

Amherst Island 5

Aylesworth, Anson 5

Badgley, Henry 50

Baker, George 32

Baker, Henry 33, 59

Baker, James 30, 31, 32

Baker, Richard 29, 30, 31, 32

Baker, William 29, 30, 31, 32

Bath 58, 61

Bell, William 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 22, 23

Belleville 22, 23, 26, 27

Benedict, James. 16

Bidwell, Marshall Spring 61

Big Island 17, 25, 26

Bininger, John 23

Blanchard, Charles 47

Bowen, Mrs 15

Bradshaw, Ashabel 15

Brantford 24

Brant, John 24

Brant, Joseph 24

Burkanan & Mabie.... 13

Burlingham, Reuben 18, 19

Burrows, Frederick 4, 5

Casey, Thomas W 5

Cataraqui 24

Centreville 5

Champlain, Samuel de 5

Chapham, Calvert 8

Checkley, E. R 5

Clark, David 18

Clark, John C 28

Clark, Richard L 50

Clark, William 17, 18

Cole, Peter 16

Crompton, William 17

Cross, Mr 17

Daly, James 4

Davy, B. C 5

Deseronto 24

Deserontyou, Capt. John 7, 11, 24

Dingman, A 5

Dopple, Mr 56

Dorland, Capt. Thomas 46, 60

Douglas, David 21

Douglass, Richard 46

INDEX. 63

Education, Early 5

Ellithorp, O. H 38, 39, 40, 41, 44

England, Church of 24

Ernesttown '. 28

Family Compact 61

Ferguson, John .. 7, 23, 24

Flach, U. J 4

Forrester's Island 24

Forsyth &i Co 21

Forward, Mrs. H. T 4

Frederick sburgh Township 14, 25, 28

Gallagher, Mrs 35, 36, 59

Garbutt, Arch'd 31, 32

Garbutt, Henry 29, 30, 31, 32

Garbutt, Mary 29A 30, 31, 32

Garbutt, Nancy 29, 30, 31, 32

Garbutt, William 33, 59

Gazette, Kingston 25, 27

Gerow, Benjamin 19, 20

Gerow, David 17

Gerow, Henry 18, 20

Gerow, Isaac 19, 20

Gibbard, John 4

Gore, Lady 27

Grange, Mrs. A. W 4

Grass, Hannah 37

Grass, Henry 37

Greenleaf, Cornelius 16

Gunter, Abraham 20

Haldimand, General 23

Hallowell 17, 19, 20, 25

Harrisburg, Pa 24

Harvey, N. L 18, 20

Hastings Militia 23

Hawlev, George D 4

Hawley, Mrs. J. P 5

Hawley, Wm 52

Helmer, Jacob 32

Herrington, W. S 4, 5

Homes, Jacob 32

Hough, John 35

Hough, Miss 41

How, Barbary 54

Huff, John....'.... 18

Hunter, Fort 24

Jarvis, Rev. Canon 4, 5

Jessup's Corps 27

Kauchner, Mr 16

Kent, M 41

Kingston 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 21, 24, 58

Kreins, Major 39

Ladley, Betsy 51

Laing, Ann 21

Laing, Elizabeth 13, 25

64 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Laing, Robert.... . 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25

Laing, William 14, 25

Lamkins, George 30, 31, 32

Lamkins, J , 33

Lamkin, Sylvester 41

Lavice, James 23

Leavens, Benj 20

Leavens, Daniel 17, 18, 19, 20

Leavens, Peter 18, 19, 20

Leeds County 26

Leonard, R. A 4

Lochhead, J. S 5

Lockwood, Susan 51

London 25

Losee, James 37

Loveless, Essom 16, 17

Loveless, John 17

Lucas, George 15

Macaulcy, Robert 8

Macdonald, Rev. A 4

Meyers, Walter 27

Midland District 22

Miles, Mr 14, 25

Millhaven 28

Mississaugas, The 23

Mohawks, The 8, 9, 11, 23

Mohawk School 7, 23

Mohawk Village , 8, 9, 23

Moira River 27

Montreal 7, 21

Muskel, Wm 20

Myer's Creek , 24, 26

McAuley, David.... .. 30, 31, 32

McAuley, E 44, 60

McAuley, James Jr 29, 30, 31, 32

McAuley, James Sr 33, 59

McAuley, Mary 30, 31, 32, 58

McKee, Wm....' 51

Napanee 5

Newburgh 5

New York 13

Odle, Charlotte 30, 31, 32

Ontario Historical Society 4

Parke, James 16

Perry, Peter 61

Pickle, John 15

Picton 26

Prich, John 16

Purdy, D 60

Purdy,. Joseph 33

Purdy, Martha 30, 31, 32

Purdy, Samuel 33, 58

Quebec.... . 12, 20, 21, 25

Quinte, Bay of 5, 7, 8, 24, 25

INDEX. 65

Rankin, Anthony 29, 30, 31, 32

Rankin, Hug-h 33, 59

Rigg, W. R 26

Robinson, J. W 4

Rose, Mr 34, 40

Ross, Donald 45

Ruttan, Mr 54

Savage, John 44

Scriba, Mr 16

Sharp, Mr 16

Shaw, Mr 16

Singleton, Capt 24

Smith, David 29, 30, 31, 32

Smith, Eliza 29, 30, 31, 32

Smith, Elizabeth 30, 31, 32, 58

Smith, George , 33, 60

Smith, George Jr 15

Smith, Ira 29, 30, 31, 32

Smith, Jacob 15

Smith, Matthias 15

Smith, Peter 21

Smith, Thomas 56

Snyder, John 17

Sophiasburgh 26

Starr, Dean 24:

St. George's Cathedral 24

Stein, Paul 5

Stuart, Rev. John 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 24, 25

Swan, Ann 32

Swan, Samuel 33

Thayendanagea 24

Thomson, John 5

Thurlow 23, 24, 27

Tremper, Jacob 16

Tucker, John 20

United States 24

Upper Canada 13, 14, 24, 25, 59

Vader, John 16

Vantassel, Henry 17

Vanwinckel, B 33, 40, 59, 60

Walker, Edward 41

Walker, Henry 29, 30, 31, 32

Walker, Mrs 33, 60

Warner, Clarance M 4, 5, 6

Wilson, Uriah 4

Yarker 5

York... 58

Spinning Wheel

Flax Wheel

LENNOX AND ADDINGTON
HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

PAPERS AND RECORDS.

VOL. VI.

'PIONEER LIFE ON THE BAY OF QUINTE" AND
"THE COURT OF REQUESTS"

By W. S. HERRINGTON. K.C. ' jib*

PRICE, 25 CENTSj^A t

NAPANEE, ONTARIO.

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY.

1915.

PRINTED AT THE BEAVER OFFICE.

CONTENTS.

Page

Chronology 4

Publications of the Society 5

Pioneer Life on the Bay of Quints— By Walter S.

Herrington, K.C . 7

The Court of Requests— By Walter S. Herrington, K.C. 35

Index . . 51

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Spinning Wheel ... Frontispiece

Flax Wheel Frontispiece

Foot Stove 8

Swift 8

Gears and Reeds ?.... 12

Crackle 12

The Lang-horn Residence, Bath 16

The Finkle Tavern, Bath 16

Standard Weights and Measures. 24

Large and Small Heckles 24

Shuttles, Water Bottle, Candle Mould, Spools and

Temple 24

The Fairfield Residence, Bath 32

St. John's Church, Bath 32

Marshall Spring Bidwell 48

Promissory Notes, Free Holders Bank 48

CHRONOLOGY.

Society Organized May 9th, 1907

Constitution Adopted June llth, 1907

First Open Meeting held Oct. 25th, 1907

Affiliated with the Ontario Historical

Society March 31st, 1908

Papers and Records Published : —

Volume I June 12th, 1909

" II September 19th, 1910

" III November 15th, 1911

" IV June 14th, 1912

" V..., March 14th, 1914

OFFICERS SINCE ORGANIZATION.

Honorary Presidents-
Rev. Canon Jarvis 1907 to 1908

•John Gibbard, Esq 1907

•James Daly, Esq „ „ 1908 to 1913

Walter S. Herrington, K.C 1909 to

William J. Paul, M.P 1914 to

Presidents—

Clarance M. Warner 1907 to — -

Vice Presidents-
Mrs. Alexander W. Grange 1907 to

S eeret ary-Treasurer—

Ulysses J. Flach, Esq 1907 to 1913

John W. Robinson, Esq..... 1913 to

Executive Committee-
Mrs. H. T. Forward 1907 to

Mr. Frederick Burrows 1907 to 1913

Uriah Wilson, Ex-M.P 1907 to

Geo. D. Hawley, Ex-M.P.P 1907 to — >•

•Rev. Alexander Macdonald 1907 to 1913

John W. Robinson 1913 to 1914

Raymond A. Leonard 1913 to - —

Edwin R. Checkley , 1914 to

•Deoeased.

PUBLICATIONS.

Vol. I. Chronicles of Napanee, first published in 1873
and 1874. The Origin of Some of Our Local Names, by W.
S. Herring-ton, 1908. Yarker and Vicinity, by E. R.
Oheckley, 1908. Some Notes of Early Ecclesiastical His-
tory,—Bay of Quinte District, by Rev. Canon Jarvis, 1908.
Some Early Amusements of the County, by C. M. Warner,
1908. The Village of Centreville, by J. S. Lochhead, 1908.

Vol. II. Early Education, by Frederick Burrows, 1909.
A Story of the Rear of Addington County, by Paul Stein,
1910. John Thomson, Inventor of a Process for Making
Wood Pulp, by C. M. Warner, 1909. Newburgh, by Geo.
Anson Aylesworth, 1910. The First Telegraph Office in
Napanee, by Mrs. John Perry Hawley, 1909. The following-
copies of Original Documents in the Collection :— In Memor-
iam, B. C. Davy, Esq., (1874) ; Assignment of a Slave,
(1824) ; School Teacher's Contract, (1818) ; Proceedings of
the Napanee Club Library (1853) ; Programme of Proces-
sion when Corner Stone of the Market Hall was laid,
(1856) ; Montreal's Invitation to Celebrate the Completion
of Grand Trunk Railway between Montreal and Toronto,
(1856) ; Railway Pass to Attend the Above Celebration,
(1856).

Vol. III. The Casey Scrap Books. Introduction by W.
S. Herrington, 1910. Concerning Mr. Thomas W. Casey,
by A. Dingman. An Old Adolphustown Burying Ground, by
T. W. Casey. Champlain, the Discoverer of Bay of Quinte
and Lake Ontario, by T. W. Casey. Champlain in the Bay
of Quinte District, by T. W. Casey. First Explorers and
Discoverers of this Section, by T. W. Casey. This County
a Century Ago, by T. W. Casey. Our County's First
Surveys, by T. W. Casey. The Adolphustown U. E. L.
Burying Ground, by T. W. Casey. In Old Time Graveyards,
(from Toronto Sun, Aug. 9th, 1899). The Old Time Dis-
trict Councils, by T. W. Casey.

Vol. V. The Bell and Laing School Papers, with an
introduction and notes by C. M. Warner. An Early School
Register, with an introduction and Notes by W. S. Her-
rington.

PIONEER LIFE ON THE BAY OF QXJINTE.

PART !•

Pioneer life on the Bay of Quinte does not 'differ mater-
ially from pioneer life in any other part of Ontario, except
along such lines and to such extent as that life may be
moulded or influenced by the proximity of the bay itself.
Ths presence of an extensive body of navigable water
indenting the shore line would naturally induce the residents
along its shores to seek communication with each other by
the means that offers the least resistance, that is by means
of boats. The familiarity with this means of conveyance
would have a tendency to develop a love for a life upon the
water ; for while familiarity with that life may breed a
contempt for its dangers, the old adage holds good no fur-
ther. It is not a matter of surprise, therefore, to learn
that the FRONTENAC. the first steamer on Lake Ontario, was
built on the bay shore at Bath in 1816 ; the first shipyard
of any consequence for building sailing vessels was estab-
lished just across the bay on Amherst^ Island about 1832,
and the sailing masters upon all the inland lakes regard the
homes on the Bay of Quinte as the best recruiting grounds
for manning their ships.

The longer one has lived upon the banks of a stream or
the shores of a bay, the more loath is he to live amid
surroundings of a different character. There is a fascination
about the presence of the water which baffles our efforts to
describe it. There is a sublime majesty about a mountain,
a weird loneliness about a desert, an appealing mystery
about a prairie, but a body of water, particularly a small
navigable one, seems to comport with all our moods.

It would have been difficult to convince some of our
pious and sainted grandmothers that the Bay of Quinte did
not leave its moral effect upon those who lived along its
shores. Who is so dead to the influences of his surround-
ings 'that he has not stood spell-bound upon the shore as
the boisterous waves broke with an angry roar at his feet ?
No sooner, had one spent its energy than another with a
fury as relentless rushed madly forward, followed by count-
less others, and yet there was no apparent loss of power.

*Read before The Ontario Historical Society at Ottawa on
June 3rd, 1914.

8 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Or who could sit unmoved upon a moonlight night and look
upon the silver sheen over the placid bosom of the water
and not feel the inspiring presence of that grand object
lesson of "Peace ! perfect Peace !"? Why should it not be
a part of the divine plan of the Creator to mould our char-
acters by these evidences of his power and omnipresence ?

While we may not be able to demonstrate the theory of
some of our ancestors that the bay has produced a benign
effect opon the lives of many within the sphere of its influ-
ence, yet I believe that our physicial environments mould
our characters more than we are accustomed to admit. We
unconsciously look through Nature up to Nature's God ;
and, the more avenues there are open to that God, the
more likely are we to wander in that direction. Is not this
mysterious influence evidenced by the superstitions of the
sailors and the fishermen ? They hear a voice calling to
them from the waters and in their simple way they try to
interpret it.

When the first Loyalists landed at the different points
along the shore, the lots had not yet been marked out by
the surveyors, and they were obliged to wait several weeks
before the "drawings" could take place. They had brought
with them a number of military, tents which had seen ser-
vice during the revolutionary war. Camping out in tents,
as a recreation for a few weeks during the summer, is still
looked upon as- a rather pleasing pastime. It was, however,
very annoying to the Loyalists. They had left their homes
across the border eight months before to enable them to be
ready to take possession of their new homes in the early
spring, and it was already past the middle of June and
every day lost meant one day less to enable them to pre-
pare for the coming winter.

They had no alternative but to pitch their tents near
where they had landed and wait until the surveyors had
completed their work. Several weeks were thus passed in
idleness and July was far spent before the "drawings" took
place. This was a simple process. Small pieces of paper
upon which were written the numbers of the lots to be
apportioned were placed in a hat and the surveyor, with a
map spread out before him, superintended the operation.
The officers came first and drew their lots in the first con-
cession, fronting upon the water. As each drew forth a
piece of paper from the hat the surveyor entered his name
upon the corresponding number upon the map. After the
officers had been served, the other members of the company
went through the same ceremony. During the few weeks
that they had been waiting, some had made short trips
through the forest and 'had observed favorite locations, and
after, the drawings had taken place, there was more or less

Foot Stove

PIONEER LIFE ON THE BAY OP QUINTE.

trafficking in lots and exchanging locations for a consider-
ation ; but for the most part each accepted the lot drawn
and hurried away to his future home.

The white village upon the shore was soon a scene of
great confusion. Each family secured a few days' rations
from the government supplies, packed up the tent and their
other belongings and set out through the lonely forest.
Unless one has visited a section of our country from which
the timber has not yet been removed, it is difficult to form
a proper conception of the condition of our older settled
portions one hundred and thirty years ago. The debris of
the forest lay rotting as it had fallen, the swamps were
undrained, the rivers and creeks unbridged and the only
roads were the blazed trails of the surveying party. The
clearing up and draining of the farms has brought about a
great change in the low lands. Large impassable creeks
have been reduced to small streams that can be crossed
with ease, and tho swamps, winch threatened to mire any
who ventured over them a century ago, furnish a safe and
firm foothold now.

It was with difficulty that the lots could be located, as
there was nothing to indicate the boundary lines but the
markers placed by the surveyors. When the little family
group arrived at their, destination, they pitched their tent
again and the housewife busied herself in preparing their
first meal in their new home, while the husband surveyed
his domain, noting the character of the soil, the presence
of creeks, mounds and other conditions favorable for the
first clearing and the erection of a house. That the selec-
tion was in most cases wisely made is attested to-day by
the excellent natural surroundings of the old homesteads.

As they partook of their first meal in their wilderness
home they contrasted their primitive surroundings with the
comforts and luxuries they had left behind them in the
south ; but, with no regret for the sacrifices they -had made,
they laid their plans for the future. On the morrow the
father and sons, if there were any, and not infrequently the
mother too, set out to do battle with the forest. The
short handled ship axe, not much heavier than the modern
hatchet, was their only weapon. They labored with a will
and cleared a space large enough for the cabin.

There was no cellar nor foundation as for our buildings
of to-day. A small excavation in the centre, to be reached
through a trap-door in the floor by means of a short ladder,
served the purpose of the former, and a boulder placed
under the ends of the base logs at each corner of the build-
ing was ample support for the walls. It was slow work,
felling the huge pines, cutting them into proper lengths,
hewing them into shape and laying them into position, but

10 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

slowly the building rose until it attained the height of nine
feet, when the rafters were set in position. Then, too, the
chimney was commenced. A stone foundation was carefully
prepared, crowned with flat stones to serve as the hearth.
The huge fire-place was then built of stones, and above it
was erected a chimney in a manner similar to the house,
but instead of using logs, small sticks, two or three inches
in diameter, were laid tier upon tier in the form of a
hollow rectangle. It was carried a foot or two above the
peak and plastered over with clay inside and out. In many
of the early dwellings there were no chimneys and the
smoke was allowed to escape through a hole in the roof as
best it could.

The roof was composed of thick slabs, hollowed out in
the form of shallow troughs, and these were laid alternate-
ly with the hollow sides up, the convex form of one over-
lapping the edges of the concave forms of those on either
side. There was an opening for a door, but, with timber
"to burn", no lumber was to be had at any price unless it
was sawed out by the tedious process of the whip saw, so
doors there were none ; but a quilt hung over the opening
served the purpose. Two small windows, one on either side
of the door, admitted light to the dwelling. These windows
would hold four or six 7x9 panes of glass, but many a
settler had to content himself with oiled paper instead.
The sash he whittled out with his pocket knife. Some-
times there was no attempt at a transparency, and the
window was opened and closed by sliding a small piece of
board, set in grooves, back and forward across the aperture.
The interstices between the logs were filled with sticks and
moss plastered over with clay. Thus the pioneer's house
was complete and not a nail or screw was used in its con-
struction. When lumber became available a plank or thick
board door took the place of the quilt in the doorway and
was fastened by a strong wooden latch on the inside. The
latch was lifted from without by means of a leather string
attached to it and passed through a hole a few inches above
and when the inmates of the house retired for the night or
did not wish to be molested the string was pulled inside.
The old saying "the latch^string is out" was a figurative
method of expressing a welcome or saying "the door is not
barred against you". The pioneers had big hearts, and to
their credit it can be said the latch-string was rarely pulled
in when a stranger sought a meal or a night's lodging.

If the family was large the attic was converted into a
second room by carrying the walls up a log or two higher.
Poles flattened on both sides were laid from side to side to
serve as a ceiling to the room below and as a floor for the
one above. A hole left in one corner gave admittance by

PIONEER LIFE ON THE BAY OP QUINTE. 11

means of a ladder and one small window in the gable com-
pleted the upper room.

For the same reason that there was no door there was
precious little furniture. Some of the Loyalists brought a
few pieces, a grandfather's chair, a chest of drawers or a
favorite bedstead, but, as a rule, there was no furniture
but such as was hewed out with the axe and whittled into
shape and ornamented with a pocket knife. A pocket knife
and a pen knife are not synonymous. The former was a
strong knife made to serve many useful purposes, while the
latter was a small knife carried for the purpose of shaping
the quill pens.

For a bedstead there was a platform of poles across one
end of the room, about two feet above the floor, supported
by inserting the ends between the logs in the wall. Rough
benches xvith four legs served as seats and a table was
similarly constructed on a larger scale. Later on when
lumber was obtainable these articles of furniture were re-
placed by more serviceable ones. The deal table, the board
bench and the old fashioned chair with the elm bark bottom
and back, woven as in a basket, were one step in advance.
It not infrequently happened that in large families there
were not enough seats to accommodate all, and the younger
members stood up at the table during meal time. If a
bedstead could be afforded it was sure to be a four-poster
with tester and side curtains. Bunks were built against the
walls which served as seats in the daytime but, when open-
ed out, served as beds at night. Wooden bedsteads were
also made and supplied with mattresses of boughs, corn
husks, straw or feathers, resting upon wooden slats or more
frequently cords laced from side to side and end to end of
the framework. A trundle bed for the children would be
stowed away under the bedstead during the daytime and
hauled out at night. This was like a large bureau drawer
with rollers or small wooden wheels on the bottom and
handles in front. The handles consisted of short pieces of
rope, the ends of which ran through two holes and were
knotted on the inner side.

As soon as the iron could be procured a crane was
swung over the fire-place and from it were suspended the
iron tea-kettle and the griddle. The latter was a large disc
upon which the pancakes were made. It was supported by
an iron bale and was large enough to hold eight or ten fair
sized cakes. The frying pans were similar to those in use
to-day, but were furnished with handles three feet long so
that they could be used over the hot coals of the fire-place.
The bake-kettle was an indispensible article in every house-
hold. It was about eighteen inches in diameter, stood upon
short legs and would hold four or five two-pound loaves or

12 LENNOX AND ADDINOTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

their equivalent. The coals would be raked out on the
hearth and the kettle set over them and more coals heaped
upon the iron lid. These were replenished, above and below,
from time to time, until the bread was thoroughly baked.
The bake-kettle was superseded by the reflector, which was
an oblong box of bright tin enclosed on all sides but one.
It was placed on the hearth with the open side next a bed
of plowing coals. In it were placed the tins of dough
raised a few inches from the bottom so the heat could cir-
culate freely about the loaves. The upper part of the
reflector was adjustable, to enable the housewife to inspect
the contents.

The reflector in time gave way to the bake-oven, which
was built in the wall next the fire-place, so that one chim-
ney would serve for both, or the oven would be built out-
doors under the same roof as the smoke-house. The latter
was a comparatively air-tight brick or stone chamber used
for smoking beef and the hams and shoulders of the pigs.
Before the advent of the smoke-house, strips of beef required
for summer use were dried by suspending them from pegs in
the chimney.

The reflector was sometimes used for roasting meat, but
where the family could afford it, a roaster was kept for
that purpose. It was smaller than the reflector and con-
structed in a similar manner and, running from end to end
through the centre, was a small iron bar, one end of which
terminated in a small handle or crank. This bar, called a
spit, was run through the piece of meat, and by turning
the handle from time to time the meat was revolved and
every portion of the surface was in turn brought next the
fire. The drippings from the meat were caught in a drip-
ping-pan placed underneath for the purpose. These drip-
pings were used for basting the roasting meat and this was
done with a long handled basting spoon through an opening
in the back, which could be closed at will.

As there were no matches in the early days the fire was
kept constantly burning, and when not required the coals
could be covered over with ashes, where they would remain
alive for hours. Occasionally the coals would die out and
then one of the younger members would be sent away to a
neighbor to obtain a pan of live ones. Most families were
skilled in making a fire by striking sparks from a flint upon
a dry combustible substance, or by rapidly revolving one
dry piece of pine against another, as the Indians used to
do, but these practices were slow and not resorted to except
in extreme cases.

The blazing logs in the fire-place furnished ample light
during the winter evenings. The inventive genius of man
has since produced the kerosene lamp, gas, acetylene, elec-

Gears and Reeds

Crackle

PIONEER LIFE Ott THE BAY OF QUINTE. 13

tricity and other illuminants, but none of them can extend
the bright welcome of the pine knots blazing about the old
fashioned back-log. If any other artificial light was required
the tallow dip was the only alternative. This was a tallow
candle made before the moulds were introduced. A kettle
would be placed over the coals with five or six inches of
water in the bottom. When it was brought to the boiling
point there was added the melted tallow, which remained
on the surface of the water. The only service the water
was intended to render was to support the tallow by rais-
ing it so many inches above the bottom of the kettle, where
it could be made use of much • more easily than it could if it
remained at the bottom. The candle wicks were twisted
with a loop slipped over the end of a small stick. Five or
six would be thus suspended from the stick and slowly
dipped into the liquid tallow, by which process the wicks
became saturated and as soon as the tallow congealed they
were dipped in again and the operation repeated until the
wick was surrounded by a thick coating of tallow very
similar to the ordinary wax or tallow candle, but not so
smooth or uniform in size as those made in the moulds.

Dishes were as scarce as cooking utensils. A few
earthenware plates, bowls and a platter were displayed up-
on a shelf and these were all the house could produce.
Others were whittled out of the fine grained wood of the
poplar and served the purpose fairly well until the Yankee
pedlar arrived with the more desirable pewter ware.

A corner cupboard, from whose mysterious depths, even
in our time, our grandmothers used to produce such stores
of cookies, doughnuts, tarts and pies, completed the equip-
ment of the pioneer's first house.

Unless the site for the homestead was conveniently near
a spring or other never-failing supply of fresh water, one of
the settler's first requirements was a well. The location
for this was, as a rule, determined by a divining rod of
witch hazel in the hands of an expert. Confidence in this
method of ascertaining the presence of water has not yet
died out, as the writer witnessed the payment of five
dollars last summer for a service of this kind. When the
well was dug and stoned up, heavy poles were laid over it
to protect it. A pole was planted ten or twelve feet from
the well and terminated in a crotch several feet above the
ground, the distance depending upon the depth of the well.
In this crotch rested another pole called a "sweep", to
the small end of which, suspended over the centre of the
well, hung the bucket. The sweep was so balanced that its
heavy end would lift the bucket of water from the well with
vtery little effort upon the part of the operator.

During the first season neither barns nor stables were

U LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

required, as the settler had neither stock nor crop of grain.
When he did need them they were built of logs in the same
manner as the house.

A small clearing about the house was made the first
year in which was planted some turnip seed. This patch
was carefully guarded and yielded a small crop of roots
which were stored away for winter use in a root cellar built
for the purpose. It was a small rough enclosure of logs
built in a bank or the side of a hill and covered over with
earth.

Little further progress could be made in the new home
until more land was cleared, stock introduced and farming
operations begun in earnest. This took years to accomplish
as the land was densely wooded and even with the aid of
the cross-cut saw and the oxen it was slow work getting
ready for the plow. The farmers worked early and late
battling with the forest, single handed and in bees, cutting
and burning the valuable timber, which to-day would yield
a fortune, but then, the only return from it was the potash
made from the ashes. The stumps were most unyielding,
particularly the pine ones, and all sorts of contrivances
were devised to uproot them. Sometimes they were burned
out, but this was a slow process and a large portion of the
soil about them would be burned. Blasting powder was
used and many patterns of stump machines, but the most
common and perhaps the most satisfactory method was to
cut the roots that could be easily reached, hitch a logging
chain to one side and let the oxen tip it over by sheer
brute force. The pine stumps made excellent fuel for the
fire-place, and were also used 'for fences.

When the first crop of grain was obtained it was har-
vested with the crude implements of the day and conveyed
to the threshing floor. As a^ rule, this consisted of a bare
piece of ground, sometimes covered with boards or flat
stones, but more frequently the bare earth had no covering.
Here the grain was pounded out with a flail and nature
supplied the fanning mill by blowing the chaff away when
the mixed grain and chaff were tossed into the air during
a stiff breeze.

To convert the wheat into flour was a more serious
matter. The government had provided a few little hand
mills, but they were not adapted to the purpose, so the
settler took a lesson from the Indian, burned a large hole
in the top of an oak stump and pounded the wheat to a
powder with a pestle or a cannon ball suspended from the
end of a sweep. It was not many years before government
mills, operated by water power, were erected at different
points, so that this section, through its excellent system of
waterways, suffered little inconvenience compared with some

PIONEER LIFE ON THE BAY OF .QUINTE. 15

parts of the province, in getting their grists to the mills.

Ten, fifteen or twenty years wrought a great change in
the wilderness home. Small clearings were everywhere to
be seen. Barns had sprung up, the houses had been enlarg-
ed, and the hoarse tinkling of the bells betrayed the
presence of the cattle. Sheep and swine were also found on
every farm, but they had to be guarded to protect them
from marauding bears and wolves. Of horses there were a
few. Awkward as the ox may appear with his swaggering
gait, he was more than a match for the horse in finding a
sure footing among the stumps, logs and fallen timbers.
Breaking in "Buck and Bright" to come under the yoke and
to respond to the "gee", "'haw" and the snap of the whip
was a tedious undertaking, but was successfully accom-
plished.

The general store had appeared, but the pioneer had
learned to be independent, and still supplied most of his
own wants. He raised his own flax, and when it was ripe
he pulled it by hand, tied it into small sheaves so it would
dry quickly, and shocked it up. When it was cured, it was
taken to the barn and threshed out with a flail. The straw
was then spread out on the ground and left for two or
three weeks until it had rotted sufficiently to permit the
stalks to be broken without severing the outer rind, which
supplied the shreds. The object was to get it in such a
condition that this outer part could be freed from the inner.
It was first put through a crackle, which was a bench four
feet long composed of three or four boards stood on their
edges and just far enough apart so that three or four
similar boards, framed together and operated from a hinge
like a pair of nut crackers, would, when closed down, drop
into the several spaces between the lower boards. The
straw was passed over the lower boards at right angles and
the operator raised and lowered the upper frame bringing
it down on the flax, breaking the stalks and loosening the
outer shreds from the inner pulp. To remove the pulp the
stalks were then drawn over a heckle, which was a board
with scores of long nails protruding through. This combed
the coarser pulp away, when the same process was repeated
over a finer heckle, which left the shreds ready to be spun
into thread on a spinning wheel similar to but smaller than
that used in spinning wool. The thread was then bleached,
dyed, wound into balls and passed on to the weaver. In
like manner the farmer raised his own sheep, sheared them
and washed and carded the wool. Every maiden served her
apprenticeship beside the spinning wheel and her education
was not complete until she had learned how to spin the
yarn, pass it over the swift and prepare it for the loom,
which had become a part of the equipment of nearly every

16 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

house. The linen, flannel and fullcloth for the entire family
were made upon the premises. Service was more sought
after than style, particularly in the "every day clothes",
and, if the mother or maiden aunt could not cut and make
a suit, the first itinerant tailor who happened along was
installed as a member of the household for a fortnight and
fitted out the whole family for the next year.

The boots and shoes were also home-made, or at least
made at home. Somewhere about every farm would be
found a tanning trough, .in which a cowhide would be
immersed for three weeks in a weak solution of lye to re-
move the hair and any particles of flesh still adhering1 to
the skin. It was then transferred to a tub containing a
solution of oak bark and left for several months, after
which it was softened by kneading and rubbing, and was
then ready to be made up. The making of the boots requir-
ed considerable skill. A man can wear and obtain good
service from an ifl-made suit of clothes, but a poor fitting
pair of boots is an abomination likely to get the wearer
into all sorts of trouble. Corns and bunions are not of
modern origin, but have afflicted the human race ever since
boots were worn. A kit of shoemaker's tools, composed of
a last, hammer, awls and needles, was to be found in every
house, and some member was supposed to be expert in
adding a half sole or applying a patch ; but few attempted
to make the boots. The itinerant cobbler went about from
house to house and performed this service. A few years
later every neighborhood had its tannery and every village
its one or more shoemakers. The tanner took his toll from
each hide and the shoemaker for a bag of potatoes, a roll
of butter or a side of pork would turn out a pair of boots
which would outwear the factory-made articles of to-day.

The skins of the bear, fox and raccoon furnished fur caps
for the winter, and the rye straw supplied the material for
straw hats for summer, and some member of nearly every
family was capable of producing the finished articles from
these raw materials. The milliner, as such, would have had
a hard time in earning a living a hundred years ago, as
head-gear at that time was worn to protect the head.

The life of the early settler was not all work and
drudgery. They had their hours of recreation and what is
best of all they had the happy faculty in many matters of
making play out of work. This was accomplished by means
of bees. There were logging bees, raising bees, stumping
bees and husking bees for the men, while the women had
their quilting bees and paring bees. The whole neighbor-
hood would be invited to these gatherings. It may be that
upon the whole they did not accomplish more than could
have been done sinR-lehanded, except at the raisings, which

The Langhorn Residence, Bath

The Finkle Tavern, Bath

PIONEER LIFE ON THE BAY OP QUINCE. 17

required many hands to lift the large timbers into place ;
but work was not the only object in view. Man is a gre-
garious animal and loves to mingle with his fellow man.
The occasions for meetings of any kind during the first few
years were very rare. There were no fairs, concerts, lec-
tures or other public entertainments, not even a church,
school or political meeting, so, in their wisdom, they
devised these meetings for work, and work they did, but
Oh ! the joy of it ! All the latest news gathered from every
quarter was discussed, notes were compared on the progress
made in the clearings, the wags and clowns furbished up
their latest jokes, and all gorged themselves with the good
things brought forth from the corner cupboard.

Perhaps some special mention should be made of the
logging bee, as it stands out alone as the only one of these
jolly gatherings that was regarded as a necessary evil, par-
ticularly by the female members of the family. Perhaps
the grimy appearance of the visitors had something to do
with -the esteem in which they were held at such times.
The logging bee followed the burning of the fallow, which
consumed the underbrush, the tops and branches of the
trees and left the charred trunks to be disposed of. In
handling these the workers soon became black as negroes,
and the nature of the work seemed to demand an extra-
ordinary consumption of whiskey, anyway the liquor was
consumed, the men frequently became disorderly and con-
cluded the bee with one or more drunken fights. The after-
noon tea now serves its purpose very well, but modern
society has yet to discover the equal of the quilting bee as
a clearing-house for gossip. To the credit of the fair sex
we might add that they rarely made use of intoxicants ;
but the old grannies did enjoy a few puffs from a blackened
clay pipe after their meals.

Whiskey was plentiful in the good old days, but the
drinking of it was not looked upon with such horror nor
attended with such disastrous consequences as in our day.
This difference was probably due both to the drink and the
drinker. Some people will not admit that any whiskey is
bad, while others deny that any can be good, but the
whiskey of a hundred years ago does not appear to have
had as fierce a serpent in it as the highly advertised brands
of the present day. It possessed one virtue, and that was
its cheapness. When a quart could be purchased for six
pence, a man could hardly be charged with rash extrava-
gance in buying enough whiskey to produce the desired
effect. It was considered quite the proper thing to drink
upon almost any occasion and upon the slightest provoca-
tion, and if a member of a company received an overdose
and glided under the table, it created no more sensation

18 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

than if he had fallen asleep. As the population increased
taverns were set up at every crossing of the roads. Some
of these, especially the recognized stopping places of the
stage coaches, were quite imposing hostelries, and as the
guests gathered about the huge fire-place on a winter's
evening and smoked their pipes, drank their toddy and ex-
changed their tales of adventure and travel, the scene pro-
duced was one that has no counterpart in our day. It was
a form of sociability and entertainment that departed with
the passing of the stage coach.

In this age of railroads and motor cars we have no
conception of the discomforts of travel eighty or a hundred
years ago. The Loyalists clung for many years to the
bateaux, the flat bottomed boats, which brought them in
the first place to the shore of the bay. They were used
even in long journeys, and in going west they were carried
across the Carrying Place at the head of the bay by a man
named Asa Weller, who kept a low wagon and a yoke of
oxen ready at hand to transport the travellers from the bay
to the lake and back again upon the return trip. In 1816
the first stage line in the province was inaugurated between
Kingston and Bath by Samuel Purdy, of Bath, and in the
following year he opened a line from Kingston to York.
The roads were wretched and the fare was eighteen dollars.
Fourteen years later William Weller, a son of Asa, whose
business ol transporting the bateaux from one body of water
to the other had brought him in contact with the travelling
public and acquainted him with their needs, established a
bi-weekly service between the Carrying Place and York, in
connection with the steamer Sir James Kempt, which car-
ried the passengers on to Prescott. The fare from York to
Prescott was £2 slO. The stage left York at four o'clock
in the morning, arriving at the Carrying Place the same
evening. The very term stage-coach suggests to our minds
a spanking four-in-hand, in brass mounted harness, attached
to a gayly decorated conveyance. We picture them dashing
through a village under the crack of the coachman's whip.
Away they go, rattling over the bridge -down the turnpike,
and with a shrill blast of the footman's horn they haul up
at the wayside inn where a fat and smiling landlord escorts
them in to a hot dinner. Such were not the stage coaches
of our forefathers. They were simply lumber wagons, with-
out springs, covered with canvas like the prairie schooners,
or plain wooden enclosures with seats suspended by leather
straps. Just think of being cooped up in such an affair
from sunrise to sunset, jolting over the rough roads, dodg-
ing stumps, rocks and fallen trees, plunging down a steep
embankment, fording rivers and streams, and sinking now
and then to the axl-es in mud. During the summer months

PIONEER LIFE ON THE BAY OF QUINTE. : 19

the mosquitos and black fties added to the misery of the
travellers. Even so, in this as in all things, the pion-eers
looked not so much on the dark side of life as on the
bright. The distance was to be covered, every jolt and
bump brought them one step nearer their destination. The
tales of the fellow travellers were entertaining and helped
to shorten the way. Perhaps he was a legislator just re-
turning from a meeting of the House, perhaps a merchant
on his way to Montreal to make his year's purchase of
g-oods, or a young adventurer from the old country spying
out an opportunity to better himself in the new world. The
forest had its charms, albeit the insects at times were
abominable. As they passed through a clearing the yeoman
with a swing of his hat would wish them God-speed. The
monotony was broken time and again by a glimpse of the
bay or lake and the road, in places, followed the beach
where the waves broke under the horses' feet. Awaiting1
them at the journey's end were that rest and peace which
the home alone can afford, that bright welcome of the fire-
side built with their own hands and the smiles of the loved
ones who had shared all their trials and victories. It was
symbolical of that greater journey through life upon which
we are all embarked and which we travel but once.

PART II.

During the first few years of the Loyalist settlements
the laws were administered in a haphazard fashion— a sort
of paternal military despotism. Being a portion of the
Province of Quebec, the laws of that province technically
applied ; but there was no machinery for enforcing them, so
the officers in command of the various companies preserved
order and settled civil disputes as best they could, and,
considering the opportunities for differences, there was very
little friction, and such as did arise was disposed of most
creditably. In 1792 a government was given to Upper
Canada, but, even before the arrival of Governor Simcoe,
many of the communities had organized their town meetings
and appointed their local officers, such as clerks, constables
and overseers of highways. The Statute authorizing such
meetings was based upon the organizations already in
existence, so that the idea of local self-government did not
originate with the legislature. Parliament merely legalized
and made general throughout the entire province the holding
of just such town meetings as had already been organized
in many of the older townships.

i It is no particular mark of superiority to-day to be en-
rolled as a justice of the peace. ; on the contrary it might
be regarded as a distinction to escape it. Not so in the

20 LENNOX AND ALDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

early days of our province. The humblest citizen is now
addressed as an esquire, but a hundred years ago all hats
were doffed when the "Squire" passed through the streets
of a village. He was a man of some importance. He tried
petty offences in 'his own neighborhood, as a member of the
Court of Requests minor civil actions were heard by him,
but as a member of the Court of General Sessions he rose
to his greatest dignity. This body of justices, assembled in
General Session, not only disposed of civil and criminal
cases, but were clothed with ministerial power as well.
They enacted local legislation for the districts they repre-
sented, levied and disbursed the taxes, granted licenses,
superintended the erection of court houses and gaols, the
building of bridges and generally performed the functions of
our municipal councils of to-day. They would meet periodi-
cally in the leading village of the district and would some-
times remain in session for a week, and, considering the
amount of business they transacted, they were very expedi-
tious when compared with the modern County Council.

The town meeting continued to meet once a year, the
first Monday in March, to appoint its officers, and, although
they had no jurisdiction to do so, to pass, repeal and
amend enactments for purely local purposes. These "Pru-
dential Laws", as they called them, regulated such matters
as the height of fences, the running at large of certain
animals and the extermination of foul weeds. The people
favored the town meeting, as it was of their own making.
It was the first step in democratic government by and for
the people. The chronic grumbler found there an opportun-
ity to air his grievances. The loquacious inflicted his
oratory upon his assembled neighbors. Each man to his
liking played his part at the annual gathering and realized
that he was of some consequence in controlling the affairs
of the township. Thus did the inhabitants continue to
encroach upon the authority of the Justices in Session, who
•from time to time issued their decrees dealing with some
of the matters over which the town meetings had assumed
jurisdiction, until 1850 when our present municipal system
was introduced and the justices were practically shorn of
all but their judicial power.

Parliamentary elections to-day are very tame affairs
compared with those of a century ago. The open vote
afforded opportunities for exciting scenes that the rising
generations know not of. The closing of the bars on
election day has robbed the occasion of a good deal of
romance. The actual voting contest is now limited to eight
hours, from nine to five, and one might rest peacefully in a
room adjoining a polling booth and not be aware that an
election was in progress. It was all very different even fifty

PIONEER LIFE ON THE BAY OP QUINTE. 21

years ago. Whiskey and the open vote were two very
patent factors in keeping up the excitement. Instead of
having several boaths scattered throughout each township
there was only one in the electoral district. The principal
village in the district was generally selected, but some
times the only booth was set up in a country tavern,
especially if it was in a central location and the proprietor
could pull enough political strings. A platform would be
constructed out of rough boards and protected from the
weather by a slanting roof. On Monday morning of election
week the candidates and their henchmen would assemble in
the vicinity of the platform, which was known as the hust-
ing. The electors would come pouring in from all parts of
the electoral district. Each party would have its head-
quarters at a tavern or tent, or both, where the workers
would lay their plans. The forenoon would be spent in
listening to the orators of the day, and at one o'clock the
polling would begin. It is easy to imagine what would
happen to the doubtful voter when he arrived at the village.
As the poll was kept open every day until Saturday night
it is not quite so easy to picture the scene during the last
day or two of a hat contest. Couriers with foaming horses
were going and coming. Heated discussions frequently
terminated in a rough and tumble fight, in which a score
or more participated. Drunken men reeled about the streets
until carefully stowed away by their friends in a tent or
stall in the tavern stable. If the inebriate had not yet
polled his vote his whilome friends would be most solicitous
in the attention bestowed upon him. It not infrequently
happened that the indifferent voter would purposely play
into the hands of both parties. It was a golden opportunity
for free lunches and whiskey, and the longer he deferred the
fateful hour when he was to announce to the returning
officer the candidate of his choice the more difficult it was
for him to choose. In his dilemma he would seek his solace
in a little more whiskey and, in the end, perhaps vote for
the wrong man. If unhappily he did make such a mistake,
his political guardians never failed to call his attention to
the error in a manner not likely to be soon forgotten. Such
incidents' were thereafter associated in the mind of the
offender with unpleasant recollections of the village pump
or the nearest creek.

The Loyalists were so busy in clearing the land and
getting the new home into shape that little time was left
for looking after such matters as educating the young.
There were no laws regulating the school system, no build-
ings nor funds for school purposes, no officials to take the
lead, and what was done was the spontaneous outcome of
a desire to equip the rising generation for the duties of

22 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

citizenship. The first efforts were those of the mother and
other elder members of the family, but as early as 1786 a
rural school was opened in the Township of Fredericksburgh.
This was the second school in the province, the first having
been opened the year before in the Village of Kingston by
the Rev. John Stuart, the father of the English Church in
Upper Canada. A few families clubbed together and
employed a man to instruct their children in the rudimen-
tary elements of a common school education. There was no
building for the purpose, so a room was set apart in one
of the dwellings, probably the only room on the ground
floor, and while the good housewife busied herself about her
duties on one side of 'the room the teacher was training the
young ideas how to shoot on the other side. For one or
two weeks he would remain with this family, getting his
board and washing and two or three dollars a week, and
then he would move on to the next neighbor with his little
flock, and so on until the circuit of his subscribers of five
or six families was completed, when he commenced again
at the first. As late as 1818 in a contract entered into
between the farmers in the Township of Halliwell, in the
County of Prince Edward, we find the covenant to teach in
the following words :— "That the party of the first part
engages to keep a good school according to his ability and
to teach reading, writing and arithmetic." His hours were
from eight o'clock in the morning until four in the after-
noon, with one and one-half hours for noon. He was to
teach every alternate Saturday. In addition to his board,
lodging and washing, he was to be paid the princely salary
of twelve and one-half dollars a month, "whereof one-half
in cash at the end of the Quarter and the other in orders
or other value monthly". Soon the little log school house
appeared, not larger than fifteen by twenty feet, with a
door in one end and a window on each side. On the inside
holes were bored in the logs, pegs inserted and upon these
pegs rested a plank. This was the desk, and the pupils
while working at it necessarily sat with their faces towards
the wall. A rude bench without a back was the only seat.
Books were very scarce. About the only real school book
that ever found its way into the hands of the pupil was
Mayor's spelling book. The New Testament was the univer-
sal reader, and if any other books were in use in the school
the teacher was the only one who -had access to them. The
three R's : Reading, Kiting- and Rithmetic were the extent
of the general curriculum.

There were no authorized text-books, and such as were
in use were not all that could be desired. For many years
the only geography used in the schools contained the follow-
ing information relating to the continent of America :—

PIONEER LIFE ON THE BAY OF QUINTE.

"What is America? The fourth part of the world, called
also the New World," "How is North America divided ?
Into Old Mexico, New Mexico, Canada or New France, New
England and Florida".

The next answer must have been particularly enlighten-
ing to the ambitious youth thirsting for knowledge.

"What is New France ? A large tract of ground about
the River St. Lawrence, divided into East and West, called
also Mississippi or Louisiana".

Having given this very lucid explanation the author
then proceeds to make his readers feel at home by acquaint-
ing them with their neighbors.. "What does the East
contain ? Besides Canada, properly so-called, it contains
divers nations, the chief of which are the Esquimalts,
Hurons, Christinals, Algonquins, Etechemins and Iroquois.
The considerable towns are Quebec, Tadousac and Mont-
real."

"What is New Britain ? It lies north of New France
and is not cultivated, but the English who possess it
derive a great trade in beaver and originac skins."

The painful part of the story of this most extraordin-
ary geography is that what I have already quoted was all
there was between its two covers in any way touching
upon North America. So incredible does this sound in this
enlightened age that to protect my own reputation I feel it
necessary to submit as my authority the Documentary
History of Education in Upper Canada Vol. 1, page 166.

The great drawback to the legislative efforts to improve
the system was the lack of uniformity. Each section and
later, each district, followed, its own inclination and no
satisfactory results were attained until Egerton Ryerson
introduced his reforms and brought every school in the
province under the same general supervision.

The old teacher of the pioneer days is gone from us
forever, and, while he served his day and generation as
well as he knew how, we cannot entertain any feelings of
regret that he will never return. Brute force played an
important part in his system of instruction. The equipment
of no school was complete without the tawse or leather
strap, and the offending pupil was frequently despatched to
the neighboring woods to cut from a birch tree the instru-
ment of torture to be applied to his particular case. The
minor parts of speech were recognized as such, not from
the functions performed by them in the sentence in which
they entered, but from the fact that they were in the list
which the pupil was forced to memorize. "With" was a
preposition because it was in the list of prepositions, and
"forth" was an adverb, because the teacher said it was,
and if by chance from nervousness or any other cause, the

24 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

boy with a treacherous memory failed to place it under its
proper heading, a flogging was considered a proper remedy
for the offence. It sometimes happened that a boy did not
see eye to eye with his teacher upon this question of cor-
poral punishment, and a scrimmage would ensue, and if the
teacher came out second best, his usefulness in that neigh-
borhood was gone.

To be learned, as the teacher was supposed to be, was
a distinction which gave him a certain amount of promin-
ence, and opened up for him several other fields of
usefulness. He was frequently called upon as arbitrator to
adjust complicated accounts, or to settle disputes in the
measurement of wood or lumber, or to lay out a plot of
ground with a given acreage. He was the court of last
resort in matters of orthography and spelling. If he
happened to be of a religious turn of mind he might be
called upon to fill the pulpit in the absence of the regular
clergyman.

The Squire and the school teacher each played their
parts in the administration of the affairs of the neighbor-
hood, each carried some weight and commanded a certain
amount of respect ; but both yielded first place to the
clergyman. While there were several denominations, the
Anglicans, Presbyterians and Methodists included the great
bulk of the population. The Anglicans were the pampered
class, received most of the public favors, and were cor-
respondingly haughty and independent. For the first
fourteen years of the settlement the clergymen of this
church enjoyed a monopoly in the matter of marrying. It
was lawful under certain circumstances, where the parties
were far removed from the clergyman, for a Justice of the
Peace to tie the knot, and in rarer cases still for a mili-
tary officer to perform the ceremony. In 1798 the privilege
was extended to the ministers of the Presbyterian Church,
and as they did not insist upon the wedding party going to
the church, the "meenster" secured many fees which other-
wise would have gone to his Anglican brother of the cloth.
The great democratic body of Methodists were severely
handicapped, and did not come to their own until 1831,
when the gate was thrown wide open, and the clergy of
nearly every recognized religious denomination were placed
upon the same footing in respect to marrying as the
Anglicans and Presbyterians.

Some of the extreme Loyalists could not reconcile
Methodism and loyalty to the Crown, and the records
inform us of more than one persecution for preaching the
doctrines of the Methodist Church ; in fact one duly
elected member of the Legislative Assembly was refused his
seat in the House because he had upon occasions filled the

Standard Weights and Measures

Large and Small Heckles

Shuttles, Water Bottle, Candle Mould, Spools and Templey

PIONEER LIFE ON THE BAY OP QUINTE. 25

pulpit in a Methodist meeting house. It is only fair to
those who opposed such extreme measures to explain that
these extraordinary occurrences took place at a time when
the feeling- in this country against the United States was
very strong, and the Methodist body in Upper Canada was
under the jurisdiction of a General Conference across the
line.

The life of the preacher even in our day is not one of
unadulterated bliss, filled with sunshine, stewed chicken,
prayers and mince pie, as a good many laymen seem to
think. I can conceive of no more difficult task than being
kept under constant restraint, listening to a thousand silly
grievances and meeting all manner of people with a smile.
So far as the comforts of this world are concerned, the
modern clergyman has a very easy time of it when com-
pared with the pioneer preacher of a hundred or more
years ago. He travelled on horseback with his bible and
a change of clothing in his saddle-bags, preaching ten or
twelve times a week in churches, school houses, taverns and
the log cabins of the settlers, wherever a few could be
collected to receive the Gospel message. In all kinds of
weather, the faithful preacher might be seen plodding along
through the heavy snow drifts, or fording the unbridg-ed
streams upon his holy mission to the remotest corners of
the settlement. No complaint escaped his lips as he
threaded his way through the lonely forest, now and then
humming a few snatches from some old familiar hymn.
Perchance he halted beside a spring for his mid-day meal,
and fervently thanked God from whom all blessings flow as
he hauled from his spacious pockets the sandwiches furnish-
ed by his host of the night before. His circuit extended
sometimes for fifty, sixty or an hundred miles, and he
rarely spent his evenings at home, if he had one, but slept
where night overtook him, glad of the opportunity to share
a bunk with the parishioners' children, or make himself as
comfortable as he could upon a mattress on the floor. His
uniform may have been frayed and not of the orthodox cut,
his sermons may not have possessed that virtue of brevity
which so many congregations now demand, they may have
fallen far short of some of the sensational discourses of
to-day, but he was a faithful exponent of the Gospel, the
plain and simple truth as he found it exemplified in the
life of our Saviour. That the pioneers closely followed the
tenets of the Golden Rule is largely due to the self-sacrific-
ing efforts and exemplary life of the early missionaries.

No religious gathering among the Methodists could com-
pare with the camp-meeting. It was the red-letter week of
the year, given up wholly to prayer, singing and exhorta-
tion. The first meeting of this kind was held in the autumn

26 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

of 1805 on the south shore of Hay Bay, near the old Metho-
dist chapel. The Rev. Wm. Case is credited with having
planned the meeting, and he was assisted by the old pioneer
preachers, Bangs, Ryan, Pickett, Keeler and Madden. For
several years they met annually in this vicinity, and the
meetings became so popular that they began to look about
for a more favorable location. Several matters had to be
considered. The first essential was a grove high and dry
and free from underbrush, accessable both by land and
water. An ideal spot was found at the head of Carnahan
Bay, then known as Perch Cove. It is the first inlet north
of the main channel of the Bay of Quinte, nearly opposite
Glenora. At the head of this small bay a stony point
separates the mouths of two creeks ; Chalmer's creek on
the south and a small tortuous stream on the north bear-
ing the rather effeminate name of Mary Ann's Creek. The
latter ran alongside a grove which was selected as the
permanent camping ground. Near by was a never-! ailing
spring of pure water, and Ohalmer's Creek furnished a safe
shelter and convenient landing for the bateaux. The audi-
torium was in the shape of a horseshoe, about one^half acre
in extent, surrounded by tents made of canvas or green
boughs supported by poles. Across that part corresponding
with the opening in the shoe was a preachers' platform. In
front of it was a single row of logs, — the penitent bench,—
and the rest of the space was filled with parallel rows of
logs,— the pews. Thither by land and water came the
devout Methodists of the district ; but then, as now, the
females far outnumbered the males in their religious obser-
vances. With them they brought chests of provisions, their
bedding and bibles. Morning, noon and night the woods
resounded with songs of praise, the warning messages of the
preachers and the prayers of the faithful pitched in every
conceivable key. The surroundings seemed to add an inspir-
ation to the services. When the great throng joined fervent-
ly in "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name", to the accom-
paniment of the rustling leaves, the hearts of all present
were deeply moved. During the closing exercises, marching
in pairs around the great circle, with mingled feelings of
gladness and sorrow, they sang lustily the good old hymns
and then with many affectionate leave-takings dispersed to
their several homes.

The staple articles of food among the pioneers were
much the same as in our day. Pork formed the chief item
of meat. The hams and shoulders were smoked, and the
rest of the carcass preserved in a strong brine. The flour
was coarser than the article we get from the modern
roller mills, but none the less wholesome. Corn meal was
used much jnore extensively than now. It was boiled and

PIONEER LIFE ON THE BAY OP QUINTE-

used as a porridge for breakfast with a thick covering of
brown sugar sprinkled over it, and what was left over
became quite firm as it cooled and was eaten for supper
with milk, or cut into thin slices and fried. Corn meal
griddle cakes were also in great demand. Johnny-cake was
not popular, as it was regarded as a Yankee dish, and it
took a good many years for the Loyalists to reconcile
themselves to anything in any way associated with their
former persecutors.

Wild strawberries, raspberries, plums and gooseberries
were to be had for the picking, and the thrifty housewife
always laid in a good supply. The raspberries and plums
were dried in the sun and put away for future use or made
into a jam like the .gooseberries and strawberries.

The maple furnished the most of the sugar, but cane
sugar was afterwards imported, not the white lump or
granulated sugar of to-day, but a moist, dark brown un-
refined product known as muscovado, from which the syrup
had been drained.

Tomatoes were not considered fit for human food until
after the middle of the nineteenth century. If grown at all
the fruit was used merely for purposes of ornamentation,
suspended from strings in the windows under the name of
love apples.

Although our fresh waters abounded in fish of a superior
quality, the Loyalists were not what we would call a fish
eating people. Perhaps no people ever were or are as a
matter of choice. Most of us enjoy a fish dinner once in a
while, but few, if any, of us would care to accept it as a
steady diet or as a substitute for meat. The rigors of our
climate and the outdoor life of hard work seemed to call
for something more sustaining. The bay teemed with
maskalunge, bass, pickerel and pike, and in the late autumn
months the whitefish and herring were very plentiful. The
mascos were speared at night by the aid of a jack light,
and they were even shot from the shore as they were
lazily swaggering along in the shallow water. In the early
spring a mess of pike could be secured at any time with
very little effort. Every inlet and creek seemed to be alive
with them. The white fish always has held first place
among our merchantable fish. In the summer season they
are caught in nets upon the shoals of the lake, and in
October and November the seines are thrown across their
path as they are running up the bay. I have heard an
octogenarian, whose , truthfulness even in a fish story . I had
no reason to doubt, declare that he had frequently, when a
boy, speared fifty or sixty whitefish in one night.

Clergy reserves and bad roads would not in the ordinary
process of association of ideas be linked together, much less

28 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

would we regard them in the relation of cause and effect.
But to a great extent such is actually the case. It is only
in recent years that it has -dawned upon our legislators that
it requires some brains and good management, as well as
tile, broken stones and ballast, to construct and maintain
a good road. In very few rural sections of the Day of
Quinte district, and the same holds good, I believe, of the
greater part of the province, has any intelligent system of
constructing public highways been adopted. Under the
Constitutional Act a portion equal to one-seventh of the
lands granted for settlement was set apart for the support
of a Protestant clergy. These reserves lay, for the most
part, unimproved. The only provision for the maintenance
of roads cast upon the owners of lands the burden of keep-
ing up the road crossing or adjoining their respective farms.
The reserves were exempt from this liability, with the result
that the highways along the reserves were as bad as ordin-
ary wear and tear could make them. The load that can be
carried over any road must be adapted to the worst part
of it. "Why s-hould I", the farmer asked himself, "build a
good road in front of my farm so long as there is that
wretched stretch along the reserve ? I can take no greater
load to market than can be hauled over that bad piece of
road". So he neglected his own road, and his neighbors did
the same. They became accustomed to poor roads, and,
although there was an abundance of first-class material
from which to build them, the roads were not built. The
old system passed away and Statute labor was introduced.
Was labor ever put to such poor use f The chief object of
the pathmaster, who, as a rule, knew no more about build-
ing roads than he did about higher mathematics, was to see
that the time was put in. In some places he would cause
the sides of the roads to be ploughed out and the loose
earth heaped in the centre to facilitate the miring of the
heavy loads after the first rain. In others, the loose stones
uncovered and unrolled were left to be scattered about by
the horses' hoofs. It is only in recent years that a genuine
effort has been put forth to rouse the people from that
indifference upon the subject of good roads that took posses-
sion of them in the days of the clergy reserves.

There were courts as early as 1787, and the parties
before them were represented by counsel, but there was no
recognized standard of admission to the bar, nor were there
any restrictions placed upon those who appeared for the un-
fortunate principals in the proceedings, and consequently
there was no uniformity in the practice. In 1794 the Legis-
lature empowered the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor or
person administering the affairs of the province to "author-
ize by license, under his hand and seal, such and so many

PIONEER LIFE ON THE BAY OF QUINTE. 29

of His Majesty's liege subjects, not exceeding sixteen in
number, as he shall deem from their probity, education and
condition in life best qualified, to act as advocates and
attorneys in the conduct of all legal proceedings in the
province." It will be observed that this Statute called for
no educational test nor professional experience, which quite
naturally, gave rise to an oft-repeated sarcastic allusion to
the favored few so chosen as the "heaven-born lawyers".
In 1797 another Act was passed, whereby all persons then
admitted to practice were incorporated as the "Law Society
of Upper Canada," which society, with its executive head-
quarters at Osgoode Hall, still administers the affairs of
the legal profession. In appointing the first members of
the bench and bar the Government looked not so much for
legal training- as common sense and uprightness. The
jud-geship of the first Court oi Common Pleas in Upper
Canada was tendered to a clergyman.

Until such time as court houses and town halls were
provided, justice was administered in such convenient room
as could be secured for the purpose. The first sentence of
capital punishment imposed in this province was pronounced
in a tavern on the shore of the Bay of Quinte at Bath, and,
as summary execution was the only recognized method of
carrying- into effect the decrees of the court, the convict was
immediately hanged to a basswood tree on the roadside,
only a fe,w rods distant. The pathetic part of this tragic
incident is that it was afterwards learned that the poor
victim was innocent of the charge of which he was found
guilty, the theft of a watch. Such a stigma attached to
this particular basswood tree that it was adopted and used
for years as a public whipping post.

The first court of the General Quarter Sessions, outside
the Village of Kingston, was held in a barn on Hay Bay in
July, 1794, which served the purpose very well at that sea-
son of the year. When the December Sessions came on it
was a different matter and the authorities appealed to the
Methodists for the use of their chapel, which was granted
for that sittings ; but not without some unsavory com-
ments about making "the house of prayer a den of thieves".
A timely explanation was added to the effect that the
reference was not directed against the lawyers, but the
litigants.

Very few, if any, of the lawyers in the early days
devoted themselves exclusively to the practice of their pro-
fession or depended solely upon their fees for a living. One
of the first and most distinguished pioneer practitioners was
Nicholas Hagerman, who lived, died and was buried upon
his farm, a stone's throw from the spot where the first
Loyalists landed ra the Township of Adolphustown. He had

30 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY-

no office nor regular hours of practice, but was sought out
by his clients in the harvest field or woods, and, leaning
upon his scythe or sitting astride a fallen tree, he listened
to the story and gave his advice. His son, Christopher,
followed in his footsteps, and in due course became Chief
Justice of the Province of Ontario.

Our forefathers were subject to the same physical ail-
ments as ourselves, but they do not appear to have suffered
to the same extent from disease as we do in our day. The
surgeon was rarely called upon to exercise his calling, and
then only when amputations were felt to be necessary or
some mutilated member needed mending. Fashionable
operations were unknown. The iconoclastic tendencies of
the bacteria in the human body had not been discovered, or,
ii they had, war had not yet been declared upon them. Men
went about their daily occupations too busy to bother with
the microbes that the modern scientists tell us are gnawing
at our vitals. Their greatest fear was from epidemics like
the smallpox, which occasionally swept through a neighbor-
hood, leaving a trail of sorrow in its wake. Licensed
practitioners there were but few, and they were, for the
most part, attached to the military posts. Occasionally, if
the roads were passable, and they felt in the humor and
saw a prospective fee of respectable proportions, they might
be induced to visit a patient in the neighboring townships.
In this, as in all other matters, the settlers did their best
to serve themselves.

No community in this or any other age ever lacked the
services of a skilled specialist in any line very long before
some unqualified individual volunteered to supply the want.
It was not long before the quack doctor with his vile
decoctions appeared among the pioneers. Strenuous efforts
were made to legislate him out of existence, but he man-
aged to evade the statutory prohibitions and has survived
to the present day. During the first few decades of the
Loyalist settlements it was not so much a question of
whether the quack COULD practise in the townships, but the
question more to the point was whether the educated and
skilled physician WOULD practise. The settlers had become
so expert in treating most of their complaints that they
rarely deemed it necessary to secure the services of the
medical practitioner, and when the real physician did take
up his abode among them he generally engaged in some
other calling as well and practised 'his profession as a side
line.

The mother or grandmother, as a rule, was the doctor,
nurse and apothecary for the whole family. In the month
of September, or perhaps October, when the phase of the
moon was supposed to be favorable for the purpose, she

PIONEER LIFE ON THE BAY OF QUINTE. 31

would organize an expedition to the woods in search of a
supply of herbs to replenish her medicine chest. In some
cases she would dig" in the ground for the roots, in others
the bark, leaves or stems were sought, and in others still
the fruit or seeds possessed the medicinal properties. When
she had gathered in her stores she would tie them up in
bundles and hang them up in the attic or stow them away
in some convenient nook until required. Her collection
would contain specifics for nearly every ache and pain. It
may be that in those days there was not the mad rush for
excitement and wealth, and the average citizen kept better
hours, ate plain and wholesome food and had some respect
for the different organs of his body and did not make such
ridiculous demands upon them as are made by some of the
high livers of to-day. It may be, too, that mother's simple
remedies went a long way to correct the excesses and in-
dulgences of the weak and careless and to restore the
health of the sickly. In any event the mortality does not
appear to have been any greater than it is to-day. It might
not be out of place to enumerate some of the uses to which
many of the common herbs were put, as they possess the
same, if any, medicinal properties to-day.

For coughs and colds, a syrup was made from the roots
of the spignet, another name for spike-nard. The tuber of
the blood-root was dried and then grated into a fine pow-
der. This was snuffed up the nostrils as a cure for polypus.
Catnip has lost little of its popularity as a medicine for
children. There are few, if any, of us who have not pro-
tested vehemently against having our mouths pried open to
receive a spoonful of tea made from the leaves of this
common weed. The first symptoms of a stomach ache were
sufficient to set the vile decoction brewing and almost any
affection of the throat called for a dose of the same liquid.

The word "tansy" is derived indirectly from a Greek
word meaning "immortality", because the yellow blossoms,
when dried, lose very little of their original shape and
color. It is doubtful if the name had anything to do with
the prescribing of tansy-tea as a tonic. It was extensively
used for this purpose, and I can readily conceive a patient,
after taking a dose, being quite ready to eat the first thing
in sight to overcome the disagreeable taste left in his
mouth by the medicine.

Hop tea for indigestion and cherry bark tea for regulat-
ing the blood were remedies widely known and extensively
used.

Smartweed steeped in vinegar was applied to bruises
and swellings where there was no abrasion. It gave instant
relief from pain and reduced the swelling. For use upon

32 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

dumb animals, particularly the legs of horses, wormwood
was substituted for the smartweed.

For lame feet and other troubles requiring a soothing
poultice the leaves of the plaintain were used. The -stems
and ribs were first removed, the leaves allowed to wilt and
then crushed by rolling them between the hands.

A healing ointment for abrasions and open sores was
made from the leaves of the ordinary garden bean. These
were cut up, mixed with lard and heated over a slow fire.
While still 'hot, the liquid lard, which had absorbed some of
the juice of the leaves, was poured off and allowed to cool,
when it was ready to be applied to the affected part.

Even the roots of the burdoch, a most persistent and
troublesome weed about most country homes, were put to
an useful purpose. These were preserved by being dried, and
when required were steeped and the tea thus produced was
administered as a cure for indigestion and to regulate the
blood.

The mandrake, mandragora or may-apple, has attracted
much attention from the days of King Solomon to the
present day. It has figured in literature in many capacities,
all the way from a death dealing agent to the main ingred-
ient of a love potion. From its roots our forefathers made
a tea which they used as a gargle for sore throat.

The roots of the nerve vine were chewed to quiet the
nerves, hence the name.

The roots of alacompane were utilized for man and beast.
When steeped they produced a soothing and healing lotion
for open wounds, and, made into a syrup, were administered
to children suffering from whooping cough.

In grandmother's dispensary every little leaflet had a
mission all its own.

It was not at all uncommon for a plain and simple
farmer, with no pretensions of a knowledge of medicine or
surgery, to acquire a reputation as a specialist in some
particular branch of the profession. Perhaps in some emer-
gency he would set a broken limb with results so satisfac-
tory that his services would be requisitioned in the next
case of a similar character. His patients so successfully
treated would proclaim his fame abroad, and with the little
experience thus acquired he would, in the eyes of his neigh-
bors, become an expert in this operation. Another may
accidentally have had thrust upon him the distinction of
being able to reduce a dislocated joint. Dentists there were
none, and extraction was the only remedy for troublesome
teeth. Some one in the locality would own one of those
vile instruments of torture, a turn-key. If a molar had
been demanding too much attention from its owner and a
hot fomentation failed to overcome the pain, the man with

The Fairfield Residence, Bath

St. John's Church, Bath

PIONEER LIFE ON THE BAY OF QUINTE.

the turn-key was paid a visit. Anaesthetics were unknown,
and sterilization was not practised by the unprofessional.
The victim was seated in a kitchen chair and grasped the
rungs on either side. The operator loosened the gum from
the unruly tooth with the blade of his pocket knife, the
hook of the turn-key was inserted and with grim determin-
ation the two men faced each other. The one clung dogged-
ly to the chair, the other twisted the key. I will draw a
curtain over the further details of the operation. Brute
strength in the end prevailed.

Such services were, as *a rule, rendered gratuitously, and
while we would not care in our day to be at the mercy of
such amateur practitioners, yet they were a great
benefit to the neighborhood in which they resided, where it
was frequently a choice of such aid as they could render or
nothing at all.

Of an entirely different class were the fakirs, who, with
little or no knowledge of the diseases they treated and the
remedies they prescribed, preyed upon the helplessness of
their patients. With such the two great specifics were
opium and mercury, and when in doubt a dose of calomel
was administered. Bleeding, as a remedial measure, was a
very common practice, and it was not considered at all
extraordinary to relieve a patient of a quart or two of
blood at a time.

The educational qualifications of the quack may be in-
ferred from the following advertisement, which was posted
up in a public place in 1817 :

"Richmond Oct 17, 1817.

ADVERTISEMENT ;-Thls is to certify that I, Solomon Albert,
is Good to cure any sore in word Complaint or any Pains,
Rheumatick Pains or any Complaint what so ever the Sub-
scriber doctors with yerbs and Roots, Any Person wishing
to employ him will find him at Dick Bells.
Solomon Albert"

Mr. Albert's parents misjudged the possibilities of their
hopeful offspring when they bestowed upon him the Christian
name. , He must have been quite exhausted after his literary
effort in composing that advertisement.

In due season the need for doctors and medicines was
no more and the grim reaper claimed his harvest. The
undertaker had not yet risen to the dignity of a separate
calling and the plumed hearse was unknown. Simplicity
and economy were the main features of the last sad rites.
The nearest carpenter was furnished with a rough estimate
of the proportions of the deceased and, with plane and saw,
he soon shaped a coffin out of bass wood boards. This was

84 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY. ,

stained on the outside or covered with a cheap cloth, and,
with plain iron handles as its only adornment, it was ready
for the corpse. It was not until well on into the nineteenth
century that rough boxes were brought into general use.
The funeral service was held at the residence of the deceas-
ed, after which a silent procession was formed and accom-
panied the remains to the grave, and in the winter season
the silence 'was intensified by removing the bells from the
horses and sleighs. The general regret over the loss of the
deceased was measured by the length of the funeral proces-
sion. In some neighborhoods there were public graveyards,
as a rule in the rear of the church ; but in many instances
a plot was selected on the old homestead, generally a sandy
knoll, where a grave could be easily dug and there would be
little likelihood of a pool of water gathering in the bottom.
In such a lonely sp.ot were laid the remains of many of our
ancestors with a wooden slab at the head of the grave.
Upon this was painted a brief epitaph and a favorite quota-
tion from Holy Writ. In time the lettering yielded to the
ravages of the weather, the paint was washed away, the
board rotted and the fence surrounding the reservation, if
such there was, was broken down by the cattle. Either a
careless posterity neglected to remove the remains or renew
the wooden marker by a more enduring monument, until
sentiment ceased to play its part in the respect to the mem-
ory of the dead, the farm was sold with no reservation and
the plough and harrow soon removed the only visible trace
of the last resting place of some who in their time played
important parts in shaping the destiny of our province.

THE COURT OF REQUESTS.

When the Loyalists first settled in Upper Canada they
were in reality within the jurisdiction of the French speak-
ing province of Quebec ; but there was no attempt to apply
the code of that province to the new arrivals. The ad-
ministration of justice was left in the hands of the officers
in charge of the various bands. There were no judges, no
lawyers and no regularly established courts. The people
were too busy to devote much time to litigation ; but when
differences did arise one or both of the interested parties
would appeal to the nearest officer. He may or may not
have had any knowledge of the civil law or experience in
adjusting legal disputes. Martial law was the order of the
day ; but not that martial law that prevails in times of
war when the severest penalties are meted out for trifling
offences. The officer who undertook to mediate between the
contending parties was not hampered by hair-splitting pre-
cedents or long established forms of procedure. He was
supposed to administer the British law, but in effect he
simply endeavored to apply the golden rule and made the
best use he could of his common sense. For a little over
four years this practice was continued and so far as is
known substantial justice was done by those who thus acted
as arbitrators between the contending parties.

On the 24th of July, .1788, Lord Dorchester, Governor
of Quebec, issued a proclamation dividing the newly settled
territory into four districts. That portion lying between
the Gananoque and Trent rivers was called the district of
Mecklenburgh1. He evidently thought it was time to do
away with the primitive method, that had served its pur-
pose very well, and to organize a regular system of courts.
He accordingly established in each district a Court of
Common Pleas, presided over by one judge, attended by a
sheriff and the other necessary officers. In the opinion of
Lord Dorchester the first prerequisite for the man on the
bench was uprightness. The legal qualification was a
secondary matter. The commission for the first judge of
Mecklenburgh was sent to the Rev. John Stuart, who is
affectionately remembered as the Father of the Church of
England in Upper Canada. He was a scholarly gentleman,
a graduate of Philadelphia College, and a regularly or-
dained priest, but he had no legal training. He returned
the commission and declined the appointment, which was
tendered to, and accepted by Richard Cartwright, a stern,
dignified, educated business man, but possessing no profes-

36 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

sional experience qualifying him for the important position.
His was the only court in the district, and from his de-
cisions there was practically no appeal. He was given a
free hand, and while he was inclined to be severe in dealing
with criminals, yet he acquired the enviable reputation of
being an expeditious, just and fearless judge.

It was not until 1792 when the first provincial parlia-
ment of Upper Canada met at Niagara, that trial by jury
was established. The draftsman of this the second act
placed upon the Statute books of our Province waxed
eloquent in the preamble and described this highly prized
privilege as "one of the chief benefits to be attained |by a
free constitution." Up to this time there was no simple
provision for the collection of small debts, and the absence
of such a court placed a premium upon the dishonest deal-
ings of a debtor who borrowed a few shillings and refused
to return them, or made no effort to pay his small debts.
To overcome this evil a statute was passed at this first
session, establishing Courts of Requests, for the recovery
of debts up to forty shillings. In 1816 the jurisdiction was
extended to five pounds, where the amount was acknow-
ledged by the signature of the defendant or established by
a witness other than the plaintiff.

It was by the act declared to be lawful for any two or
more justices of the peace acting within the respective
limits of their commissions to hold a court of justice on
the first and third Saturday in every month at some place
fixed within their respective divisions. These divisions were
arranged by the justices assembled in their General Quarter
Sessions, and in so doing they adhered as far as practicable
to the municipal boundaries. The act provided a schedule
of fees to be collected, but everything else was left for the
justices to work out for themselves. They appointed their
own officers, deviled their own forms, and laid down their
own method of procedure. One of the divisions of this
district was composed of the townships of Amherst Island
and Ernesttown, including the Village of Bath2.

There lies before the writer an old and well thumbed
book coming from the custody of Mr. F. W. Armstrong,
Division Court Clerk at Bath, and entitled "Records of the
Court of Requests, Bath". It is filled from cover to cover,
300 pages in all, with brief records of the cases tried from
the 5th of June, 1819, to the 3rd of June, 1826. We learn
from these public enquiries into the misfortunes or short-
comings of the residents of these townships of a century
a#o that no less than 1600 claims of £5 or less were ad-
judicated upon by this court within the period covered
by those old records. Inside the front cover we find a
memorandum in the handwriting of Benjamin Fairfield,

THE COURT OF REQUESTS. 37

informing us that the book was purchased for twelve shill-
ing's and sixpence by Matthew Clark, Isaac Fraser, Robert
Williams and Benjamin Fairfield3. These frur justices
were quite regular at the bi-monthly sittings, but we, from
time to time, find Thomas Empey, John Carscallen, Colin
McKenzie and Wm. J. McKay taking part in the proceed-
ings, and less frequently still a few other county justices
appear upon the bench.

From the imposing array of esquires presiding over this
court, the reader is likely to form an erroneous conception
of the dignity of the tribunal. If he has pictured to him-
self a procession of portly and wise looking gentlemen
entering a crowded court room and taking their places
upon an elevated platform, while the crier commands order
and attention from the admiring audience, he is far astray
in his mental reconstruction of the old Court of Requests,
and will have to revise his conception of

"The justice

"In fair round belly, with good capon lined,
"With eyes severe, and beard of formal cut,
"Full of wise saws and modern instances."

The old justices of the peace may have commanded the
respect of their neighbors, for as a rule they were among
the most respectable and law abiding citizens in the com-
munity ; but their courts were of the most unpretentious
character.

There was no public hall in which to meet, so the court
was held in a private house, and it is not at all likely that
the best room and furniture were set apart for the purpose.
At the appointed hour the justices arrived and took their
places behind a deal table in the kitchen or dining i room of
an ordinary village or farm house. The low ceiling and the
crowded room were not likely to contribute to the comfort
of those taking part in the proceedings.

It not infrequently happened that as many as fifteen
cases were disposed of at a session, and it is not at all
improbable that the justices, suitors and witnesses would
number fifty or more individuals. It is doubtful if there
was a single room in any private house in the township
capable of accommodating so many for any length of time
without becoming unbearable.

There was no clerk of the court to issue the processes
and keep the records, but all of the clerical work was done
by the justices themselves. A claimant desiring to com-
mence proceedings against his debtor would go to the
justice of his choice and obtain a summons. The form of
summons adopted conveyed very little information to the

38 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

defendant as to the nature of the claim. The following is
copy of one found in the old book of records :—

Court of Requests
Midland District )

County of Addington ) You John Clark

to wit )

are hereby commanded to be and appear before the com-
missioners of His Majesty's Court of Requests held at
Peter Davy's house in the Town of Bath on Saturday the
first day of September next at ten o'clock in forenoon to
answer the demand of George Ham & Co. in a plea of debt
of the value of five pounds or under Lawful money of this
province which they claim for value received, Herein fail
not at your peril.

To any bailiff in )

the Court of Requests )

Sgd. A. B. Hawke, C.C.R.
Given under my hand this
23rd day of August, 1819

The subpoenas in use were as simple and to the point,
as appears from the following :—

Court of Requests
Midland District )

County of Addington )

to wit ) You Adam Van Vincle

are hereby summoned and required to be and appear in
your own proper person (all excuses laid aside) before the
Commissioners of His Majesty's Court of Requests held at
Peter Davy's House in the town of Bath on Saturday, the
eighteenth day of August at ten o'clock in the forenoon to
testify what you know in a case depending between John
Sharp plaintiff and Peter Ham defendant on the part of the
plaintiff. Herein fail not, under the penalty of forty shill-
ings Current money of the Province.
Bath 9th August 1819

Sgd. George Ham C.C.R.

THE COURT OF REQUESTS.

The initials after the signature of the justice issuing
the process stand for "Commissioner of the Court of Re-
quests."

The entries in the book were made by the justices in
turn and as it was passed on from one to another the
recipient acknowledged his responsibility for preserving the
records for the ensuing three months, by making a mem-
orandum to that effect upon a page of the book set apart
for that purpose. This plan resembles the course of pro-
cedure adopted by the man who borrowed a sum of money
from his neighbor, filled out and signed a promissory note
and placed it in his own pocket book to remind himself of
his indebtedness. The following are copies of a few of these
entries :—

"Colin McKenzie, Esquire has taken the Court Record
this day to keep the same and enter the judgments, etc.,
for three months. 5th of June 1824."

"Benjamin Fairfield Esquire has taken this record of
the proceedings of the Court of Requests to keep and enter
the judgments etc., for three months from this date. Sep-
tember 13th, 1824."

"Isaac Fraser Esq. has taken Record of the Court of
Requests from this period 5th February 1825 to keep three
months."

The records themselves were as brief as possible, yet
they appear to preserve all the essential information that it
was necessary to keep in connection with the trials. Prac-
tically the same form appears to have been observed
throughout the entire period. The (following is a copy of
the record of the proceedings of the first court entered in
this interesting old book :—

At a Court of Requests held at Abel P. Forward's in
Bath 5th June 1819.

Present ; Matthew Clark,

Robert Williams, )
Benjamin Fairfield, ) Esqrs.
Thomas Empey, )

s d

Benjamin Bennet ) Fees 2 - 4

) Defendant 1 - 0

vs ) Judgment 2-6

Zachariah Snyder ) 5-10

The Court having heard the parties find no cause of
action and 'order the plaintiff to pay the cost taxed at
£0-5-10

40 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Gervis Worsen ) s d

) Fees 3-2

vs ) Judgment 2-6

)

Benj. Booth ) 5-8

The defendant not appearing and the plaintiff producing
a note for the amount of £1-11-2 the court do order the
defendant to pay the said sum of £1-11-2 with cost of
suit taxed at £0-5-8

s d

Michael Percy ) Fees 2 - 6

) Subp 2 - 4

vs ) oath 1 - 0

) witness 2-6

Outer Cork ' ) judgment 2-6

10-10

The Court having heard the partys and evidence do
order the defendant to pay the plaintiff five shilling's with
costs of suit, taxed at £0 - 10 - 10.

s d

George H. Dutler ) Fees 4 -10

) ajurnment 1-0

v ) oath 1 - 0

) evidence

John Clark ) subpoena 2-5

This action ajurned until the next court.

Samuel Nelson

s d
Fees 3 - 0

,)
Isac Chadwick )

The defendant came forward and acknowledged himself
indebted to the plaintiff the sum of fifteen shillings which
sum the Court do order the defendant to pay with cost of
sute taxt at three shilling.

s d

George McGin ) 2 sub 5-6

) 2 witnesses 5-0

v ) 2 oaths 2 - 0

) judgment 2-6

Isaac Hough )

15-0

The court having heard the parties and witnesses do
order the defendant to pay the Plaintiff 15 - 6 with cost of
suit taxed at £0 - 15 - 0.

THE COURT OP REQUESTS. 41

Anthony Lake ) s d

) Fees 2 -10

v ) Judgment 2-6

James Lake ) 5-4

The court having- heard the partys find no cause of

action an order the plaintif to pay the costs taxed at
£0-5-4.

John Snyder 7th concession )

) s d

vs ) Fee 2-6

)
John Cumstock )

adjourned to the 19th inst.

s d
David Bowman ) 2 summons &

) service

vs ) subp

) adjm

Johnston Hawley •& ) 2 oaths

Andrew Hawley )

adjourned to the 19th inst. 17 - 0

s d

Samuel Nelson ) summons 0-6

) 2 oaths 2 - 0

vs ) judgment 2-6

\ _

Allen Leyman ) 5-0

The Plaintiff having affirmed to the serving a summons'
the summons & producing an acct and affirming to the
truth of it the court do order the defendant to pay the
sum of £1-10-0 with cost of suit taxed at £0-5-0.

Isac Hough ) s d

) Fees 3 - 0

v ) adjournment 1-0

Benj. Van winkle ) 4-0
adjourned to the 19th inst.

s d

William Magmnis ) Fees 2-6

) oath 1 - 0

vs ) judgment 2-6

) -

Margaret Hartman ) 6-0

42 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

In default the defendant not appearing and the plaintiff
producing- an account and swearing to the truth of it to
the amount of £1-0-0 the court do order the defendant
to pay the same with cost of suit taxed at £0-6-0.

Thus through the three hundred pages the record con-
tinues with very slight variations in the wording of the
various entries. It will be observed that in many instances
the costs exceed the amount recovered and in one case the
costs are more than double the debt. In only one instance
does any extraneous matter find a place in the book, and
it might be difficult to trace the connection between the
proceedings of the Court and these extraordinary entries,
which are as follows :—

"July 7th, 1820"

"Clarissa Fairfield Dr

to 3 gallons whisky per Mr. Rose

£0 - 10 - 6"

"Calvin Wheeler Dr

to 5£ gallons whisky"

Whiskey at three shillings and six pence a gallon would
to-day be quite as startling as a private entry of a sale of
the intoxicant among the records of the court proceedings.

Many an award has been set aside by proving that the
arbitrator was so related to one of the parties that there
was a reasonable probability of his being prejudiced in
favor of or against him and no judge in our day would
think of taking part in any trial if there was the faintest
suspicion of his being even remotely connected with any of
the parties to the action. The old justices in the Court of
Requests do not appear to have been moved by any such
considerations. For instance on the 4th September, 1819,
the justices upon the bench were according to the record,
Matthew Clark, Robert Williams, Benj. Fairfteld and Isaac
Fraser, and the plaintiff in the first case that came before
them was none other than the same Benj. Fairfield, and the
entry of the judgment in the old book is in his handwrit-
iog. It might be urged in extenuation of this particular
offence that the defendant appeared in court and acknow-
ledged his indebtedness ; but we observe that in another
case tried before the same justices on the same day, the
same Benj. Fairfield obtained judgment against another
defendant who does not appear to have been in court. He
was not the only offender in this respect. Several other
justices from time to time appear in the double role of
judge and suitor, and in every such instance there were
two or more other justices present ; so that it could not
be urged in their defence that it was necessary for them to

THE COURT OP REQUESTS.

take their places upon the bench in order that the proceed-
ings of the court might be carried on.

The 17th of March, 1827, appears to have been a record
day for the court which met at Peter Davy's, at Bath.
There must, have been a celebration or some other special
attraction on hand ; as no less than ten justices answered
to the roll call. A perusal of the names of those present,
however, would not lead one to conclude that they .would
be particularly interested in any program commemorating
the death of St. Patrick. They appear to have conducted
their proceedings with more expedition than customary, for
out of twenty-four cases upon the docket no less than ten
were adjourned and four were' dismissed.

What strikes the reader as quite remarkable in compari-
son with present day practice, is the large number. of
promissory notes taken in settlement of small accounts.
Hundreds of these written promises were produced in this
court, many of them for amounts under five shillings. That
they were given in the ordinary course of business is quite
evident as many of the plaintiffs producing them were
general merchants in Bath. The explanation may be found
in the statute extending the jurisdiction of the court from
claims of forty shillings to those of five pounds, but only
in cases where the amount was acknowledged by the
signature of the defendant or could be established by
evidence other than that of the plaintiff. In order to avail
themselves of the increased jurisdiction, merchants and
others acquired the habit of taking promissory notes and
soon learned that it was the simplest method of establish-
ing beyond any doubt the balance due upon an account.

Imperfect as they were the Courts of Request served
an useful purpose as is shewn by the fact that this parti-
cular one provided a simple and effective means of annually
disposing of two hundred and fifty or more claims, which
otherwise would have remained unsettled, unless the liti-
gants had resorted to the cumbersome and more expensive
procedure of the higher courts. In 1833 the jurisdiction
was extended to £10. This was a move in the right
direction, but at the same time another radical change
was introduced which proved a serious blunder. The
justices had their shortcomings, and the fact that the
personel of those presiding was ever varying was regarded
as a hindrance to the successful working of the system.
The legislature sought to remedy this by appointing
regular commissioners for each division, and as the coveted
appointments were bestowed upon political favorites, the
evils too frequently attending such preferments, crept into
the proceedings of these courts. The old justices from time
immemorial sought to maintain the traditions of country

44 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

"Squires". They had many failings, it is true, but upon
the whole they rendered excellent service, and the public
felt that there was safety in numbers. The newly appointed
commissioners assumed their duties at a time when the
Family Compact was making itself particularly obnoxious
to the ordinary citizen, and in no part of the province was
its- autocratic rule resented more bitterly than in the Vill-
age of Bath, the home of Marshall Spring Bidwell4. It
may be that in the violent opposition to everything
emanating from the government of the, day that many
charges were preferred against the commissioners which
could not be substantiated. The outcry was so pronounced
that in 1839 a commission was issued to investigate the
whole subject, and if practicable to devise a better means
for the collection of small debts. The result was the
introduction of our present system of Division Courts by
the passing of 4 and 5 Victoria, Chapter 3. This has been
amended from time to time, and the jurisdiction extended
and extensive but simple rules of procedure adopted. When
these courts were first introduced, each District Court
Judge was authorized to lay down rules governing the
practice in the courts under his jurisdiction. The following
are the first rules regulating the procedure in the Division
Courts of the Midland District :—

Midland District.

It is ordered by virtue of the powers vested in me by
the Statute 4th & 5th Victoria Chapter 3, for making
rules and regulations for regulating the practice and pro-
ceedings of the Division Courts in the Midland District and
for establishing forms to be used therein ;

First — That the form of summons prescribed by the Act
be altered, by leaving out the word "account" and using
instead thereof the word "'demand" and by leaving out the
whole of the clause referring to a notice of special defence
after the word "statute" and using instead thereof the
words "you must give to the plaintiff or leave at usual
place of abode notice thereof in writing three days least
before the said - - day of "

Second— That all precepts or warrants against goods
(except those issued under the 55th and 56th sections of
the Act) shall be issued signed and sealed by the clerk and
be tested in the name of the Judge and that the form
thereof in the Act be altered by omitting all the words

after "peril" and adding the words "witness

Esquire, Judge this - - day of •

in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
- and by his order

A. B.
clerk of the said Division Court."

THE COURT OP REQUESTS. 45

Third— That on every proceeding required by a defend-
ant such fees as are not set down in the schedule to the
act or which shall be set down in any schedule of reduced
fees for such proceeding shall be paid in the first instance
by the defendant on or before such proceeding.

Fourth — That the expenses to be allowed to witnesses
be as follows, viz :

For their attendance s2-d6 per die

To witnesses residing more than five miles from the
place where the Court is holden an allowance in addition
of 3c per mile for each mile over five miles travelled in
going to the court without any charge of mileage for re-
turn.

Fifth— That when the defendant intends to set off any
debt or demand the notice thereof under the act 4th and
5th Victoria Chap. 3, sec.. 37 shall state the particulars
and items of such debt or demand.

Sixth— That when the plaintiff s'hall in accordance with
the 40th section of the act signify to the clerk his intention
to proceed for the remainder of his demand the clerk shall
make an entry of such signification in the book where the
entry of issue of the summons was made and if such signi-
fication be made after the rising of the court for which
such summons was issued the cause shall be tried at the
next court and be put at the top of that list to which it
may belong according to the 31 section of the act.

Seventh — That the following be the form of summons
for the jury : —

"The Division Court of the Midland District

To A. B.

You are hereby summoned to be and appear at the

sittings of the said court to be holden at on

the day of at

of the clock in the noon to serve as

a juror and not to depart the court without leave.

Dated the day of

in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
forty.

By the court

A. B.

Clerk"

To the late Chief Justice Draper, who at the time, was
Attorney-General of Canada is due the honor of having
devised and introduced before the Legislative Assembly the
original Division Courts Act, which is substantially the
same as the Act in force to-day. This court has been
designated "The Poor Man's Court" ; and so it is, inas-

40 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

much as it provides a cheap and simple means for adjust-
ing small claims. If I were to pass any adverse criticism
upon the practical working out of the system it would be
in respect to the judgment summons. When compared with
the procedure in the higher, or if you please, "rich man's
courts", there is an unfair discrimination against the poor
man. From his paltry earnings of a few dollars a week he
may be ordered to pay so much each month to his judg-
ment creditor, and if he fails to comply with the terms of
this order he may be committed to gaol. This harsh
provision is defended upon the ground that he is not im-
prisoned for debt but for contempt of court in not complying
with the terms of the order. This is too nice a distinction.
There is nothing analogous to it in our County and
Supreme Courts. The result is that the dishonest debtor,
who has defrauded his creditors out of thousands of
dollars, may be in possession of a handsome income and be
immune from attack ; while his poorer neighbor may be
serving a term in gaol because he neglected to pay his
grocer a dollar a week.

APPENDIX.

1. By this proclamation of Lord Dorchester the terri-
tory comprised in what afterwards became Upper Canada
was divided into four districts, as follows : — Luneburg com-
posed of that territory east of the Gananoque river,
Mecklenburg, from the Gananoque to the Trent, Nassau
from the Trent to a line running north and south through
the extreme projection of Long Point on Lake Erie and
Hesse, that portion of the province west of the last men-
tioned line. At the first session of the first parliament of
Upper Canada these districts were renamed respectively the
Eastern, Midland, Home and Western districts. It is
interesting to observe that in the proclamation above re-
ferred to, the names of the first two of these districts were
spelled "Luneburg" and "Mecklenburg" respectively, and in
the statute of 1792 the same were spelled "Lunenburgh"
and "Mecklenburgh".

2. When the justices in their Quarter Sessions first
established the Courts of Request in the Midland District
there were only five divisions in the entire district as
follows :—

Division No. 1, composed of the townships of Kingston
and Pittsburgh.

Division No. 2, composed of the townships of Amherst

Island, Ernesttown and Camden.

THE COURT OF REQUESTS. 47

Division No. 3, composed of Fredericksburgh and Rich-
mond.

Division No. 4, composed of Adolphustown and Sophias-
burgh.

Division No. 5, composed of Ameliasburgh, Sidney and
Thurlow.

At the present time this same territory including of
course, the rear townships, is served by no less than
thirty-six Division Courts.

3. Three out of four of these justices were, during- some
portion of the period covered by the old records, members
of the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada. Matthew
Clark was elected as a representative of Lennox and
Aldington in 1823, after the expulsion of Barnabas Bidwell
from the house. His parliamentary career was cut short,
as the same forces that drove Bidwell from public life
appealed against his election upon a mere technicality, and
he was unseated.

Isaac Fraser was elected in 1817 as a supporter of the
Family Compact and continued to represent the riding
until 1820. He was a hard-headed and thoroughly con-
scientious Presbyterian, but saw nothing improper in
securing for himself the appointment of Registrar for
Lennox and Addington, the first one to hold the office in
the county. Prior to his appointment the records were kept
in the city, then town, of Kingston. He built a small
stone building at Millhaven, which was used exclusively for
the purpose. A picture of this the first registry office in
the district outside of Kingston, appeared in Volume V. of
the publications of the Lennox and Addington Historical
Society. He held the office until his death in 1858.

Benjamin Fairfield was also a member of the Legisla-
tive Assembly from 1812 to 1816, and likewise filled the
position of Registrar of Lennox and Addington from
March, 1818, to February, 1819.

In the reminiscences of John Collins Clark, published
in this volume, will be found several comments upon the
Fairfield family. There is also reproduced herewith a
photograph of the old Fairfield residence still standing on
the bay shore at Bath. It is doubtful if there is a more
typical or better preserved house of the early U. E. L.
period in the province. This building was erected in 1796,
and with proper care bids fair to stand for another cen-
tury. The main timbers are of solid oak, the lumber
entering into its construction was sawed by hand, and the
nails were made by the village blacksmith. In its day it
was among the handsomest 'houses in the district, and its
beautiful location makes it still one of the most attractive

48 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

homes on the shores of the bay. For generations following
the event, the descendants recalled with pride the gay
festivities which marked the house warming of the old
building. As several of the guests came in their lumber
wagons from Kingston, a distance of eighteen miles, over
roads little better than a modern trail through an undrain-
ed woods, the entertainment that awaited them was
worthy of the occasion. For three days the tables groaned
under their burden, and for three successive nights the
fiddles screached, and the dancers made merry.

St. John's Church at Bath, a picture of which is also
shewn herewith, was erected three years earlier than the
Fairfield residence, and bears many traces of belonging to
the same period. This church has been in continuous use
for one hundred and twenty-two years, and we have yet to
learn of any other in the province of Ontario to equal it.
This building rests upon a well built stone foundation, and
the timbers in the frame are said to have been cut from
the lot upon which the church stands. As originally
erected in 1793, it was 30x48, but an extension of twelve
feet was added to the length in 1844, thereby increasing
the dimensions to 30x60. The joists are from three to four
feet apart and will average about 'ten inches in diameter,
and some of the boards in the lower floor are fifteen inches
wide. The rafters in the older portion are of oak squared
to four or five inches with an adze and fastened by wooden
pins. Those in the extension are made from heavy plank.
The original entrance was in the centre of the south side,
but in 1837 this was walled up and two doors were placed
in the west end, corresponding with the two aisles within.
There they remained for forty years. In 18<77 the seating
arrangement was changed, new pews were installed which
called for one wide centre aisle and two narrow side aisles.
To meet this new order of things a door was cut in the
centre and the two small windows, as shown in the photo-
graph, took the place of the doors. In 1829 a "singers'
pew" was built in the western gable at the base of the
tower, and was lighted by the window over the entrance.

4. Marshall Spring Bidwell was not a Canadian by
birth, but came to Bath with his father about the year
1811 ; yet we may fairly claim him as a Lennox and
Addington boy. He was a noble character, and the kind of
man who would come to the front in any sphere of life. In
the face of strenuous opposition he was returned to the
Legislative Assembly as the representative of this county
in 1824. He was a young man, only twenty-five years of
age ; yet he held his seat for thirteen consecutive years,
during four of which he was Speaker of the House. He was

Marshall Spring Bidwell

Promissory Notes, Free Holders Bank

THE COURT OF REQUESTS. 49

uncompromising in his attacks upon the Family Compact,
and was finally driven from the country by the stubborn
and hot-headed Governor, Sir Francis Band Head. He
went to New York, where he became the leader of the bar,
and died in 1872, universally respected.

Many well merited eulogies have been passed upon him,
but none more eloquent than his own words as contained
in a hitherto unpublished letter from the collection of Mr.
C. M. Warner. He had sacrificed a lucrative practice in
Kingston, and although guiltless, had left his home and
friends under a dark cloud of suspicion. At the time of
writing he was alone in a great city with no immediate
prospect for the future ; yet not one word of reproach has
he for those who had so cruelly wronged him. His kind
and sympathetic nature manifested itself in his enquiries
about the young man he was anxious to help, and in his
touching reference to the grief of his friend. The letter
reads as follows :—

New York, 2 January, 1838.
My Dear Sir :—

I have been here for a fortnight, and expected to have
visited Washington before this time ; otherwise I should
sooner have written you. This expectation I can no longer
entertain.

I 'have left Upper Canada, forever, at the request of Sir
Francis Head, to whom I have given a written pledge not
to return. I was not implicated in the recent revolutionary
movement ; but was an object of suspicion on account of
my political opinions, & supposed influence.

I have felt anxious to see you about John Hunt. And
I had been intending to write you about his future pros-
pects & situation. I shall not have the means of keeping
him longer at school. I do not know what I shall do, or
where I shall go ; and my limited resources may soon be
exhausted. Mr. Brainerd has written my sister since I left
Toronto that John had taken charge of a school. This, I
learn from a letter which she wrote Mrs. Bidwell who is at
St. Croix, & which, coming into my hand, I opened and
read, not having received any letters myself from home.

What is to be done about him '? I wish you would
write me on the subject. A letter addressed to me here to
the care of Francis Hall, Esquire, Editor of the Commercial
Advertiser, will be handed to me or forwarded to me if I
should be absent.

I have sympathized with you most sincerely in your
recent trial and should have written immediately and ex-
pressed my condolence, if I had not felt that your grief
was too sacred to be disturbed even by the utterance of

50 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

sincere sympathy. I can participate in your feelings more
readily because I have for years been in a state of tremb-
ling anxiety about Mrs. Bidwell's health. Hitherto the
Lord has been better than my fear and has spared her
for my comfort, but her condition has been such that I
have felt that she was a blessing which was continued at
His good pleasure alone and preserved only by His Mercy.
Happy was I to learn that amidst your great & sore trial
you ha-d precious & inestimable consolation, and that
your's is not the "sorrow without hope".

1 suppose Cousin Emily is with you. If so, be pleased
to remember me to her most affectionately. If I should
ever get settled in my native1 land, I hope to see her at my
hou'se.

I am, dear Sir,

James Lamed, Esq.

Your friend & faithful servant,
Marshall S. Bidwell.

I should be glad to hear all about Mr. Hunt's children
—where they are &c.

INDEX.

Page

Addington, County of 38

Adolphustown, Township of 29, 47

Albert, Solomon 33

Algonquins, The. 23

Amelia'sburgh, Township of 47

Amherst Island 7, 46

Anglicans, The 24

Armstrong, F, W 36

Aylesworth, George Anson 5

Bangs, Pioneer preacher 26

Bath 7, 18, 29, 36, 38, 43

Bell, Dick 33

Bennett, Benjamin 39

Bid well, Barnabas 47

Bidwell, Marshall Spring 44, 48, 50

Booth, Ben j 40

Bowman, David 41

Brainerd, Mr 49

Burrows, Frederick 4, 5

Camden, Township of 46

Canada 23

Carrying Place 18

Carnahan Bay 26

Carscallen, John 37

Cartwright, Richard........ 35

Case, Rev. William 26

Casey, Thomas W 5

Catnip 31

Chadwick, Isac 40

Chalmer's Creek 26

Checkley, Edwin R 4, 5

Ohristinals, The 23

Church of England 35

Clark, John 38, 40

Clark, John Collins 47

Clark, Matthew... 37, 39, 42, 47

Clergy Reserves k 27

Commercial Advertiser 49

Common Pleas in Upper Canada, Court of 29, 35

Constitutional Act 28

Cork, Outer 40

County Council 20

County Courts 46

Cumstock, John . 41

52 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Daly, James 4

Davy, B. C 5

Davy, Peter 38, 45

Division Court Clerk 36

Division Courts 47

Documentary History of Education in Upper Canada 23

Dorchester, Lord 35, 46

Draper, Chief Justice 45

Dutler, George H 40

Eastern District 46

Empey, Thomas 37, 39

English, The 23

English Church ^ • 22

Erie, Lake 46

Ernesttown, Township of 46

Esquimalts, The 23

Etechemins, The 23

Fairfield, Benjamin 36, 37, 39, 42, 47

Fairfield, Clarissa 42

FairfieH Residence 47, 48

Family Compact .....44, 47

Flach, Ulysses J 4

Florida : 23

Forward, Abel P 39

Forward, Mrs. H. T 4

Fraser, Isaac 37, 39, 42, 47

Fredericksburgh, Township of 22, 47

Frontenac, Steamer 7

Gananoque River 35, 46

General Sessions, Court of 20

General Quarter Sessions, Court of 29, 36

Gi'bbard, John 4

Glenora 26

Grange, Mrs. Alexander W 4

Hagerman, Nicholas 29

Hall, Francis 49

Halliwell, Township of 22

Ham & Co., George 38

Ham, George 38

Ham, Peter 38

Hartman, Margaret 41

Hawke, A. B ' 38

Hawley, Andrew 41

Hawley, Geo. D 4

Hawley, Mrs. John Perry 5

INDEX. 53

Hawley, Johnston 41

Hay Bay 26, 29

Head, Sir Francis Bond 49

Herring-ton, Walter S., K.C 4, 5

Hesse, District of 46

Home District... ' 46

Hough, Isaac ..40, 41

Hunt, John .- 49

Hurons, The ; 23

Iroquois 23

Jarvis, Rev. Canon 4, 5

Keeler, Pioneer preacher 26

Kempt, Sir James, Steamer 18

King-, Solomon 32

Kingston 18, 22, 29, 47, 48, 49

Kingston, Township of 46

Lake, Anthony 41

Lake, James 41

Law Society of Upper Canada 29

Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada 24, 45, 47, 48

Lennox and Addington 47, 48

Lennox and Addington Historical Society 47

Leonard, Raymond A.? 4

Leyman, Allen 41

Lochhead, J. S 5

Long Point 46

Louisiana 23

Loyalists, United Empire

8, 11, 19, 21, 24, 27, 29, 30, 35, 47

Luneburg, District of...., 46

Lunenburgh, District of 46

Macdonal'd, Rev. Alexander 4

Madden, Pioneer preacher 26

Maginnis, William 41

Mary Ann's Creek 26

Mecklenburg, District of 46

Mecklenburgh, District of 46

Methodists 24, 25, 26, 29

Midland District 38, 44, 46

Millhaven.. 47

Mississippi 23

Montreal 23

McGin, George . 40

54 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

McKay, Wm. J 37

McKenzie, Colin 37, 39

Nassau, District of 46

Nelson, Samuel 40, 41

New Britain 23

New England 23

New France 23

New Mexico 23

New York , 49

Niagara 36

North America 23

Old Mexico 23

Ontario Historical Society 4, 7

Ontario, Lake 7

Ontario, Province of 7, 30, 48

Osgoode Hall 29

Parliament 19

Paul, William J., M.P 4

Perch Cove 26

Percy, Michael 40

Philadelphia College 35

Pickett, Pioneer preacher 26

Pittsburgh, Township of 46

"Poor Man's Court, The" 45

Presbyterians, The 24

Prescott 18

Prince Edward, County of 22

Purdy, Samuel 18

Quarter Sessions 46

Quebec, Province of 19, 35

Quebec, Town of 23

Quinte, Bay of 26, 28, 29

Requests, Court of 20, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 42, 43

Richmond 33, 47

Robinson, John W 4

Ryan, Pioneer preacher 26

Sharp, John 38

Sidney, Township of 47

Simcoe, Governor 19

Snyder, John 41

Snyder, Zacariah , 39

Sophiasburgh, Township of 47

St. Croix < 49

INDEX. 55

St. John's Church, Bath 48

St. Lawrence River 23

St. Patrick 43

Stein, Paul 5

Stuart, Rev. John 22, 35

Supreme Courts 45

Tadousac 23

Thomson, John 5

Thurlow, Township of....'. 47

Trent, River 35, 46

Upper Canada 19, 25, 35, 36, 46, 47, 49

United States 25

VanVincle, Adam 38

Vanwinekle, Benj 41

Warner, Clarance M 4, 5, 49

Welier, Asa 18

Weller, William 18

Western District 46

Wheeler, Calvin 42

Williams, Robert 37, 39, 42

Wilson, Uriah 4

Worden, Gervis 40

York . 18

CHARLES CANNIFF JAMES,
LL.D., C.M.G.

Born at Napanee, June 14, 1863.
Died June 23, 1916.

JOHN SOLOMON CARTWRIGHT.

MARSHALL SPRING BIDWELL.

GEO. H. DETLOR.

PETER PERRY.

Candidates for the County of Lennox and Addington for Election to the
Legislative Assembly, 1836.

LENNOX AND ADDINGTON
HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

PAPERS AND RECORDS

VOLS. VII £» VIII.

(DOUBLE NUMBER.)

"THE CONSTITUTIONAL DEBATE IN THE
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF 1836"

WITH INTRODUCTION

By WILLIAM RENWICK RIDDELL
LL.D., F.R. Hist., etc.

, * (>,J+

PRICE, 40 CENTS.

NAPANEE, ONTARIO.

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY.

1916.

PRINTED AT THE BEAVER OFFICE.

CONTENTS.

Page

Chronology 4

Officers , 4

Publications of the Society 4

Preface _ ..;... 5

Introduction by William Renwick Riddell, LL.D., F.R. Hist.

Soc., <3?c 7

Debate... .. 19

ILLUSTRATIONS
The late C. C. James, LL.D.. C.M.G Frontispiece

Candidates for the County of Lennox <£> Addington

for election to the Legislative Assembly, 1836.... Frontispiece

CHRONOLOGY.

Society Organized May 9th, 1907

Constitution Adopted June llth, 1907

First Open Meeting Oct. 25th, 1907

Affiliated with Ontario Historical Society March 31st, 1908

PAPERS AND RECORDS PUBLISHED.

Vol. I. Chronicles of Napanee June 12th, 1909

Vol. II. Early Education Sept. 19th, 1910

Vol. III. The Casey Scrap Books (Part I) Nov. 15th, 191 1

Vol. IV. The Casey Scrap Books (Part II) June 14th, 1912

Vol. V. The Bell and Laing School Papers March 14th, 1914

Vol. VI. Pioneer Life on the Bay of Quinte, by

W. S. Herrington, K.C May 4th, 1915

OFFICERS, 1916.

Honorary President Wm. J. Paul, M.P.

President Walter S. Herrington, K.C.

Vice President Mrs. Alexander W. Grange

Sec'y-Treas Rev. A. J. Wilson, B.A.. B.D.

Executive Committee :

Dr. R. A. Leonard

Mrs. M. C. Bogart

E. R. Checkley

J. M. Root

Rev. J. H. H. Coleman, M.A.

J. W. Robinson

PREFACE

It is with no small degree of pride that the Executive Board
presents to the members of the Lennox and Addington Historical
Society this number of its publications. While our Empire is en-
gaged in a life and death struggle for the preservation of its
national ideals, it is well for us occasionally to call to mind the
part our forefathers played in securing for us the rights and
privileges which we now enjoy. Not the least among these bless-
ings is responsible Government. Among the documents presented
to our Society by the late Dr. James Canniff a few years before
he died was a pamphlet published eighty years ago containing a
verbatim report of the various addresses delivered in the Legisla-
tive Assembly of Upper Canada upon the motion for the adoption
of the report of the Select Committee appointed to deal with the
question of the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Coun-
cil. If we did nothing more than reproduce the pamphlet we
would feel that we were rendering a great service to our mem-
bers and all others reached by our publications. We are singu-
larly fortunate in being able to publish at the same time an intro-
duction from the pen of the Hon. William Renwick Riddell, LL.D.,
F. R. Hist. Soc., one of our most distinguished Judges of the
Supreme Court of Judicature for Ontario. It was originally
planned that the biographical notes upon those participating in the
debate should be written by the late Charles Canniff James,
C.M.G., LL.D., but his untimely death occurred before he was
able to prepare the manuscript. It is most regrettable that we
were unable to secure this contribution from Dr. James, who al-
ways took the deepest interest in all matters appertaining to his
native town, and on many occasions rendered our Society most
valuable assistance. No town in Ontario can boast of a nobler
son than he, who unreservedly dedicated his life to his country's
service, and at all times wisely and faithfully discharged the oner-
ous duties assumed by him. Owing rto the completeness of
Mr. Justice Riddell' s Introduction, we are still able to publish the
pamphlet in a setting of which we have just cause to be proud.

W. S. HERRINGTON,

Pres. L. <3? A. H. S.

Napanee, November 8th, 1916.

OCCASION AND CAUSES OF
THE DEBATE

WILLIAM REN WICK RIDDELL, LL.D., F. R. Hist. Soc., Etc.,
Justice of the Supreme Court of Ontario.

When the first Parliament of Upper Canada met at
Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) , Monday, September 17th,
1792, His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Colonel
John Graves Simcoe, in the Speech from th« Throne, said
to the Members of the Legislative Council and Legislative
Assembly (or House of Commons) :

"I have summoned you together under the authority of
an Act of Parliament of Great Britain passed in the last
year and which has established the British Constitution,
and also the forms which secure and maintain it in this
distant country.

The wisdom and beneficence of our Most Gracious
Sovereign and the British Parliament have been eminently
proved, not only in the imparting to us th? same form of
Government, but also in securing the benefit of the many
provisions that guard this memorable Act ; so that the
blessings of our invaluable constitution thus protected and
amplified we may hope will be extended to the remotest
posterity . . /

The British form of Government has prepared the way
for its speedy colonization" (i.e., the colonization of
Upper Canada).

Both Houses made a most loyal address in answer, that
of the Council following closely the wording of the speech
from the Throne.

In his Speech from the Throne closing this Session,
Simcoe said that the Constitution of the Province was "the
very image and transcript of that of Great Britain". (1)

From the very beginning of our national career, it has
been considered that our constitution is the very image
and transcript of that of the mother country : and no
small part of the disputes and troubles between the

(I1) The speech from the Throne and the Answers will be found in
the Seventh Report of the Bureau of Archives. Ontario. 1910. pp. 1-3 ;
Sixth Report of the Bureau of Archives, Ontario, pp. 2-3. The
closing speech is on page 11 and 18 respectively.

8 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Governors and Parliament, and between the two Houses
of Parliament arose from the contention that the British
Constitution was not followed in the government of Upper
Canada.

It will be well in the first place to define what is
meant by the "Constitution". In American law and par-
lance the Constitution is a written document expressed in
terms, more or less precise, which defines powers, lays down
rules and limitations and which may be interpreted by
Courts in all cases of difficulty. In English law and par-
i lance, the Constitution is not a written document, but it is
i the totality of the rules more or less vague upon which the
government of the people should be conducted ; in cases of
^difficulty, Parliament must decide, the Courts have no
jurisdiction in the matter.

In the American sense whatever is unconstitutional is
illegal, however right it may be ; with us what is uncon-
stitutional is wrong however legal it may be. (2)

But whenever there is a written document, be it
Statute or otherwise prescribing any proceeding, etc., etc.,
in Government, the word "unconstitutional" will in that
regard take on the American connotation.

In the case of Upper (as of Lower) Canada, the Charter
of her government is to be found in the Constitutional Act
of 1791, 31 George III., c. 31. The only part of this Act
which will be examined here is that part which deals
directly or indirectly with the Executive Council, as it is
upon the Duties and Responsibilities of the Executive
Council that the Debate now under consideration was had.
While there is in the Act, sections 2, 3, 13, 14 and 20
express provision for the summoning of Legislative Coun-
cillors and the election of Members of the Legislative
Assembly, there is no express provision for Executive
Councillors. But an Executive Council was necessarily
implied : Section 34 provided for a Court of Appeals
consisting in part of "such Executive Councillors as shall
be appointed by His Majesty for the affairs of such
Province"; section 38 authorized the Governor "with the
advice of such Executive Council as shall have been
appointed by His Majesty, his heirs or successors within
such Province" to erect Parsonages and endow them.

Outside these two sections there was no provision for
the duties of the Executive Council, and consequently the
position of the Executive Council was left very much at
large. (Section 50, indeed, gave the Governor power with
the assent of the major part of his Executive Council to
make laws for his Province before the meeting of the First

(2) See Bell v. Town ol Burlington (1915) 34 O.L.R. 619. at
PP. 621. 622. for a (Hscusrion of thi« dintinction.

DEBATE. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, APRIL 18th. 1836. 9

Parliament, such laws to remain in force till six months
after such meeting unless in the meantime repealed by
Parliament,— but this was a purely temporary provision.)
It is obvious that it might be a matter of much
honest contention, and indeed it more than once formed the
battle ground of party.

An Executive Council was in fact appointed at the
beginning of Upper Canada's separate existence and the
institution was continued without interruption.

In the Province, the House of Assembly claimed the
rights and privileges of the British House of Commons
and (speaking generally) had the claim allowed ; the Leg-
islgtive Council corresponded to the House of Lords (3)
there was nothing in the formal constitution of England
to which the Executive Council could correspond but the
Privy Council, and nothing in the informal constitution
but the Cabinet.

At the present time there is little difficulty in
determining the relative functions and powers of the
Crown, the Houses of Parliament, and the "Ministry" ;
but in 1792 it was not so easy.

At the Common Law and before the Revolution of
1688, the King did not only reign, he also governed. He
was master in theory, and in practice he was as much
and as far master as his subjects would permit without
successful armed opposition. The Revolution changed both
theory and practice, thereafter both in theory and in
practice the King must find a Minister who would take
upon himself the responsibility of the King's acts.

While this was never forgotten, the King, George III.,
in his long reign came perilously near the old practice in
some instances ; but he never failed to find a minister to
father any of his acts, however unwise. In every case the
King was considered blameless, "the King can do no
wrong," and the Minister was the culpable party. That
is Responsible Government, i.e., the Minister who is res-
ponsible for the advice to the King is responsible to the
representatives of the people in Parliament, for giving
such advice.

In the mother country, these propositions were acknow-
ledged in theory and fairly well observed in practice.

In Upper Canada, there was no resident hereditary
hoad of the State, who could do no wrong. The effective

(3) There was a very curious provision in the Act of 1791.
Section 6 authorized the Crown to annex to any hereditary title of
honour, rank or dignity conferred by Letters Patent under the1 GreaH
Seal of the Province, an hereditary right of being summoned to the
Legislative Council. This right was never exercised and this Province
fortunately escaped an hereditary second house of Parliament.

.10 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOOIKTY.

power at the head of affairs was an officer appointed for
a short term of years by the King on the advice of the
Home Administration, not to reign, but to govern ; he
had specific instructions as to many of his duties, and was
responsible to the authority which appointed him.
Unlike the King, he could do wrong ; unlike the Home
Ministry, he was responsible not to the people or their
representatives, but to an authority across the seas. It
naturally followed that those whom he appointed to carry
on the business of state were responsible to him alone and
not to Parliament ; their advice he need not seek ; if
sought and given, it might be neglected, and he could not
hide himself behind any officer or the advice of any officer.

The Constitution of Upper Canada, then, was far from
being the image and transcript of that of Great Britain.

In the early days of the Colony the inhabitants were
too much engaged in material matters, in chopping down
the forests, in clearing the land and in making a home in
the new world, to pay much attention to the theory or
indeed to the practice of government. The Governor had
Crown Lands to draw upon and other revenues, and did
much as he pleased without interference or complaint ; Par-
liament had certain taxes imposed by its own authority and
certain customs' duties, and this money was expended under
the order of Parliament. The money at the disposal of the
Governor tended rather to decrease than to increase ; that
of the Parliament had the reverse tendency, and it was
inevitable that at some time the Governor would desire to
encroach on the money of Parliament. And if money is not
the root of all evil, it is the root of most revolutions and
constitutional changes.

In 1803, the first instance on record occurred of the
Governor (Hunter) using some of the Parliament's money
without its consent ; the money was employed for useful
and necessary purposes, but in the absence of the consent
of Parliament this was unconstitutional (in our sense of
the word, i.e. legal, but not in accordance with our views
of government). Hunter continued this practice till his
death, apparently without open complaint ; but in 1806 the
matter received the serious attention of the Houses of
Parliament. On March 1st, 1806, (4) the House of Assem-
bly approved an address to Hon. Alexander Grant, the
Administrator of the Government, successor to Hunter, in

(4) The address is to found in the Eighth Report at the
Bureau at Archives for Ontario (1911) page 107 ; it seems to have
been drawn up by William Weekes. a notorious agitator who after-
wards wa» killed in a duel at Fort Niagara. N.Y.. by William
Dickson ; see an article in the Canadian Law Time* for 1915. page
726. "Th? Dwl in Early Upppr Canada."

DEBATE. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th. 183*5. 11

which it complains "that the first and most constitutional
privilege of the Commons has been violated in the applica-
tion of moneys out of the Provincial Treasury to various
purposes without the assent of Parliament or a vote of the
Commons House of Assembly. The comment on this
departure from constituted authority and fiscal establish-
ment must be more than painful to all who appreciate the
advantages of our happy Constitution and who wish their
continuance to the latest posterity ; but however studious
we may be to abstain from stricture we cannot suppress
the mixed emotions of relative condition, we feel it as the
representative of a free people, we lament it as the subjects
of a beneficent Sovereign, and we hope that you in your
relation to both will more than sympathize in so extra-
ordinary an occurrence."

It is plain that the House understood that it was not
precisely in the same case as the House of Commons at
Westminister. Had it been, it would not have abstained
from stricture, it would have vigorously assailed the
Ministry and ousted them from office ; the Ministry might
consider themselves fortunate if they escaped impeachment.
But it was recognized that the Administrator or Governor
was the sole person responsible and blamable ; and courtesy
to His Majesty's representative restrained even that House,
radical as it was. (5)

Grant temporised, and a peace was patched up. When
Gore became Governor he informed the House that the
money would be replaced. (6) The House, not to be out-
done, presented an address to Gore about a month there-
after, wherein they "beg leave to inform Your Excellency
that we have relinquished the sum of £617.13.7 paid by
the late Lieutenant Governor Hunter without the concur-
rence of the other branches of the Legislature, as we are
convinced that the same was expended for the public use
and for the benefit of this Province." (7)

No further trouble came on till after the war of 1812-
14 : everyone in the Province was too busy to raise ques-
tions concerning the Constitution.

(5) The sum was not very large— £617.13.7. ($2470.72). It is
reasonably certain that the mainspring at the objection by the House
of Assembly was the well-known Robert Thorpe. Puisne Justice of the
Court of King's Bench. Some account of Thorpe will be found in an
article "Scandalum Magnatum in Upper Canada" in the Journal of the
American Institute for Criminal Law and Criminology for May, 1918.

(6) In the speech from the Throne. February 2nd, 18O7 (Eighth
Report of the Bureau of Archives, Ontario. 1911, page 122).

(7) In an Address to His Excellency, page 175; March 7th. 1807.
The motion to abandon the claim passed by a vote of 12 to 2—
Thorpe and Ebenezer Washburn, (the Member for Prince Edward and
a life-long- Radical), voting in the negative.

12 LENNOX AND ADDIXGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

But in 1818, a new complaint was made that Gore had
expended considerable sums "in a manner obnoxious to
Constitutional proceeding," and "thereby the sense of the
country . . . over-ruled by an exercise of authority over
the public moneys wholly unconstitutional and so subser-
sive of legislative power as to call for the most serious
notice in" the House of Assembly. (8) Nothing was done
about this, as the Administrator, Samuel Smith, promptly
prorogued Parliament. (9)

But even yet there was no real movement to make the
Executive Council a Responsible Ministry ; nor did the
notorious Robert Gourlay urge this as a reform called for
by the Province. (10)

In Lower Canada there had been and continued to be a
demand on the part of the French Canadians that the
Executive Council should be responsible to the representa-
tives of the people (11) but so far the demand had no
distinct echo in the Upper Province.

From almost the very beginning of the Province there
had been one, here and there, who desired a real and
responsible Ministry, but this wish was practically inarticu-
late ; and it was not till the early part of the third
decade of the nineteenth century that it can be said that
there was a party calling for this reform. Even when the
Reform party was organized, the demand for Constitutional
Government did not recommend itself to all Reformers.
Gourlay for example jeered at it (12) and while it may be
said that it was implied in the demands of Mackenzie and
his friends, it was not at first explicitly stated.

However, before long it was manifest that the members
of this party were with few exceptions agreed that the
promise of Simcoe should be more fully implemented and
that the Executive Council should be made responsible to
the people, as was the Ministry at Westminster.

All legitimate means were taken to bring about the
change desiderated, but in vain. I do not propose here to

(8) Ninth Report of the Bureau ol Archives. Ontario (1912)
pp. 558. 599. (Under date Saturday. 28th March. 1818.)

(9) Ninth Report of the Bureau of Archives, Ontario. (1912)
pp. 564, 566 ; very appropriately on All Fools' Day, Wednesday. 1st
April, 1818.

(10) See my Life of Gourlay. just published by the Ontario
Historical Society. 1916.

(!!•) It may be that this demand was rather with a view to the
"loaves and fishes" than on constitutional grounds : that it was again
and again urged is certain.

(12, See my T.ife of Oonrlny. p. 112.

DEBATE, HOUSE OF ASSP^MBLY, APRIL 18th. 1836- 18

give an account of these efforts ; they may be read of in
the pages of Dent and Lindsey. (13)

In the course of time, Sir Francis Bond Head was sent
out as Lieutenant Governor, and it is in reference to his
claims and his conduct that this debate took place. For
some reason the Reformers believed Head to be a thorough-
going Liberal, a "tried Reformer" who would redress all
their grievances ; but they were soon to learn their
mistake.

Nobody knows why Head was appointed Governor ; he
could not even guess himself ; but there never was a person
more utterly satisfied with himself, his actions and judg-
ment than was the new Governor. Arriving in Toronto,
January 23rd, 1836, while the Parliament was in session,
he deemed it proper four days thereafter to attend Parlia-
ment in person, instead of pursuing the usual method of
sending a written Message. He told the amazed members
"I have nothing either to promise or profess," and shortly
afterwards sent Parliament a copy of his Instructions.
These Instructions made it manifest that there was to be
no Responsible Government in the true sense of the words,
but that the Governor was held responsible to the Home
authorities, not to the people of the Province. The House
of Assembly indeed had the right to remonstrate against
the conduct of the Governor, but had no control over him.

An Address passed by the House on the motion of
Mackenzie failed to draw from Head a definite answer ; he
could never be got to understand that the Reformers were
anything other than Republicans, determined to destroy all
connectio^i of the Province with the Mother Country. Still,
as there \vere only three existing Executive Councillors, it
seemed neeessary to increase the number ; and Head
thought it wise to take into the charmed circle some of the
more temperate of the Radicals.

He accordingly appointed Dr. John Rolph, and Robert
Baldwin, prominent members of the Reform Party, and
John Henry Dunn who had not taken a strong stand either
way.

It is reasonably plain that the appointments were
accepted on the understanding that Head should be govern-
ed by the advice of his Council, so that the House of
Assembly would know where to attach blame. Moreover
it was necessarily implied that if the advice of the Council
did not recommend itself to Parliament, the Councillors
would be removed, thus making a real Responsible Govern-
ment.

(13) Dent's "The Story of the Upper Canadian Rebellion", an
interesting but not wholly accurate work : Tvindsey'g '''Life of William
Lvov MneKenzie."

14 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Head never had the slightest intention of being con-
trolled by the Council or indeed by anyone. He forthwith
proceeded to make appointments which were wholly
obnoxious to the majority of the House. The Council pro-
tested, all six joining in a document in favour of what Head
calls "the republican principle of making the Lieutenant
Governor's Executive or Privy Council responsible to the
people ... a democratic principle of government which
I felt so long as the British flag waved in America, could
never be admitted." He declined to accede to the demands
of the Council ; the Council unanimously resigned, and their
resignations were accepted, March, 1836. Their conduct in
so resigning was approved by the House by a vote of 27
to 21. The correspondence between the Governor and his
Council was referred to a Committee of the House. The
Committee reported. This Debate was on the motion to
adopt the Report of the Committee, and is self-explanatory
in most instances. (14)

The Committee was composed of Peter Perry, Chair-
man, and Messrs. Morrison, Roblin, Norton and Charles
Buncombe. The Report (No. 106) is very long, taking up
with its appendices 70 foolscap-size pages in the "Appendix
to Journal of Assembly, 2nd Session, 12th Parliament,
Vol. 3."

It starts off with a reference to "the increasing
dissatisfaction which has been produced by the mal-
administration of our provincial affairs under Lieutenant
Governors Gore, Maitland and Colborne", the removal of
Colborne owing to complaints, and the appointment of a
successor, Head, "to administer the affairs of the Province
in such a way that the people should have reason to be
attached to the parent State". The lively and general
satisfaction felt on the appointment as Executive Coun-
cillors of Rolph, Baldwin and Dunn was mixed with
serious apprehension of the influence of the old Councillors.
Complaint is made that the principles of the British Con-
stitution were not put in practice as it regarded the
Council in the past, and it was plain that matters
were not bettered by the appointments of the three new
men— "the appointment of the new Councillors was a
deceitful manoeuvre to gain credit with the country for
liberal feelings and intentions where none really existed,
for it was notorious that His Excellency had really given
his confidence to, and was acting under 'the influence
of secret and unsworn advisers."

It is claimed that "the responsibility of the Governor

(14; These facts are to be found in detail in Lord Durham's
Report, Sir Franci* Bond Head's Narrative. Lindsey's Life of William
Lyon MacKenziV. the Makers of Canada Series, etc.. etc.

DEBATE. HOUSE OP ASSEMBLY, APRIL 18th. 1886. Ifi

should consist in great measure of selecting good Council-
lors and acting with their good advice" ; and that he
should in matters of patronage receive the advice of his
Council.

The necessity of an Executive Council under the Act
of 31 George III. is pointed out in opposition to the
Governor's contention. Simcoe's Speech from the Throne
is quoted, as is his speech closing the first Session of
Parliament in which he says "this Province is singularly
blessed not with a mutilated Constitution but with a
Constitution which . . . is the very image and tran-
script of that of Great Britain."

The answers made by Head to popular Addresses came
in for comment, criticism and censure ; the conclusion is
expressed that His Excellency was not so much shocked at
the doctrine contended 1'or by the Assembly as he was
averse to its practical bearing against his own arbitrary
pleasure ; and reasons are given at length for that con-
clusion.

The Report concludes "The privileges of Parliament
were not more obvious and certain or more important
than the duties and functions of the Executive Council for
the pr»ace, welfare and good government of the country,
and it only needs on the part of the people and their
representatives the same firm and constitutional exertions
to insure the same success in the present all-important
contest."

A few remarks may not be out of place : "Mr. Gourlay"
mentioned by Dr. Morrison, is the well-known Robert
(Fleming) Gourlay, the agitator malgre lui, (15) who was
banished from Upper Canada in 1819, and afterwards
adopted the title "The Banished Briton".

"Governor Preston" was Sir Robert Prescott, Governor
General of Canada : he had disputes with his Council at
Quebec concerning some land grants — he charged them with
dishonesty ; they, him with deceit and falsehood ; and he
was recalled.

"Mr. Sullivan" was Robert Baldwin Sulliven, cousin of
Robert Baldwin, a man of the highest character and
attainments, afterwards a Justice of the Court of Queen's
Bench. On the resignation of the Council, he, with John

(15) Gourlay on coming to this Province d>id not intend to
remain, but being made ill by mosquito bites and laid up for some
weeks, MB intention was changed. There is no reason to suppose that
he wished to agitate politically ; but his economic investigations
roused the suspicion of the governing classes, especially Dr. John
Strachan, and the opposition at these forced Gourlay, (ae h*' thought)
into politics. SRC my Lite of Gourlay, p. 57, note (42).

16 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Elmsley, Augustus Baldwin and William Allan, had been
appointed to the Council (March 14th, 1836). Elmsley
was the son of Chief Justice Elmsley ; Augustus Baldwin
(Admiral Baldwin) the brother of William Warren Baldwin,
and uncle of Robert Baldwin. William Allan was a well-
known Tory Magistrate in Toronto. None of these could
at that time be considered of the Radical stripe of politics-
Allan and Elmsley were always ultra Tories.

"The hon. and learned Solicitor-General" was Chris-
topher Alexander Hagerman, afterwards Justice of the
Court of Queen's Bench.

From about 1824 there had been efforts made to
suppress the Orange Order, then almost wholly Tory in its
membership ; but in vain. Head had no sympathy with the
movement.

"Mr. Francis Collins" was the editor, proprietor, and
publisher of "The Canadian Freeman," a strongly Radical
weekly, published in Toronto. He got into trouble with
the Government and was prosecuted for libel. (16)

"Mr. McKenzie" is of course William Lyon Mackenzie,
whose press was destroyed by certain scions of Tory
families — a celebrated scandal of the times. (17)

"The Chief Justice of Newfoundland" was Henry John
Boulton.

"William Forsyth of the Niagara Falls" claimed certain
land which was also claimed by the Crown and which was
taken possession of by a military force under the command
of Captain George Philpotts of the Royal Engineers on the
direction of Governor Maitland. It became a political
question, the Radicals taking Forsyth's part ; but from all
the material available it seems clear that he was in the
wrong. (18)

The case of Mostyn v. Fabrigas, referred to by the
Solicitor General (Hagerman) was tried in 1774. John
Mostyn was the Governor of Minorca. Anthony Fabrigas
was endeavoring to raise a rebellion against British rule
in the Island, and was imprisoned by order of the Gover-
nor. Fabrigas sued Mostyn in the Court of King's Bench
at Westminster ; and that Court held that the defendant

(16; A reasonably full and accurate account of Collins will be
found in Chapter IX. (Vol. 1.) at Dent's Rebellion in Upper Canada.

(17) See Dent, Chapters V. and IX. (Vol. 1) ; Lindsey's Life of
William Lyon MacKenzie, etc., etc.

(18) See Dent. Chapter VII., Vol. 1. I have also examined the
legal proceedings extant, and think Forsyth had no rights in the
property tal^en from him.

DEBATE. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th. 1836. 17

might be sued notwithstanding that he was Governor. (19)
Peter Robinson was Commissioner of Crown Lands, the
brother of Sir John Beverley Robinson and the founder of
Peterborough, Upper Canada. (20)

(19^) The case is reported at length in Reports at Cases adjudged
in the Court ot King's Bench by Henry Cowper, Vol. 1. at page 161.

Wyatt v. Gore is reported in Holt's Reports, page 299. This
report is best known from the curious mistake made by the reporter
in calling Upper Canada an "Island". The case was tried in 1816.
and it decides that the Governor of a Province may be guilty of libel
for handing a libellous' document to his1 Attorney-General. Serjeant
Firth. Gore's former Attorney-General, gave evidence for the plaintiff,
con amore, as he had had difficulties with Gore also.

(20.) Of those voting on the Reform side :

Robert Alway was one of the two members for Oxford.

William Bruce one of th* two members for Stormont.

William Buell one of the two members for Leeds.

Alexander Chisholm one of the two members for Glengarry.

John Cook one1 of the two members for Dundas.

Charles Duncombe one of the1 two members for Oxford.

David Duncombe one of the two members for Norfolk.

James Durand one of the two members for Halton.

David Gibson member for 1st Riding of York.

(Dr.) John Gilchrmt one of the two members for Northumberland.

Caleb Hopkins one of the two members for HaHon.

Matthew M. Howard one of the two members for Leeds.

Samuel Lount one of the two members for Simcoe.

Aeneas McDonell on« of the two members for Stormont.

John Mclntosh member for the 4th Riding of York.

William Lyon MacKenzie member for the 2nd Riding of York.

Gilbert McMicking member for the 4th Riding of Lincoln,

Ellas Moore one of the two members for Middlesex.

(Dr.) Thomas David Morrison member for the 3rd Riding of York.

Hiram Norton one of the two members for Grenville.

Thomas Parke one of the two members for Middlesex.

Peter Perry, one of the two members for Lennox and Addington.

John P. Roblin one of the two members for Prince Edward.

Jacob Rymal one of the two members for Wentworth.

Peter Shaver one of the two members for Dundas.

James E. Small member for the City of Toronto.

David Therburn member for the 3rd Riding of Lincoln.

Charles Waters one of the two members for Prescott.

William B. Wells, one of the two members for Grenville.

James Wilson one of the two members for Prince Edward.

Dennis Woolverton member for the 1st Riding of Lincoln.

Henry W. Yager one of the1 two members for Hastings.

Of those voting on the Tory side :

George I. Boulton was one of the two members for Durham.

John Brown one of the two members for Durham.

Francis Caldwell one of the1 two members for Essex.

Robert Graham Dunlop member for Huron.

John Bower Lewis one of the members1 for Carleton.

William McCrae one of the two members for Kent.

Donald McDonell one of the two members for Glengarry.

Alexander McDonell one of the two members for Northumberland.

Thomas McKay member for Russell.

Archibald McLean member for .Cornwall.

18 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Allan N. McNab member for Hamilton.

Edward Malioch member for Carleton.

William Hamilton Merritt member for Haldimand.

Charles Richardson member for Niagara.

WilHam B. Robinson one of the two members for Simco*.

Gteorge Rykert member for the 2nd Riding of Lincoln.

Solicitor General Christopher Alexander Hagerman member for

Kingston.

John Strange one of the two members for Frontenac.
Francis L. Walsh one of the two members for Norfolk.
John A. Wilkinson one of the two members for Essex.

Not voting :

David Jones member for Brockviile.

William Morris one of the two members for Lanark. .

Josias Tayler one of th« two members for Lanark.

Jacob Shibley one of the two members for Frontenac.

James H. Samson one of the two members for Hastings.

Marshall Spring Bidwell (Speaker) one of the two members for

Lennox and Adding ton.

Hermannus Smith one of the two members for Went worth.
Nathan Cornwall one of the two members for Kent.

IMPORTANT DEBATE

ON THE ADOPTION OF THE

REPORT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE

ON THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
HIS EXCELLENCY AND THE LATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

IN THE
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, APRIL 18th, 1836

Dr. Morrison, seconded by Mr. Gibson, moved that it be—

"Resolved— That the Report of the Select Committee to
whom was referred the communications between His Excel-
lency the Lieutenant Governor and the late Executive
Council be now adopted, and that the Memorial to the
House of Commons accompanying the same be also con-
curred in and adopted and signed by the Speaker, and
transmitted by him to some member of the House of Com-
mons, with the request of this House that he will present
the same and support its prayer."

Dr. MORRISON said that a more exciting and import-
ant topic had never come before that House. The whole
Province was now agitated by it. In the remarks he was
about to make, he should endeavour to confine himself to
the main point. The question was, whether or not the
advantages of the British Constitution were to be enjoyed
by the Province ? There were various opinions entertained
in the country as to what constituted good government.
The House, at the commencement of the Session, had given
its opinion in favour of elective institutions ; and expres-
sions of public opinion had since been given, by the country
that this was necessary to preserve the union with the
mother country. The important question to be discussed
that day was not urged forward by the House, but had been
forced upon it by the head of the administration entering
into the discussion of the preliminaries of government ; and
upon him would rest the blame if it should lead to the
further inquiry whether the people or the king should elect
the governor. The question before the House might be
narrowed into this principle : If there is an Executive
Council, what duties have the people a right to expect from

20 LENNOX AND APDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

it f One thing was ckar, there had been an Executive
Council from th« earliest period. But this was strangely
denied by th« present Lieutenant Governor ; although, if he
had searched the records of the Province, he would Jiave
found that it had existed coeval with the government
itseli'. (Here the hon, gentleman read at some length from
the works of Mr. Gourlay.) It would be worth while also
to read the whole account of Governor Simcoe's adminis-
tration. But he would not rest this question upon the bare
authority of Governor Simcoe, but would refer to the last
clause of the Constitutional Act, and to the King's
Instructions, in which an Executive Council was plainly
represented as an essential appendage to the Government.
But he would contend further, that, laying aside all argu-
ments deducible from law, established usage, and general
admission, the very principles of colonial government re-
quired the existence of such a Council to advise on all
affairs of the Province. He had often admired that prin-
ciple in the British Constitution which allows that the
King can do no wrong. The meaning of this was, that he
was not subject to trial by law ; because, being one branch
of the legislature, he is and ought to be free in the dis-
charge of his duties. But still there was responsibility in
the Government ; because the King is surrounded by a
responsible cabinet and Privy Council. The necessity for
such a body as the Privy Council arose out of the very
nature of the Government, although there was neither
statute nor common law which provided for its existence,
any more than for that of the Executive Council here. In
order to avoid despotism, there must be a cabinet ministry
liable to impeachment for the advice they give ; and as the-
Lieutenant Governor here is the representative of the King
by royal commission, the same principle should hold good,
that he can do no wrong, and therefore he should be sur-
rounded by responsible adisers, liable to punishment as in
England. Without some such responsibility the Government
must be the height of despotism, and the most ardent
admirers of the British constitution would most strongly
deprecate its existence. If unlimited power being vested in
the King would constitute a despotism, is it not equally so
if vested in the Governor-? He would ask, if the day had
arrived when the people would tamely submit to be
deprived of those blessings which had cost the blood of
patriots ? No, he hoped the time had come when they
would contend for good government. It would be as reason-
able for judges % to dispense with juries, whose business it is
to inform the conscience of the court, as for a governor to
rule without responsible and intelligent advisers. It might
as well he said that the Parliament is only to legislate on

DEBATE. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th, 1880.

some affairs, as that the Executive Council is only to
advise on some affairs. The very term Executive Council
implied that it was to give counsel or advice on all Execu-
tive matters. But how does the doctrine laid down by His
Excellency accord with this, when he declares that he alone
is responsible, and that he will ask advice only when he
pleases ? To advise was the very essence of their 'office ;
and they had as much right to exercise their privilege, as
the Governor had to exercise his constitutional powers. It
had always hitherto been supposed that the Council was
consulted on all the affairs of the Province. That belief
had been inculcated in all the public records, — in the Jour-
nals of the 'Assembly, and 'in speeches from the Throne, and
had never before been questioned. Was it to be admitted
that Sir Francis Head, an entire strang-er in the Province,
was to come and upset opinions that had been entertained
for fifty years ? He (Dr. M.) would appeal to the people
whether they would submit to this from an individual
whom nobody knew. The long- existence of the practice, if
nothing else, had made it the constitutional law of the
land. (Hear, hear !) Yes, the first Governor had an Execu-
tive Council. The 31st Geo. III., chap. 31, showed that
there was to be one. And, if such a Council does exist, the
Royal Instructions state that they are to be advised on all
affairs of the Province. It was the most odious doctrine
that ever was promulgated, to tell the Council at this late
day that they are to be limited in their advice to only
those subjects on which the Governor may feel it necessary
to ask it, and that they are alone responsible to him for
that advice. In the year 1799, Governor Preston of Lower
Canada took upon himself the same authority, but the Tory
Council told him they would not submit to it. He con-
tinued to act without their advice, and he had to walk
about his business. Sir Peregrine Maitland did the same,
and led some persons into crime. The Executive Council
told him it was their province to advise him, and that, if
he continued to act without advice, they would accuse him,
and he must be recalled. Indeed, it was evident that the
Governor could no more act by himself than the Assembly
could. The privileges of both were defined by law. He
would close by observing that Sir Francis Head, in reply-
ing to the Address of the City Council, had entirely mis-
taken the subject of it. He had represented them as
dictating whom he ought to appoint as Executive Council-
lors. But they did no such thing : They said what every
constituted body has a right to say— that the present Coun-
cil had not the confidence of the country. But they nomin-
ated no persons in their stead, but left the whole Province
to His Excellency, from which to make his selection.

»2 LENNOX AND ALDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Mr. PERRY commenced by remarking, that, if there
ever was an important crisis in the affairs of Upper Canada,
for good or for evil, it was the present time. There
generally was a time in the history of every country, which,
like the "tide in the affairs of men," as it was improved or
neglected, exalted that country to greatness and prosperity,
or sunk it into insignificance and contempt. That time, in
his opinion, had arrived in Upper Canada. (Hear, hear !)
For many years we had been struggling to get along in the
best way we could, but things had still been getting worse
instead of better. At length the time came when it was
ardently hoped the prosperity of Upper Canada would be
advanced, her grievances redressed, and her people made
contented and happy ; but, as if some evil genius presided
over her destinies, at that very time this question was
forced into discussion. People of all classes, tories as well
as reformers, had at different times complained of the
administration of affairs in this Province,— it had given
satisfaction to none. When reformers made complaint, they
were denounced as being factious, as demagogues, revolu-
tionists, destructives, &c. ; but they never were told they
should not enjoy the blessings of the British constitution ;
— in fact the contrary was the answer on all occasions :
"You have the British constitution, and what more do you
want ?" There had been a sort of deception practised upon
the country : the complaints to which he alluded had been
mostly directed against the Executive Council ; they had to
bear the odium of all the unpopular acts of the Lieutenant
Governor, and they had heretofore been prudent enough to
keep up the delusion, knowing that the matter would not
bear the light of investigation. Who, he would ask, had
brought up the discussion of this question ? Was it the
people, or the Council? No1 he would say in his place,
without fear of successful contradiction, that it was Sir
Francis Bond Head. (Hear !) He had, to use his own
emphatic language, "dragged it into day-light." What did
he come here for ? Avowedly for the purpose of redressing
the grievances of the country ; for he tells us in one of his
popular appeals, "the grievances of this Province must be
corrected,— impartial justice must be administered ; the
people have asked for it— 'their Sovereign has ordained it.
I am here to execute his gracious commands." Well, what
did he do when he came here ? He sent for the Hon'ble
Robert Baldwin, and he told His Excellency in plain simple
language which could not b« misunderstood, that, if he took
office, it would be to advise him as a cabinet minister
advises the King. Doctor Rolph told him the same thing.
But did His Excellency tell them, before they went into his
Council, that ho ronld not a'^orlo to nor accept of thHr

DEBATE. HOUSE OP ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th. 1836.

services on these terms •? No ; but urged them to take
office, at the same time telling them that they would have
a better opportunity to discuss that question in Council.
It seemed he wished to get them into his Council that the
question might be "dragged into day-light," relying on his
abilities as a writer to carry him through in writing down
that great constitutional question in this Province. When
they, with Mr. Dunn, consented to take office, he wrote a
note to them to be read publicly in the House of Assembly,
saying that they had done so free and unpledged ; but the
note was not forthcoming till the day after they were
sworn, notwithstanding- he tells the country, in one of his
popular replies, that it was delivered to them before they
were sworn into office— just as he tells many other things—
and then it was altered from the draft agreed upon at the
time they were sworn ; thus stooping to duplicity in order
to get them into the Council, knowing that they were
opposed to his principles. Having thus got them in, he
proposed that no business should be done till the question
was discussed between him and them, and they each should
understand their relative duties. But did he do so ? No, he
went on administering the government as if there was no
Council, making appointments to office, without coming to
any decision with his Council ; and seeing this they resign-
ed office like honest men and gentlemen,— not only the new
councillors, but also the three old members, who were gen-
erally thought to belong to the old tory school. They drew
up a formal request to His Excellency, representing their
views on the question at issue between 'them ; which was
never, intended to be made public, as they took all precau-
tions to keep it secret,— they even swore the junior clerks
of the office to secrecy, and then went up to him in a body
and read it to him. He might have told them in answer,
'Gentlemen, I find the practice of my predecessors different
from what you claim, and I will submit the .question to the
decision of His Majesty's Government.' But did he do so ?
No, by no means ; but like a tyrant he told them, 'What
you have written you have written ; you have put your foot
in it, you must now retire from your principles or from my
confidence.' Immediately he got it put into print for cir-
culation throughout the country, (he must get credit for
good manoeuvring ;) and thus he has been the cause of
dragging the question before the country, and if any evils
arise from it he must take the consequence. If the people
be aroused to discuss questions of government, upon him
must fall the blame. No doubt His Excellency never
thought of such consequences following ; or if they did fol-
low, that he could put them down as he would the
clamours of the Kentish paupers. But he would find himself

24 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

mistaken ; the people of Upper Canada were British sub-
jects who understood their rights, and would not submit to
be deprived of them by Sir Francis Bond Head or any other
Francis. The question now before the country was not
whether we should have a new constitution, like the United
States ; no, but whether we should have the British con-
stitution administered in all its blessings and advantages,
as Governor Simcoe promised us ; or whether we should
have all its evils,— pensions, high salaries, established
church, rectories, &c.— without any of the advantages
attending it ? It was admitted by Sir Francis himself, that
if the King was here he would require an Executive Council
to advise him. And was it not, most ridiculous and absurd
in His Excellency to set himself above the King, to pro-
claim that he was all-wise and all-powerful, and required no
assistance in the government of the country ? If it was
necessary for the liberties of the people that the King,
whose interests were identified with theirs, should have this
check over him, was it not much more necessary in the case
of a captain of the Waggon Train or a commissioner of
Poor Laws, who had no other interest in this country but
the few paltry pounds he put into his pocket while he was
here ? The Council claimed nothing but what was admitted
in England ; not one of the editors in the Province said
they did ; he knew His Excellency said they did — as he said
many other things which it would take more than his word
to make go down as truth. (Hear, hear !) His Excellency
says, the constitution of this Province ordained no such
absurdity as an Executive Council j but the latent intention
of His Majesty to create a Council was soon made known
by the King's Instructions. He (Mr. P.) would like to know
what he meant by the word "soon," for it was not till 27,
years after the passing of the 31st Geo. III., cap. 31, that
the Instructions which he sent down to the committee were
transmitted to this country, — they were dated in 1818 ; but
that was of no consequence, for he would say with his hon.
friend, that if neither the Constitution nor the Instructions
said one word about an Executive Council, it would, not-
withstanding, be required by the form of government. There
was no such thing in the constitution of England, but
it had grown out of necessity. The British government was
a government of three branches. With the King rests the
executive branch, in whom there must of necessity be a
great deal of power entrusted, such as making war and
concluding peace, entering into treaties, the power of life
and death, &c. &c. ; and there ought to be some check upon
the exercise of such power. What was that check ? It was
the Cabinet Council, the bulwark of the rights and liberties
of the country. Talk to Englishmen of resigning the con-

DEBATE. HOUSE OP ASSEMBLY, APRIL 18th, 1836. 25

trol they possessed through a Cabinet Council having the
confidence of the House of Commons, and you might as
well talk to them of resigning their hearts' blood : yet there
was not a word in the constitution or laws of England
which said that the King should be advised by his Council.
Was not such a check as necessary in this .country as in
England ? It was even more necessary ; and the Council
should be responsible to the people for reasons which he
stated before, — the Governor having no permanent interest
in the country. But His Excellency not only says that the
constitution ordained no such absurdities, we would be
ruined if we had it,— yes, it would be the ruination of the
country ; and, in fact, that it would be unconstitutional for
the Governor to advise with his Council. And then, not-
withstanding, he says, the constitution ordained no such
absurdity as an Executive Council : he tells us again, that,
to supply his want of local knowledge, the constitution has
wisely provided an Executive Council. (Hear !) Never in
his (Mr. P.'s) life did he hear such a mass of contradictions
as His Excellency had put forth in his various documents.
He might just as well say that the House of Assembly
should not legislate upon all matters of the Province, as
that the Council should not advise upon all its affairs. The
Governor admits that if he stood in the place of the King
he would need a Council ;, but he says he is only the minis-
ter of the Colony ; yet, in the Instructions to which he
appeals, -the Government of this country is called in five
different places "your Government." And he has a discre-
tionary power : he could declare war. (Hear !) Yes, he
could ; and he calls parliaments and dissolves them at his
will and pleasure : it is therefore necessary that he should
have a council to advise him upon those important matters.
Those who took a part in the debate which took place
in the Imperial Parliament on the passing of our Constitu-
tional Act, well knew that it was part of the constitution
of England that a cabinet council should exist, and they
must have intended when giving to Canada "all the
forms," yes, "the very image and transcript of the British
constitution," that there should be a cabinet council to
advise the Governor upon all the affairs of the province ;
and it would be found that this was their purpose, both
from the Act itself and from the language of all public
documents from that time to this. Governors Simcoe,
Hunter, and all others down to this day, acknowledged the
principle, although they found it their interest to deny it
in practice. And so says Lord Stanley, who was not a
reformer ; and the Constitutional Association of Quebec,
who were not reformers, but tories, set out by saying in
their Declaration, that there should be an executive council

26 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

to advise the Governor on all the affairs of the province.
And he had no doubt but if a question, had been moved in
that house for an elective legislative council, and the pres-
ent resolution was moved in amendment,- it would be
.-.upported by all the tories in the house, even by the Sol.'r
General himself. (Hear him !')— (The hon'ble gentleman here
read some extracts from the report of the Canada commit-
tee of the House of Commons, which was drawn up by Mr.
Stanley.)— It must be conceded that the Governor takes
advice of somebody, and if not from his council it must be
from secret, unsworn, and irresponsible advisers. Was there
a man in Upper Canada who wished such a system pursued?
Did even the tories desire it ? for it must be granted that
if persons were allowed to advise him in that way, they
would feel no restraint, but would say any thing true or
untrue that might suit their purpose. No one of any party
was desirous of the welfare and prosperity of Upper Canada
who wished the government to be administered in that way.
The Governor says the Council take an oath of secrecy,
which to his mind appears to be an oath of non-responsi-
bility to the people. But was it not the same as the oath
taken by the King's Council in England ? The very same ;
it was an old oath ; the King's Council were sworn to
secrecy, and yet His Excellency admitted they were respon-
sible to the people. (The hon. member read the oath.) The
very oath itself bound them to give advice upon all matters
of the government ; and when they were thus sworn to give
the Governor their best advice upon all matters which they
thought was for the peace, welfare, and good government
of the Province, — was it just, was it honourable, to bring
the charges against them which had been done in His
Excellency '-s appeals to the people in the shape of answers
to public addresses ?-• His Excellency further says, it would
not only be unconstitutional but it would be inexpedient
that the government should be administered here as it is in
England, and men could not be found properly qualified to
take office as often as a change would make it necessary.
Now, he (Mr. P.) would say that Upper Canada contained
within itself men as well fitted for all the purposes of good
government as any other country in the world, and who
would lose nothing in comparison with the statesmen of any
nation ; and he must say, it was not becoming in His
Excellency to speak so contemptuously of the people of
Upper Canada ; and not only of them, but also of all the
Englishmen, Irishmen, and Scotchmen, who had emigrated
here. But it seemed he was the only man fit to administer
the government. Again he says, that if it was administered
as was proposed, it would fall into the hands of a few
dominant families at Toronto. (Hear !•) What had he done

DEBATE, HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th. 1836. 27

to take away the power of the family compact ? Nothing ;
he took his new council from those very men who had
"built and feathered their nests in the branches of the tree
of abuse." He told the House that when he named his
council he thought they would be the most acceptable ,men
to the people of Upper Canada. Was there a man in the
country who believed that when he penned that declaration
he himself believed it was true ? But that was nothing
singular, for he kept men in his council who had convicted
him of deliberate falsehood. When he was asked by the
house whether a certain document was in existence, he
replied it was not ; but Mr, Sullivan, when examined before
the committee, said there was such a document, and that
it was drawn up by his Excellency himself and executed in
the council chamber ; and Captain Baldwin said the same :
they only differed about who suggested it. Mr. Sullivan
said he did, but Captain Baldwin said it was Mr. Elmsley ;
yet he still kept this very Robert Baldwin Sullivan in his
council. Could any one believe that 57 rectories would have
been established in Upper Canada, contrary to the often
expressed wish of nineteen twentieths, if not ninety-nine
hundredths, of the people, if the government was adminis-
tered by the advice of a Council responsible to the people ?
What use was it to the people of this Province that the
Governor was responsible to Downing Street ? Suppose he
appointed Sheriffs and other important officers who would
exercise their power to oppress the people, what redress
could be had ? for it must be proved, to sustain a charge
against him, that he was actuated by improper motives ;
but this it would be difficult, if not impossible, to do. Such
responsibility was all a "bubble," and His Excellency had
better been writing about bubbles than about such respon-
sibility. How could a case be made out against Sir John
Colborne for setting apart 57 rectories last year contrary
to the almost unanimous wish even of the last tory House
of Assembly ? The hon. and learned Solicitor-General said,
the other day, that he (Sir John Colborne) was compelled
to do so by the Constitution. This was not the case ; the
constitution authorised but did not compel it to be done.
Because the constitution authorised the Assembly to stop
the supplies, was it to be argued that they must do so 1
How could Sir John Colborne be impeached for withholding
from the House of Assembly important information relative
to the revenue, when the Everlasting Salary Bill was under
consideration ? Instead of being impeached or turned out,
he actually made his boast of it and was approved of. And
one of the answers of His Excellency, Sir F. B. Head, to
the House was enough to impeach him ; for, at the very
time when measures were taking in the Parent State to

28 LENNOX AND ADDINGTOK HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

suppress Orange Societies, His Excellency tells the As-
sembly he will take no step to suppress them in this
country : That very answer showed not only that he had
no regard for the wishes and feelings of the people of
Upper Canada, but also that he had none for the wishes of
His Majesty's Government.

His Excellency says it is better that the people should
apply to him for redress of their grievances, than to his
Council. Well, he (Mr. P.) need not go back to the case
of Mr. Francis Collins, the destruction of Mr. McKenzie's
printing office, &c. ; he would say nothing of these bygone
matters, but come at once to His Excellency's own admin-
istration,— and what would be found ? There was a
gentleman who was well qualified to be at the head of the
office which he had long been in as its chief clerk, and ho
had applied to the Governor for it, backed by such a
recommendation as he might well be proud of, and which
few indeed could boast— a recommendation signed by men
of all parties and all classes, in the House of Assembly,
the Legislative Council, and elsewhere, (he referred to
Mr. Radenhurst ;) but did His Excellency give him the
.situation ? No. And when the Assembly subsequently
addressed him to inquire whether the office was filled up,
plainly insinuating their wishes in regard to Mr. Raden-
hurst, he did not even mention his name in his reply.
And did not he connive, in the most disgraceful way, to
prevent Mr. McDonell being promoted to the colonelship of
the regiment which by rank he was entitled to ? And was
there not a young stripling of a boy taken out of Peter
Robinson's office the other day, and made collector of
customs in Prince Edward, as if there was not a man fit
for the situation in that county ? If these things were
appealed against, what redress could be got at the Colonial
Office, where one man was out and another in while the
complaints were on their way there ? Look to the removal
of the two crown officers, which was done to the great joy
and satisfaction of the people of Upper Canada, and see
how, by interested misrepresentations, they were re-
appointed,— the one to the Chief Justice of Newfoundland,
and the other installed in his former situation. Suppose
His Excellency should appoint a man to be a judge of the
King's Bench, with slender qualifications as to character
and still slenderer talents and knowledge of the laws, and
he should, either from his ignorance or wickedness, sacrifice
a man's life. How was redress to be obtained ? Then,
there was the case of William Forsyth of the Niagara
Falls, whose premises were invaded and whose property
destroyed by a military force by command of the
Lieutenant Governor ; he applied to the Colonial Office

DEBATE. HOUSE OP ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th. 1886. 29

after seeking in vain for redress in this country, but had
not obtained justice yet, nor was there any more probabil-
ity of his getting redress than there was years ago. This
responsibility to Downing Street was of no practical use
to the people of this country, and therefore the necessity
of a responsible Executive Council to advise upon all
matters relative to the government of the colony^

His Excellency told the House that he was preparing
remedial measures for the consideration of his Council.
What, he (Mr. P.) would ask had become of them ? he
would like to know where they were ; His Excellency had
every opportunity to bring forward his remedial measures,
but not one of them had made its appearance ; on the
contrary, there was 'not a step he had taken yet, that has
given satisfaction to the country ; and notwithstanding all
his professions of coming here to "root out the tree of
abuse," we are just where we were, — he had done nothing
but dismissed one Council and appointed another. He says
he has followed in the same track of other Governors. He
(Mr. P.) denied it. His Excellency told them, there never
was an Executive Council till 1818, but he did not deny,
that other Governors had an Executive Council before that
time, and thus he contradicted himself. But saying noth-
ing about that, he would ask, what was the use of
recalling Sir John Colborne, and sending him, if he was to
follow in the course of other Governors ? He admits, there
are certain families who have actually grown rich upon the
abuses of the Government, so that agitators have subsisted
by exposing them, and therefore, there must have been
some use in recalling Sir John Colborne and sending out
Sir Francis Head ; but if he intends to do just as others
have done, he (Mr. P.) must say,' that of the two, he
would prefer Sir John Colborne ; indeed they should never
be named in the same day. (Hear, hear, and laughter.)

The very state of our affairs in a country blessed by
Providence, with so many natural advantages, proves that
there must be something wrong in the administration of
our Government ; and he would maintain, that it became
the Representatives of the people, after the question bad
been "dragged into day light" as it had been, to support
the principle of responsible Government, and if it had not
hitherto been introduced to the country, to do it now, for
the interests of the country required it. In doing so, they
did not seek for any change in our Institutions, but merely
to enjoy the same blessings as our fellow-subjects in the
Mother Country. He further maintained, that it was their
bounden duty to use all constitutional means, to obtain
these desirable ends. What could they do ? In the first
place, they could stop the Supplies, and in the next place.

30 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

appeal to the King and Parliament at home. It was
admitted on all hands, that they might withhold the
Supplies ; but it might be said the time had not yet come,
when it was proper to do so. In the name of God, when
would it come ? It might be said that in England the
supplies have not been withheld in times of great agitation.
He would admit it. But why? Because the majority of
the Commons always rules the Ministry. He was aware
that many scare-crows would be held up, but he was of
opinion, notwithstanding, that this was the time. —
Perhaps it would be said that we ought to tell the
Governor what we intend to do. But the House had been
as moderate as men could be, under their circumstances.
They intimated, in their address to the King last year,
their intention, and the only remaining question was,
whether the right time had arrived. He believed the
Mouse would not be doing its duty if it did not now take
a firm stand ; when the Constitutional rights of the people
were invaded by force and violence, when the Governor
tells them that they cannot have the British Constitution,
and thus attempts to strip them of their birthright.—
Under such circumstances, should the House grant the
supplies, it would betray its trust. When the new Council
was formed by the addition of known reformers, it caused
universal satisfaction. But for what purpose was it
formed ? Merely to be a. screen for Sir Francis Head,— a
mere delusion. When that Council was dismissed, the
House went up to the Governor with an Address, express-
ing their regret that such a step had been taken. They
afterwards passed resolutions declaring their want of
confidence in the present Council. But what was the
result ? The Governor would not dismiss them but he
derided the people, telling them that he had confidence in
his advisers. Why, it would be committing political
suicide, to grant the supplies under such a state of things.
Perhaps he would be told that if the supplies were stopped,
the Governor would refuse the contingencies. Well, let him
refuse them. He was addressed for £2,000 several days
ago, and was to give an answer to-day at 12 o'clock.
What it was he did not know ; but had little doubt but it
was a refusal. It was also reported by some of his
satellites that he intended to shut up all the public offices.
Let him do so ; if he thinks it will advance the interests
of the country or the purpose for which he was sent here,
let him do it. Of course he had the power in his own
hands if he pleased. The farmers of the country were
independent of him,-H:hey could "shear their own fleece
and wear it." He would say here in his place, that if the
supplies were stopt. and his Excellency did not dissolve

DEBATE. HOUSE OP ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th. 1836. 31

the House, it would be a clear admission that he was
aware the country did not go with him. The Executive
Council were bound by their oath to advise him to dissolve
the House — to send home those demagogues , and get men
who would go with him. He trusted that day would
decide the question whether the supplies were to be stopt
or not ; and if they were, let His Excellency come down
and thunder his cannon in their ears, dissolve the House,
and see what the consequence would be. Let him denounce
us as traitors to the interests of the country, betrayers
of the trust reposed in us by our constituents, and send us
back to them again, and ask them whether they approve
of us or not. The whole course of His Excellency, not
only on general matters but in particular acts, was to be
condemned. He had interfered with the privileges of the
House of Assembly, in saying he was surprised it should
address him on the subject of the present Council till the
Committee had reported. And does he not speak of this
matter most freely to members of the Assembly, and to
private persons out of doors ? He tells them, 'The House
of Assembly has got the pig by the wrong ear,— they have
got hold of the stick by the wrong end.' Many names ar,e
already in his black book ; my name, I am told, occupies
a very conspicuous place there. And did not he influence
officers high in His Majesty's service to come to this
House and pilfer that very Report from the table, in order
that he might see it and be able to shape his course
accordingly ?

Tf ever the time could come to stop the supplies, it
wras now. Had not every step of the Executive Government
been against the interests of the country ? Look at the
57 rectories ; and instead of that number there would soon
be 444, as the Solicitor General wished there was the
other day. If the House did not take a stand now, they
would soon have no privileges to guard, or none worth
contending for. He recollected when Mr. Boulton refused
to give evidence before a committee of the House, he was
brought to the bar and received a lesson from the
Speaker ; and he afterwards turned out one of the greatest
sticklers for the rights of the people in the Assembly he
(Mr. P.) ever saw. And he had no doubt but Sir Francis
Head, when he was broken down from his present haughti-
ness, would be a useful Governor to Upper Canada, and as
great a stickler for the privileges of the House of
Assembly, as Mr. Boulton was. He was desirous of moving
the following amendment : —

"That this House regards it as one of the brightest
features and most important attributes of the British
Constitution that the head of the Government is assisted

:«2 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

ID. all its affairs by the advice of known and responsible
Councillors and Officers who possess the confidence of the
people ; and that the people of this Province had imparted
to them the same form of Government by the British
Statute 31st Geo. 3rd, chap. 31st which, in the memorable
language of the revered Simcoe, 'established the British
Constitution and all the forms which secure and maintain
it in this distant country,' and 'singularly blessed this
Province, not with a mutilated Constitution, but with a
Constitution which has stood the test of experience and is
the very image and transcript of Great Britain.' "

Let any man who pretends to be for the Constitution
of the. country, vote against that proposition ; but what-
ever became of the amendment, he hoped the original
resolution would be adopted, that the country might know
the Report had the sanction of that House.

MR. McNAB said, that before entering into the
discussion of the important question now before the House,
and which had been so unfairly kept from the country, he
would endeavor to remark upon what had fallen from hon.
gentlemen who had spoken before him. He expected that
the hon. and learned member who introduced this matter,
would have furnished the House with something like
authority for the principles he advocated ; but the only
authority he adduced, was that of Mr. Gourlay's opinion.
The whole proceedings on the part of those who called
themselves Reformers, in regard to, His Excellency and the
Administration of the Government, were the most singular
he ever saw. When Sir Francis Head arrived here, they
extolled him to the highest pitch. The hon. member for
the second Ridiner of York, sent out "epistles to the
farmers," through the Correspondent and Advocate, prais-
ing him as a "Radical of the first water." But short-lived
was his popularity with them ; for the very first speech he
made, his very first communication to the House of
Assembly, was, on motion of the learned Doctor from
Oxford, referred to a committee of privilege, as a breach
of the privileges of the House. This must have been
premeditated, for the hon. and learned Doctor had his
motion prepared before he heard the speech delivered.— He
did not even take his seat on the return of the House,
irom the Bar of the Legislative Council, but actually made
,the motion before the Speaker was fairly settled in the
chair. When it was rumoured that the Executive Council
had resigned, the House addressed His Excellency for
information concerning the facts, and he, in the most
frank manner, communicated the correspondence between
him and his council on that subject. His Excellency's
Reply, together with the correspondence, was referred to a

DEBATE. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th. 1836. 38

select committee ; and it was worthy of remark, of whom
that committee was composed. Were the members chosen
from both sides of the House ? No, they were from only
one side ; and although he moved to add two from that
side of the House with whom he generally acted, in order
that the opinions and views of both parties, might be
fairly represented in the committee, it was refused. He
said then, and he must still say, that he thought it was
very unfair. He wished to have the hon. and learned
members for Cornwall and Kingston named on the com-
mittee, both Lawyers of high standing, and he thought it
was due to their side of the House, that they should be on
it ; but no, not one but men of their own party would they
appoint : and would it be believed, those hon. gentlemen
who took on themselves the whole responsibility of this
great question, and would not receive any assistance from
others, voted against his motion.— Having got it all their
own way, they had at last brought in a Report embodying
the grievances of the last seven years. But it ought to be
known it was all from one side of the House. What
authority had they shown for the principles of the Report ?
Why, the learned Dr. (Morrison) had found the authority
of Mr. Gourlay. (Hear.) After sitting in secret conclave
upwards of three weeks, they brought it in, late on Friday
night, or rather on Saturday morning, and immediately
resolved that it should be printed. Where was the
necessity for being in such hurry to get the order passed
for printing it ? Did they print the documents sent down
by his Excellency, before they petitioned the people of the
country to petition the Assembly to stop the supplies f
(Hear, hear.) No, but it was to prevent hon. members on
his side of the house from reading and examining this
precious document, in order that they might be prepared
to answer any thing like argument, that might be found
within its two or three hundred pages. Yet that house
ordered the report to be distributed among the clerks, to
be copied for the Correspondent & Advocate newspaper,
and that its discussion should be the first thing on the
order of the day for Monday morning : thus was a great
majority of hon. members on his side of the house driven
into the discussion of the subject, without even affording
them an opportunity of reading the report.

Such is the manner in which the committee was
appointed and the Report made ; and how have they
proceeded this morning f Did they come forward and
propose to discuss the question in committee of the whole
House, in such a way that an opportunity would be
afforded to the hon. and learned Speaker to express his
sentiments, and give the House the benefit of his learning

34 .LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

and talents on this great question I No ; but with the
Speaker in the chair, one moves a resolution, and another
moves .an amendment to it, which was a manoeuvre to
prevent any one from the other side of the House from
recording their sentiments on the Journals. (Hear, hear.)
Was that fair ? They should not do so ; and he could
assure .them that he, and those who took the same view
of the question that he did, would take another opportun-
ity of recording their sentiments. They come forward and
talk of responsible Government :— but he would like to ask
those gentlemen, if they wished the Government to be
responsible to the Mother Country? If they did, he must
declare that he thought lit would be most unjust to turn
out the members of the Executive Council, when they could
not go with the majority of the House of Assembly.
(Hear, hear !) Yes, he> would declare it would be the most
iniquitous system for this country to be governed by the
majority of the Assembly, and much worse than our
present system was represented to be by those gentlemen.
Why, they would turn out every officer who was not of
their party ; and yet this was the system they wished to
introduce into this country. Such was not the practice of
the present Government ; th« records showed that all the
patronage ,was not bestowed on one side, although the hon.
gentleman from Lennox and Addington had asserted it
was. He complains of the appointment of some young
gentleman, a Mr. Beeston, to the office of Collector, and
says that the Government should act impartially, and the
fittest men should always be selected to fill office. Was
that the course pursued by the majority of that House, of
which that hon. gentleman claims the honor of being the
leader ? It was not ; for instance, that hon. gentleman had
received no less than three appointments this Session, from
a majority of the House :— 1st. A Commissioner , with Mr.
Bidwell, to treat with Commissioners on the part of Lower
Canada, on all subjects connected with this Province.
2d. To sell the Stock and arrange all the affairs of the
Welland Canal. 3d. For disposing of the School Lands ;
and each appointment to the tune of $4 per day. And was
he the fittest man in Upper Canada to discharge the duties
of those several offices ? He (Mr. McNab) supposed the
majority of the House intended to commit the affairs of
the Welland Canal to his holy and safe keeping, in conse-
quence of the friendly feeling he had uniformly shown
towards that great work. As to the Government confining
their appointments altogether to persons of one class of
politics in the country, it was not true ; the opposition
benches on the floor of the House gave a flat contradiction
to the assertion. The hon. gentleman himself was a

DEBATE, HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, APRIL 18th. 1836. 3o

Justice of the Peace,— it was true, he did not hold very
high rank in the Militia, but whose fault was that ? He
(Mr. McNab) was sure it must be fresh in the recollection
of many hon. members, the reasons assigned by that hon.
member, for retiring from the service. According to his
own statement, he had the honor of holding the rank of
Corporal in the Militia, and was one of the gallant band
who made such an admirable retreat before a shot was
fired, after marching many miles to take the Brig Oneida,
and immediately after retired from the service ; con-
sequently his promotion was stopped, and thus was His
Majesty deprived of the Military services -of the hon. and
gallant Corporal. The hon. member for Dundas (Mr.
Shaver) was also made a Magistrate, and also held the
commission of Captain of Dragoons ; and was not he a
thorough-going Reformer ? And was he the fittest man in
all the county of Dundas to be a Justice of the Peace, and
Captain of Dragoons ? His hon. colleague was a Justice
of the Peace— Mr. Chisholm was also a Justice of the
Peace and Colonel of Militia. Dr. Bruce had also accepted
the appointment of Coroner since he had been in Parlia-
ment,—in fact, said Mr. McN. there is scarcely one of the
gallant band of Reformers that are now before me, who
does not hold some situation under the Government. In
addition to which, they have all been well provided for by
the majority of this House. No less than eight members
of the opposition were, by their own votes, and those who
act with them, appointed in one batch, Commissioners at
$4 per day. Even the hon. and learned Doctor (Morrison)
opposite had accepted an office during the present Session
from the Government he is forever abusing. He hoped the
hon. and learned gentleman would not get into a passion
with him for mentioning his name, at least not such a
passion as he saw him in, in the Methodist Committee
Room — he referred to the gentleman who sat all Good
Friday, trying the Methodists ; had not he taken office
under the Government ? Yes, he had, he was a member of
the Medical Board, appointed by Sir F. B. Head, as that
hon. and learned gentleman says, without the advice of
the Council. And with all the boasted independence of the
majority, they were continually applying for every little
office that became vacant in their own part of the country,
while they were playing into each other's hands in the way
of appointments in that House. It was truly ridiculous
to hear hon. members abusing the Government for not
appointing persons to office who were unfit to discharge
the duties required of them,— while the Journals of the
House showed that with the exception of one or two,
every member on the opposition, had either obtained

36 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

appointments from the Government or from, the House, and
some of them three and four situations ; for instance
appointing the hon. member for Halton, Mr. Durand, a
Commissioner to sell the School Lands, and at $4 per day,
when it is a notorious fact, there is not a foot of School
Lands in the Gore District, and he knowing this, and
voting for his own appointment.

There were some more of the proceedings of the party
relative to this matter which ought to be exposed. When
the documents came down to the House, he moved to print
5,000 copies of them that they might be sent forth to the
country ; but the learned Mayor and others opposed and
defeated the motion ; while they prepared a petition, sent
it forth to the country, got a few signatures to it, and
when it came back, they say, "Here is an expression of
public opinion." That was what he (Mr. McNab) called
begging the question. They ask the people, "If we oppose
the Governor, stop the supplies, bring the government into
embarrassment, and throw every thing into confusion, will
you support us at the next election ?" And these petitions
they call a spontaneous expression of public opinion.
Here is the document, which I will read to you : it is
signed William Lyon Mackenzie, a gentleman whom I
suppose you have heard of. (Laughter.) (The hon. gentle-
man read from the circular letter which accompanied the
petition, and then from the language of His Excellency in
answer to addresses, and asked—) Is that like the lang-
uage ascribed to him in this circular ? And yet you hear
his Excellency accused of "garbling" when a clerical, error
happened in leaving out the word 'these' in the extract
from the King's Instructions ; and this too by men who
had the face to send forth such perverted language as an
exposition of his sentiments. (Hear, hear !)

Was not the Governor sworn to uphold the British
constitution in this Province ? And if his Executive
council should take a different view of matters, and give
him such advice as would, if followed, lead to the over-
throw of British supremacy in the country, was he not
bound to dismiss them, whether they were approved of by
the majority of the Assembly or not ? Was a system
which had been acted upon for fifty, years to be abandoned
for the mere opinion of Mr. Attorney Baldwin or John
Rolph ? (Hear him !) And because his Excellency was
pleased to accept of their resignations would any man
think the less of him ? or would he do so even if Sir
Francis Head had expelled from his councils men who had
signed a document which was a libel upon the people of
Upper Canada, and which contained doctrines destructive
of our connexion with the Parent State ? The Report

DEBATE, HOUSE OP ASSEMBLY, APRIL 18th. 1836. 37

states that his Excellency said, if the council would retire
from their principles he would keep them in his service,
and that such declarations are calculated to corrupt the
public morals. The expression of his Excellency on that
subject was merely the usual hint to resign ; but what did
the council say ? At the conclusion of their document to
the Governor they pray, that if their proposal is noi
acceded to, they may be allowed to disabuse the public
mind. They were quite willing to settle the matter with
their consciences, and continue in the council, if they could
be allowed to publish to all Uppef Canada the secrets of
the Executive Council. But no, his Excellency tells them
he does not want such men for his confidential advisers.

Honourable members on the opposite side talked a great
deal about the Everlasting Salary Bill, as they called it.
He voted for that bill, and counted it . one of the best
public actions of his life. (Hear, hear !) It was well for
Upper Canada that that bill was passed ; for, if it was
not, they would now be able to accomplish their object.
They would be able to dismiss the judges and all the
public officers, at any time, and would vote no salary to
the Governor if he did not see proper to appoint Doctor
Morrison, Peter Perry, &c. to office, and make William
Lyon McKenzie postmaster-General. (Laughter.) What
were the salaries voted by that bill ? In the first place,
there was the salary of the Governor, £2000, should not
that be paid ? Then, there was the salary of the Chief
Justice £1250 ; should he not be paid ? and was not the
present Chief Justice an honour to Upper Canada ? — the
son of one of those U. E. Loyalists about whom so much
had been said in that house,— the descendant of a gallant
officer, and who, with many other officers of that distin-
guished regiment, after fighting during the whole of the
Revolutionary War, came and settled with their Colonel
the late General Simcoe, in this country. Two judges,
£1000 each. The Attorney General £300. Should not he
have a salary ? was not that office necessary ? The
Solicitor General £200 ; and five Executive Councillors
£100 each. That was the sum total of the everlasting
Salary Bill about which so much had been said ; and he
must say again, that he thought making the salaries of
those officers permanent was the best thing ever done for
Upper Canada. Talk about the extravagance of the
Government when the contingent account of the House of
Assembly this year was between £9,000 and £10,000-
more than is required for the support of the whole govern-
ment of the colony. (Hear, hear !) A great deal had been
said about the terms upon which the three new councillors
took office ; but the note from the Governor to them said.

88 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

"I shall rely on your giving me your unbiassed opinion on
all subjects respecting which I may feel it advisable to
require it." If he practised any deception upon them, why
did tfiey not return the note at once and require
explanation immediately when copies of it were read in the
House of Assembly and Legislative Council ? Did they
not authorise the Speaker in this House, and the hon.
Captain Baldwin in the Legislative Council, to read this
note, for the express purpose of informing the Legislature
and the Country of the terms on which they accepted
office f It might be that Mr. Baldwin had some wisdom,
and Mr. Rolph a great deal of cunning, and they knew his
Excellency was a stranger in the country, that there was a
great deal of business, and they thought he would need
them and would keep them on their own terms. But they
found their mistake, for he no sooner saw the document
they presented him than he bowed them out of office. And
he (Mr. McNab) did think, if his Excellency had acceded to
their views he should have lost his head for it. They
found no fault with the note explaining the terms on which
they took office, but went to the Council Chamber, and
drew up the declaration which caused their dismissal ;, and
he believed they would give half what they were worth if
they could recal it and go back to the Council again.

The hon. member for Lennox and Addington says the
Governor has power to declare war. That was new
doctrine ; at least he never heard before that a Lieutenant
Governor of a colony had the power of making war. That
hon. gentleman and those who act with him will find war
enough when they go back to their constituents, for he
(Mr. McN.) was persuaded the document, they had brought
forward would not go down with the country, but they
would be told by the people, "You have brought yourselves
into collision with the • Governor, you have stopt the
supplies and thereby deranged the affairs of the govern-
ment, retarded the improvement of the country, and injured
the public credit abroad ; that is not the way to advance
the interests of this Province, and you are not the men to
be entrusted with them." Let it be known that this
Radical Parliament was the first in the history of the
country to stop the Supplies. When Mr. Hume proposed
such a thing in the House of Commons it was denounced
as a revolutionary project and was scouted at once. The
hon. member for Lennox and Addington talks a great deal
about the language of the Governor ; but what sort of
language did he make use of about the head of the Govern-
ment to-day ? Such I am sure as the people of Upper
Canada will not approve of. He (Mr. McN.) feared, when
he came into the House in the morning, he would find

DEBATE. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th. 1836. 39

difficulty in meeting the arguments which would be brought
forward on the other side ; but he did not feel so now ;
they had brought forth nothing like argument to show that
the Executive Council should be responsible to the people.
Governor Simcoe, and all from his time to the present,
had followed the same practice with regard to taking the
advice of their council ; and he was persuaded the people-
would not approve of the present measures. No Radical
Parliament would ever die a natural death in Upper
Canada ; the last one sat only two years, and it was
called the Long Parliament, and it was not very probable
the present one would sit much longer.

Having said so much in reply to hon. members on the
other side who had spoken before him, he would now pro-
ceed to the main question.

It was difficult to conceive what object the Executive
Council had in view when they made their representation,
or rather it was difficult to conceive how the real bearing
and effect of the representation could have escaped them,
for he would be unwilling to charge the whole of them
with having made it knowingly. It opens with an almost
express declaration of the truth of a variety of statements,
which, although zealously asserted and put forth by a
particular political party, have been denied with equal
zeal and more truth by their opponents. These assertions
too reflect strongly on the administration of the govern-
ment in former times, and therefore came with a
peculiarly ill grace from the heads of departments. For
example, they assume as the proper construction of the
opinion expressed by lord Glenelg, that the condition of
the province is "unhappy" ; they attribute it to an
"unconstitutional abridgement" of their duties. They
assert an "established opinion" in the country on the
subject, infer a state of discontent when they speak of
contentment being "restored", and treat the public mind
as in a state of excitement bordering on revolution, which
cannot be prevented unless "the system of local government
is altered and conducted according to the true spirit and
meaning of the constitutional act" ; the whole forming a
running commentary on the seventh report of the
committee of grievances, admitting its truth in some
important particulars, and falsifying in spirit and almost
in letter the address of the Legislative Council in reply to
lord Goderich's celebrated despatch, to which three, if not
four, of the very Executive Councillors expressly assented.

The representation may be examined under two heads, —
the matter and the manner : 1st. The Executive Council
claim as a constitutional right, or rather as a duty
imposed on them, by the constitution, and which they have

£0 LENifOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

taken an oath to discharge, to advise the King's represen-
tative on the affairs of the province generally, i.e. to
have all the affairs of the province submitted to them for
their advice, without reservation. This claim is founded
upon the language of the 31st Geo. 3d, which speaks in
one or more clauses of such Executive Council as shall be
appointed for the affairs of this province ; and it is
inferred, that because they are 'so appointed for the affairs,
&c., and because only some particulars are fixed in which
their concurrence is necessary, the consequence is that their
advice must be taken on all affairs, though their concur-
rence to particular acts only is required. This seems a
forced construction even upon the words of the act, still
more so when other considerations are adverted to.
Would it have been such a violation of the 31st Geo. 3d,
as to have prevented the affairs of the province from being
carried on, if no Executive Council had ever been appointed;
or if one had been appointed limited to the particular
matters mentioned in that statute ? In other words, is
the Executive Council so integral and necessary a part of
the government, that the government can have no existence
without it ? He should find it very difficult to assent to
the affirmative of such a proposition, and however impolitic
he might deem such a course, and however he might
condemn it, he was not prepared to say, that the public
business (with the particular exceptions adverted to)
might not be legally and constitutionally carried on,
though there were no Executive Council. If, otherwise,
there must be a species of interregnum, on the resignation
of the Council, and a cessation of business till its
reorganization not required by any constitutional principle,
and occasioning an uncalled for inconvenience to the public
service. The appointment of the Council rests entirely
with the Sovereign; he appoints what number he pleases,
and dismisses them at pleasure, although, to use the terms
of the statute, they are appointed for the affairs of the
province. He could not deduce from that expression any
thing directory on the part of the legislature, as to the
nature of the appointment or of the rights or duties of
the Executive Council. They are not, either as individuals
or as a body, responsible for the advice they give, and it
cannot therefore be necessary, as a constitutional principle,
that their advice should be talcen, with a view to hold
them responsible to the public for the measures which the
q:overnment adopts. To understand the question thor-
oughly, it was necessary to analyze the office of Lt.
Governor. The portions of the kingly prerogative, which
is delegated to him, are to be administered by him under
his personal responsibility ; he is to obey such instructions

DEBATE, HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, APRID 18th. 1836. 41

as he may receive from the home government, or in the
exercise of a sound discretion in matters on which he is
called upon to decide, without reference to that govern-
ment. In the mere exercise of the prerogative, the
performance of those acts which the Crown alone can
perform, he stands in the place of the Sovereign ; but for
the propriety of the course he may take in any such act,
he remains personally and individually responsible, not in
this province, by reason of the nature of his office, but to
the King's government, and to the British parliament : the
one of which may dismiss him, the other impeach him.
Although therefore clothed with executive functions, he
exercises them as a minister, subject to the same respon-
sibilities as the ministry at home. This responsibility is
in its nature indivisible ; whatever acts are done must be
viewed as done by him alone. The Lieutenant Governor
requires the concurrence of the Executive Council in certain
points, and he has the right of applying for their advice
on any other affairs he may deem advisable. To give him
this right they are constituted a council for the affairs of
the province, in order that he may advise with them,
whenever any subject presents itself rendering such advice
desirable. The very limitation of the advice of the
Executive Council to certain specified cases, would appear
to negative the necessity of their advice on other occasions,
while their being an Executive Council for the affairs of
the province renders them liable to be called upon for their
advice as often as the Lieutenant Governor may require
it. Such was the construction put on the 31st Geo. 3d,
by the ministry by whom the act was carried through the
British Parliament, and such construction had uniformly
prevailed to the present day.

In the consideration of this question, it must bo
carefully borne in mind, that we are construing a law
that exists, and not enquiring into the policy of forming
an Executive Council on other principles. Arguments
drawn from any supposed advantages that would result
from converting the Executive Council into an administra-
tion of individuals holding office in the colony, liable to
lose their offices when the policy they pursue is not
acceptable to the majority of the House of Assembly, are
foreign to a proper consideration of the question that now
arises. Upon that point he should only remark, that
such a scheme seemed rather difficult to reconcile with the
relation of colony and parent state, and that it would
seem rather unjust that the members of the local govern-
ment should be responsible for the policy pursued here,
while that policy is dictated by the home government ; and
that unless the home government has the right of such

12 LENNOX AND ADDING/TON HISTORICAL SOCIETY,

dictation, the connexion with the mother country becomes
merely nominal, extending in reality to little more than
the appointment of the Lieut. Governor.

Having thus far adverted to the matter of the
communication, a few remarks might be offered on its
manner. The Council commenced by an assertion that they
made their representation "impressed with the oath which
they have taken"— they argue that they are in duty bound
to advise the Lieutenant Governor on all the affairs of
the province, and that no affairs of the province ought to'
be withheld from their view, which he presumed to mean,
that they felt impressed that they . were sworn to advise
the Governor on all the affairs of the province, and could
not conform to the spirit of their oath, unless all such
affairs were submitted to them. In no other view could
we justify them in making so novel a demand on the
Lieut. Governor, at the moment when his attention was
necessarily much occupied with the legislature, and when,
from his being a stranger in the province, he might find it
useful to make frequent reference to his Council. It
seemed strange that, resting their application on the
obligation of their oath, they should conclude their repre-
sentation'by a prayer, not that they might be allowed to
retire, but that they may be allowed "to disabuse the
public from a misapprehension of the nature and extent of
the duties confided to them" ;— that is, to be allowed to
tell the public, "We believe the duties of our office require
us to advise on ALL the affairs of the province — we have
taken an oath to perform those duties — we are prevented,
by the course the Lieut. Governor adopts, from discharging
the obligation of that oath ; but our scruples of conscience,
which impelled us to represent the matter to the Lt.
Governor, and to require what we have required, will be
removed if we are allowed to let you know the true state
'of the case. We have no objection to remain Executive
Councillors> although restrained in the discharge of our
sworn duties ; our only objection is to be thought
responsible by the public when we are not so in fact."
It was obvious there could be but one answer to such a
communication. He would offer no remarks on the present
Council ; but it must be evident, that a new appointment
was rendered unavoidable, unless his Excellency had been
unwise enough to yield the point in dispute, and while he
remained in his own person responsible, to submit to the
views and opinions of the Council in the administration of
the government.

MR. McLEAN remarked, that the Report under
consideration contained 104 pages, and, owing to the
shortness of the time since it was brought in by the

DEBATE, HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th, 1836. 43

Committee, little opportunity had been afforded for hon.
members not in the secrets of the committee-room to
become acquainted with its contents. That, however, was
not of much consequence, for the very principle avowed
by the framers of it during this discussion, as being the
foundation of the Report, was quite sufficient to cause its
rejection by every loyal and patriotic man. That principle
was, "responsible government." Perhaps he did not
properly understand what was meant by a responsible
government ; but he took it for granted that it meant a
government responsible to the House of Assembly. Now,
he would like to ask hon. members who seemed so anxious
to have a responsible government, as they call it, if they
were to form an Executive Council responsible to the
House of Assembly, whether its members could retain their
situation ? Surely they could not ; nor had he any idea
that any one of the gentlemen who were called Reformers,
and who were appointed to the Executive Council, ever
thought of being responsible to that House. It was
practically impossible that such responsibility could exist ;
for, being consulted upon all affairs of the Crown, and
being responsible to the House of Assembly for the advice
which they gave, they would acquire such power and
control over the Governor as was altogether inconsistent
with the proper subjection of the government of this
Province to that authority of the Mother Country which
must be necessarily maintained by every Parent State over
its Colonies. Notwithstanding all that had been heard of
the grievances of the country and the means of redressing1
them, it was now avowed that nothing would satisfy the
majority of that house but what they call a responsible
Government ;— that is a government responsible to the
House of Assembly of Upper Canada, but not to Great
Britain. But the very moment we establish that doctrine
in practice, we are free from the Mother Country. If it
was the wish of the majority of that house to separate
this Province from the fostering care and protecting power
of that country, or from what they ungratefully called her
"baneful domination," let them adopt that Report. But
they might rest assured that the people of this country had
eyes and ears,— they could read and understand, and they
would discriminate between those who were actuated by
patriotic motives and those who were only the demagogues
of the hour, (hear, hear !) whose element was agitation,
but who had no sincere desire to remedy the real grievances
of the country. (Hear, hear.) Yes, hear ; he hoped the
people would hear and understand. He was not in that
house to court the populatity which was gained without
merit and lost without a crime ; but he trusted that so

44 LENNOX AND ADDlNGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

long as he had the honour of a seat in it, he would
fearlessly advocate those measures which he considered
were for the interest of the country to be adopted, and as
fearlessly oppose all others of a contrary tendency, how-
ever speciously they were put forth.

The discussion of this question, it was said, was forced
upon the house by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor.
He (Mr. McL.) would like to know how he had done it.
He came to this Province an entire stranger, and, as he
said, unconnected with the political differences of the
country ; and what interest could he have in agitating
such a question ? He came here a professed Reformer, he
was even called a "Reformer ol the first water" by those
very persons who now seemed to think they could not find
epithets sufficiently abusive by which to designate him—
but the moment he would not agree to all their views they
attacked him in the grossest manner. The Report stated
that the first Governor of this Province was a member of
the British Parliament when our Constitutional Act was
passed, and it greatly extolled him for his liberal and
patriotic views in regard to this Colony ; but do we find
in any of his acts, speeches, or proclamations, one word
about "responsible government ?" Not one syllable. The
bone of .contention seemed now to be whether the Governor
is bound to consult the Council upon all affairs of the
Colony ; but the very first act of Governor Simcoe, whom
the hon. member for Lennox and Addington holds up as
a pattern to all other Governors, namely, the division of
the Province into Districts, was evidently done without
the advice of the Executive Council ; as the Proclamation
on that subject says not one word of its being done with
their advice and consent. And the very first act he
performed, when the first Parliament met, was to appoint
a Speaker of the Legislative Council, which was also done
without the advice of the Executive Council. How, then,
could hon. members stand up and say that the Governor
was bound to consult them on all affairs, when such was
not Governor Simcoe' s practice, and when the very Act
under which we live only requires him to do so on two or
three occasions f The moment you declare that he,
through his Executive Council, is amenable to this House,
that very moment you declare the Mother Country has
nothing to do with us. He is appointed by His Majesty
as one of his Ministers, and he has a painful duty to
perform for which he is accountable to his Sovereign.
But hon. gentlemen on the opposition say, "Shall we have
a Governor who is only responsible to Downing Street,
4,000 miles distant?" Sir, (said Mr. McLean) I look
upon all such expressions as that to be tantamount to a

DEBATE, HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th. 183(5. 4f,

declaration of a wish for independence from the Mother
Country, and they show but too clearly that the persons
who make use of them are tired of the connexion f (Hear,
hear.) To be sure they do not come out and say so
plainly, for they well know there is too strong an attach-
ment to that country by the people of this Province to
tolerate it ; and therefore they insidiously instil, under
specious names, the poison of their principles into their
unsuspicious minds ; thus endeavouring to destroy their
confidence in the justice of the Government of Great
Britain towards them, and render them discontented with
their present colonial condition. (Hear !) While they
thus industriously labour to agitate this country, they are
not idle in forwarding the same designs with the Govern-
ment at home, by endeavouring to create distrust of the
loyalty of the people of this Province. Address after
address, and representation after representation, and
grievance report after grievance report, embracing "every
imaginable topic of complaint," are sent home, which must
produce a very unfavourable impression respecting the
people of this Colony. And it is to be feared, if they
continue crying "grievance, grievance, grievance !". that,
like the boy who cried "wolf", they will not be heeded
when there is some real grievance to complain of, and then
their object will be accomplished. He held it to be the
duty of every good subject to inculcate peace, and do all
he could for the good government of the country ; but he
would ask, was it consistent with the duty they owed to
the Government to be crying out "grievance" continually ?
Or, was it a duty the members of that House owed to
their constituents, to get up petitions in the .House and
send them out to the country, asking the people to sign
them ? Would it not be better to leave it to the good
sense of the people to petition them when they saw a
necessity for so doing ? But no, they could not wait for
that, but sent out petitions calling,— yes, actually calling
on the people to sign them.

In further discussing this question he would remark,
that the very next clause of the Constitutional Act to
that on which they found their claim that the Council
should be consulted upon all occasions, says that the
Governor shall do certain acts without their advice-
present an incumbent to such rectories as were established
with the advice of the Council. But what does all this
agitation amount to ? Just to this : the late Executive
Council claim to be consulted on all the affairs of the
Province ; the Governor says, "No, gentlemen, I am sent
here by the King with particular instructions for the
government of the Colony— T will consult vou whenever T

4G LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

think it necessary ; and if you claim to be consulted upon
all occasions as a matter of right, you must give up such
opinions or leave my Council." This was just the whole
matter. Was there any thing new or extraordinary in His
Excellency's conduct ? No one could say so with truth ;
but, on the contrary, he had acted in conformity with the
view taken of the matter by the Act and all who adminis-
tered it. But, because certain individuals had expressed
different views, the house was called upon to take such
measures as never were taken on any question in this
country— to adopt the Report and stop the supplies.
Would the people support the majority in this course ?
No, they have had too much opportunity of judging of the
acts and disposition of that majority already ; and if this
resolution was adopted, they would ask, "what good is
to result from it ? why is the public business stopped ?"
They would be told in answer, "We want to get a res-
ponsible government." Then they would ask, "What do
you mean by a responsible government ? must not the
Governor be responsible to the King ?" What would
those gentlemen reply to such a question ? He was
inclined to believe they would find more difficulty in
satisfying the people even with regard to that plausible
term, responsible government, than they anticipated ; for
they would find themselves mistaken if they imagined that
the great bulk of the people had not sufficient understand-
ing to know that a responsible government, in the sense
in which they meant it, was inconsistent with a state of
Colonial relationship ; and they were not yet prepared to
throw off their allegiance, and break the connexion which
subsists between this Colony and the mother country.
He did not believe the country would support them in
these measures. He had not much time to look over the
Report, but, from what he had seen of it, he would say,
that he never saw so disgraceful a public document
emanate from any public body. (Hear, hear\!) He would,
however, warn hon. gentlemen that the people would not
be cajoled and bamboozled by abusive language instead of
argument. The hon. member for Lennox and Addington
said that so much precaution was taken in the Council to
keep their representation secret, that the junior clerks
were sworn to secrecy. Well, he (Mr. McLean) would
like to know how the hon. gentleman became acquainted
with that fact ; but he would say this, that, if any
member of the Council administered such an oath, he far
over-stepped the line of his duty and authority. ("Show
it," from Mr. Perry.) Show it, he says ; why he ha.?
just as much right to administer such an oath of secrecy
as any member of the Council had, and to do so is con-

DEBATE. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th, 1836. 47

trary to the statute against unlawful oaths, (hear.)

Mr. Perry, interrupting,— he never said that any
member of the Council swore the clerks. He only said
they were sworn to secrecy.

Mr. McLean replied, well, how does that help it ? —
(hear, hear.) How dare they require any other person to
do what was against the law of the land ? No other-
person would feel it necessary to do so ; and by their
doing it they proved themselves unworthy of their
situation. Just as well might that hon. member swear
any of the copying clerks of this House to keep any thing
secret he was copying for him. It was said Mr. Baldwin
did not receive the note from His Excellency till after the
new members were sworn in : wjiat difference did that
circumstance make ? If they found fault with the terms
of it when they did receive it, why did they not at once
resign .office ? Was it to be supposed the King would send
out a Governor here, who was to be accountable to him
for the manner in which he administered the Government
of the Colony, and bind him hand and foot and deliver him
over to an Executive Council who were to be under the
control of the House of Assembly ? What authority
would His Majesty then have in the Colony ? or on what
principle of justice could he hold the Governor responsible
for the administration of its affairs ? Such principles
were contradictory and inconsistent, and would not go
down with an intelligent and reflecting people, (hear,
hear.) Public opinion on the subject had already been
shown from the spontaneous meetings which had been held
in different parts of the country, and the addresses which
had been forwarded to His Excellency, the signatures to
which he was authorized to say amounted already to
5,000, and they were pouring in daily. A few months, he
was convinced, would prove to the majority of that house,
that they had misrepresented the feelings of the people of
this country, who did not desire a system of responsible
Government, or self Government, that was inconsistent
with their connexion with their revered Mother Country.

MR. WELLS remarked, that he found great difficulty
in rising to* address the House after the hon. and learned
member for Cornwall ; but he felt it to be his duty to
express his sentiments on this question. The ancients had
a custom of crowning their heroes with laurels at the close
of any great battle ; and in accordance with that custom
he thought the people ought to crown the hon. and learned
member at the close of the session for his patriotic
exertions. He had talked a great deal about responsible
government, and called all who advocate this measure
demagogues, whom the people would spurn from them at

4« LENNOX AND ADUINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

another election. That hon. and learned gentleman had,
to be sure, a good opportunity of knowing at the last
election what the country thought of the men he politely
termed demagogues, when he was turned out of the
representation of the county of Stormont and had to get
some few canal-men to put him in for the little village of
Cornwall. Such remarks about public opinion came with a
very bad grace from that gentleman. His Excellency, he
says, came here to make those reforms which are required.
Does the hon. and learned gentleman indeed admit that
there was any abuse to reform ? Who ever heard him talk
of reform before, except it was to oppose it ?

MR. McLEAN. I did not say so— but that he was
called a reformer.

MR. WELLS. Well, His Excellency says himself that
he has come here for the purpose of reform ; but that hon.
and learned gentleman says no reform is necessary, and
yet he pretends to be a supporter of His Excellency !
That, however, was just as consistent as the rest of his
conduct. With regard to His Excellency's measures of
reform, he (Mr. W.) thought they would amount to about
the same thing as the reform of the hon. and learned
member for Cornwall. That hon. gentleman made a long
speech, containing a great many bold assertions ; one of
which was, that Governor Simcoe did not consult his
Executive Council in his first act as Governor of this
Province. He (Mr. W.) was willing to admit that the
proclamation does not say he did, but it was for that
gentleman to prove he did not consult his Council respect-
ing the matter on which it was issued. Such begging the
question was the sign of a bad cause. He says those who
call themselves reformers won't come out and declare what
they want, and insinuates that they want a separation
from the mother country. Such assertions were a libel
upon the reformers of Upper Canada : and if a separation
was desired by any in this country, it was by the hon.
and learned gentleman's party. Look at the Montreal
Rifle Corps, — the "casting about in the mind's eye for some
new state of political existence,"— the threats of those
high in office that they would resist the law by physical
force when it did not suit them, and many other similar
instances. And, indeed, all the acts of his party have
done more to bring the affairs of the country into a state
of confusion, than all the reformers ever did. (Hear, hear.)
Have they not upheld every abuse ? The people have
declared that reform is necessary to preserve the union of
the Empire, but he says no reform is necessary.

The hon. and learned gentleman from Hamilton found
great fault because the committee were all from one side

DEBATE, HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th, 1836. 49

of the house. But suppose two members had been
appointed from the other side, as he proposed, what could
they have done against the five others ? No doubt he
would like that such persons should be appointed by the
majority of the house on their committees ; but he
(Mr. W.) thought the majority knew their own business,
and who to appoint to transact it ; — not tories, for they
could not put confidence in them. Then the hon. gentleman
made a great outcry about stopping the supplies, and said
it had not been done in England for a hundred years. No
doubt he would not like them to be stopped, as he and
his friends expect to be benefitted by them ; but so long
as the Government is administered contrary to the wishes
of a majority of the House of Assembly and of His
Majesty's Government, the supplies should be stopped,
whatever consequences might follow. Lord Glenelg says
in his Despatch, that they should be withheld whenever
the interests of the country require it ; and this act of the
house will be approved of by all who are not willing to
bow down to the golden calf.

With regard to the question of the Executive Council,
the first thing to be considered was, does the constitution
appoint them? and next, are they to be consulted on all
the affairs of the Province, or only on a few ? It is quite
foreign to the principles of the constitution, that they
should be consulted only on such matters as the Governor
pleases. That he believed would be admitted. He
considered it to be the brightest gem in the British Con-
stitution, that the King was dependant on the people
through the Cabinet Council ; and the constitution of this
country, as explained by Governor Simcoe, required that
the council should be consulted on all the acts of the
Governor, and be responsible to the House of Assembly
for the advice which they gave ; and without it the govern-
ment was nothing but a despotism,— the mere government
of one man, who was a stranger to the country. When
His Excellency first came to the country he admitted the
principle that a Ministry should govern the Province, for
he sent for the hon. Robert Baldwin, and required him to
name the other members of the Council, according to the
English principle ; but he did not carry it out in practice.
Why should he have been so very particular in naming his
Council, if he did not intend to take their advice •? A
great deal had been said about those petitions ; but if any
hon. members thought their constituents could be deceived
by the petitions, he knew it was not the case with his.
They speak as if we were chucking the petitions down the
throats of the people ; but when they received them, they
were at liberty to sign them or not, as they pleased. Not

50 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

only a great deal had been said in that house about not
printing the documents that were referred to the Com-
mittee, but some fellow down in Quebec had the ignorance
and impudence to propose a resolution at some meeting,
condemning the House of Assembly of Upper Canada for
not printing them. (Hear him.) Let His Excellency
dissolve the house, and see if the constituency of the
country will not acquit themselves nobly, and show him
that Britons were never born to be slaves. (Loud cries of
hear, hear.) We might derive a useful lesson from the
page of history. In the old Colonies, now the United
States, secret despatches were sent home, recommending
measures contrary to the interests and wishes of the
people, till they could stand it no longer ; and so it would
be in this country if the present system was continued,—
it would result in open rebellion. It was the duty of
raembers of that house to do all they could for the interest
of the country ; and as h« believed nothing else would
secure attention to our complaints in England but stopping
the supplies, he would vote for the resolution.

THE SOLICITOR GENERAL began by observing, that
when this important subject was referred to a Select
Committee, the house and the country had a right to
expect that an able, statesman-like and temperate report
would have been made, containing intelligible, if not
convincing arguments, and referring to authorities which
would at least have the appearance of plausibility, if they
were not found absolutely conclusive in favour of the views
of its framers : — he regretted, however, to state that in
these expectations the country at teast, if not the house,
would be completely disappointed. The dispassionate and
intelligent reader of the voluminous document then lying
on the table, would search in vain throughout its pages
for dignity of sentiment, patriotic views, or calm, con-
vincing argument illustrative of truth : while, as a literary
production, it would be found to be beneath criticism,—
and in its general style and language, so marked with an
utter disregard of all delicacy of feeling, and the ordinary
courtesies of life, as to render it a disgrace to any
legislative body that might sanction its promulgation.
The speech of the Chairman of the Committee, which had
been addressed to the house, was but a repetition of the
loading statements contained in the Report, and like the
Report itself, contained no one solid argument to sustain
the new and most extraordinary interpretation of our
Constitution which had suddenly broken in upon the minds
of some of our self-styled reformers. It would not be
surprising therefore if, in the course of the remarks he
should address to the house, he should not refer very

DEBATE, HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, APRIL 18th, 1836. 51

frequently either to the Report or to the speech of the
Chairman, as in fact his principal duty would be, to
endeavour to supply information which had been altogether
overlooked or disregarded by the advocates of the new
theory. It appeared to him that the point to which the
Committee should have turned their attention was the
origin of Executive Councils in the Colonies — the duties
originally assigned to them,— and the responsibility, if any,
which attached to them as Councillors :— had this course
been adopted by the Committee, they would have been
greatly assisted in coming to a correct conclusion— and
why they had not done so, he w<^uld not stop to enquire,
but leave it to the public to conjecture motives, of which
they could form as good an opinion as he could. Another
advantage which would have resulted from this plan of
investigation, had it been adopted, would have been, that
the Committee would have informed themselves of the
utter impossibility of the Lieutenant Governor's divesting
himself of responsibility, and that by the Laws and
Constitution, he is emphatically and distinctly responsible
to the King as the head of the Empire, politically ; and to
the people of this Province, individually, in his private
capacity, for every act of his Government ; and that the
Executive Council are not, and cannot be made responsible
to the people for any of their acts. Without further
remark he (the Sol. Gen.) would proceed to show on what
grounds, and upon what authorities, he rested these
opinions. There were not many works extant containing a
history of the Constitutions and forms of Government in
the Colonies, but there were a few, and some of them
giving a very explicit account of the Councils appointed
by the Crown, — their duties and responsibilities, especially
in the Colonies in America : and in order to attract the
attention of the House to the line of argument he intended
to pursue, he begged hon. members would bear in mind
that it would eventually appear, that the Executive
Council of Upper Canada, which it was contended was
created by, as well as identified with, the Constitution of
the Province, (as conferred by the 31st Geo. 3,) was
merely the continuation of a body that had existed in
Canada from the first moment of an organized Governmeiu
after the Conquest, down to the period of the passing of
that Act, which divided the Province of Quebec into Upper
and Lower Canada,— and which was precisely similar to
those existing in the old Colonies, on this Continent, and
the West Indies. The first authority he should cite in
support of this argument was that of a gentleman who
held the office of Chief Justice of Georgia, during the time
that State was a Colony of Great Britain, and subse-

52 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

quently held high legal appointments in the West Indies.
This gentleman in his remarks on the Council says, —

"They are to give advice to the Governor or
Commander in Chief for the time being when thereunto
required ; and they stand in the same relation to the
Governor in a Colony that the Privy Council does to the
King in Great Britain : in some cases the Governor can
act without their advice and concurrence, and there are
other cases in which the Governor is required by his
instructions not to act without the advice and concurrence
of his Council"— "which, (instructions) every Governor and
Commander in Chief should carefully attend to."

"The Council sit as Judges in the Court of Errors or
Court of Appeal."

"The Council are named in every Commission oi the
Peace, as Justices of the Peace throughout the whole
Colony."— Stoke's Constitutions of the British Colonies,
pp. 239,240.

Thus we see the origin of Councils in the Colonies, and
the duties assigned to them, and how completely the duties
heretofore performed by the Council in this Province
correspond with those imposed on the Councils in the old
Colonies now separated from Great Britain, as well as
ihose which remain appendages of the Empire. In the old
Colonies, they advised the Governor when required by the
King's Instructions, they do so here ; in the old Colonies
they constituted a Court of Appeal, by our Constitution
that duty is imposed upon them here ;— and in this
Province, as in the other Colonies, their names appear as
Justices in every Commission of the Peace throughout the
Province. The same author observes, that when a new
Governor came to a Province, the names of the persons
who were to constitute his Council were named in his
instructions, and that no other appointment or commission
was necessary ; but this practice has now fallen into
disuse, at least in this Province. The last set of
instructions containing the names of the Council were
those brought out by Sir Peregrine Maitland ; but it should
be borne in mind, that those very instructions are these
now laid on the table by command of Sir Francis Head,
that they contain the names of the Councillors then
existing in Upper Canada and prescribe their duties.
These instructions and these duties have undergone no
change since that period.

Governor Simcoe, the first Governor that came to this
Province, brought with him the first instructions that
were designed to direct the King's Representative, the
Council, and other Officers of the Government in their
duties ; and as they were in the adjoining building, on

DEBATE, HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, APRIL 18th, 1836. 53

record in the books of the Council, it was somewhat
strange that the Committee did not examine them. They
would be found to be the same as those delivered to Sir
Peregrine Maitland.

In some of the old Colonies the Council was possessed
of legislative power conjointly with the Governor, and
sometimes formed an intermediate legislative branch
between the Governor and an Assembly elected by the
people : — of course, in all matters relating to the enact-
ment of laws, the Governor could not act independently of
the Council, except in so far as respected the assenting to
or refusing of bills. Upon the death, removal, or resigna-
tion of the Governor, the senior Councillor by the King's
Instructions assumed the Government, as in this country,
unless the senior Councillor happened to be Superintendent
of Indian Affairs, or Surveyor General of the Customs,
(which officers were always extraordinary members of the
Council,) in which case the Government devolved on the
ordinary member of the Council next in seniority.

Such was the nature and constitution of the Executive
Councils in the old Colonies in America, and although in
the majority of those Governments, Legislative Assemblies
existed, one branch elected by the people as in this
country, yet there is no trace of any pretence that those
Councils were responsible for their official acts to any
other person or party than the King. Responsibility to
the elective branch of the Legislature was never thought
of ; and the Chief Justice of Georgia, whose work he had
quoted, and who had resided and held office in several of
the other Colonies, distinctly states, that the Executive
Council were guided by the King's Instructions, and were
therefore responsible to His Majesty only. They were
appointed as in this Province by the King, and removed
at his pleasure ; they advised his representative, when
required, in secrecy ; their acts could be known to the
King only, and to him only were they accountable for
them.

Let us now consider the origin and constitutional
powers of the Executive Councils in these Provinces : they
will be found to be precisely similar to those already
described.

It would be recollected that Canada was obtained by
conquest from the Crown of France in 1759, and that by
the Treaty of Paris in 1763, it, together with other
Territories in America, was finally ceded to Great Britain :
—the form of Government in Canada between the years
1759 and 17,63, was of course a purely military despotism,
regulated by the terms of the capitulation. In the year
1763 the King issued his Proclamation, in which he

54 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

declares, that the Territory in America, ceded by the
Treaty of Paris, should be erected into four separate
Governments, viz. : Quebec, comprising the whole of
Canada ; East Florida ; West Florida ; and Grenada. For
the purpose of shewing1 clearly the views of His Majesty
with respect to the form of Government intended by him
to be established in those Territories, it would be proper
to refer to the Proclamation itself, which contains the
following passage : —

"And whereas it will greatly contribute to the speedy
settling our said new governments, that our loving subjects
should be informed of our paternal care for the security of
the liberty and properties of those who are and shall
become inhabitants thereof, we have thought fit to publish
and declare by this our proclamation that we have, in the
letters patent under our Great Seal of Great Britain, by
which the said governments are constituted, given express
power and direction to our Governors of our said Colonies
respectively, that so soon as the state and circumstances
of the said Colonies will admit thereof, they shall, with
the advice and consent of the members of our Council,
summon and call general assemblies, within the said gov-
ernments respectively, in such manner and form as is used
and directed in those Colonies and Provinces in America
which are under our immediate government ; and we have
also given power to the said Governors, with the consent
of our said Councils and the Representatives of the people,
so to be summoned as aforesaid, to make, constitute, and
ordain laws, statutes, and ordinances, for the public peace,
welfare, and good government of our said Colonies, and of
the people and inhabitants thereof as near as may be
agreeable to the laws of England, and under such regula-
tions and restrictions as are used in other Colonies ; and
in the mean time, and until such assemblies can be called
as aforesaid, all persons inhabiting in, or resorting to our
said Colonies, may confide in our royal protection for the
enjoyment of the benefit of our laws of our realm of Eng-
land ; for which purpose we have given power und«r our
Great Seal to the Governors of our said Colonies res-
pectively, to erect and constitute with the advice of our
said Council respectively, Courts of Judicature and public
justice within our said Colonies, for the hearing and
determining of causes, as w«ll criminal as civil, according
to law and equity, and as near as may be agreeable to
the laws of England, with liberty to all persons who may
think themselves aggrieved by the sentence of such Courts,
in all civil causes, to appeal, under the usual limitations
and restrictions, to us in our Privy Council."

Here then was the root from which sprung our present

DEBATE. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, APRIL 18th, 1836. 55

Constitution. In the above extract it will be observed,
that in the Patent constituting the Government of Quebec,
allusion is made to "a Council," and that the Governor,
with the advice of such Council, might summon and call a
General Assembly, "in such manner and form as is used
and directed in those Colonies and Provinces in America
which are under our immediate government." Now it
would scarcely be contended that the Council thus created
by the King, could be responsible to any other power than
himself. There was not at that time, nor for years
afterwards, any representative body in the Colony ; and it
might be further remarked, that had an Assembly been
convened in pursuance of the power contained in the
proclamation, it (the Assembly) was to be constituted as
in the "other Colonies and Provinces in America," and it
does not appear that it was to be clothed with greater
powers than they possessed. No Assembly, however, was
ever called under the authority of the proclamation, and
Canada continued to be governed by a military officer,
assisted by a Council, until the year 1774. For eleven
years an Executive Council did exist, clearly and positively
irresponsible to any power but the Crown, and possessed
too of powers greatly transcending those of the present
Council, for it appears by the 4th section of the Act 14th
Geo. III. ch. 83, that with the Governor it had power to
enact laws by which the inhabitants of the Colony were
bound. This Act, the 14th Geo. III. was the first passed
by the British Parliament giving a settled form of govern-
ment to Canada, and in it allusion was made to the
existence of a Council, possessing the powers just
mentioned. That Act authorized His Majesty to appoint a
certain number of persons as Legislative Councillors, who,
when appointed, should hold their offices for life ; and
ordained that the laws and ordinances passed by them,
and assented to by the Governor, on behalf of the King,
should supersede all ordinances previously made by the
Governor and Executive Council. The Executive was not,
however, done away with ; on the contrary, it continued
to exist to advise the Governor ; and by an ordinance
passed in the year 1785— by the Legislative Council and
Governor, it was constituted a Court of Appeal as in the
old Colonies : which ordinance is recognized and confirmed
by our Constitutional Act, 31st Geo. III. ch. 31, sec. 34.
Before proceeding to examine the provisions of the import-
ant act last mentioned, it might as well be asked whether
the Executive Council of Quebec, between the years 1774
and 1791, could be said to be responsible to any other
power than the King for their official conduct ? It would
be manifestly absurd to say that it was responsible to the

56 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

people, at a time when the people had no voice in the
Government. The Governor and the Legislative Council
were both appointed by the King ; the Executive Council
was a body created* by the King, which he could continue
or suppress at his mere will and pleasure — there being no
law or ordinance that required their existence. Being
appointed, their duties were defined by the King, and
lessened or extended according to his sole decree, unless
where particular duties were imposed by ordinance ; and
when so, those duties were of a character distinct from
those of advisers of the King's Representative. Where,
then, should we seek for their responsibility to the people ?
It could no where be found. (Hear, hear.) If then up to
the time of passing the Constitutional Act the Executive
Council were alone responsible to the King, the next and
most important question to be decided was, whether by
that act their character was changed,— whether in fact, as
is now alleged, "The Executive Council of this Province is
by the Constitution responsible to the people, and not to
the Crown — and like the Cabinet in England should go out
of office upon a vote of the Assembly, and that the
Governor is bound by their advice, and is not responsible
for his acts, any more than the King is for his acts."
Those who blindly contended for a principle so dangerous
to the peace, welfare, and good government of this
Province, would search in vain for support from the great
Charter conferred upon its inhabitants for the protection
of their liberties. That act recognizes a Council to be
appointed by the King, but it creates no such body. It
was manifest that when the 31st Geo. III. was passed, the
British Parliament had before it the King's Proclamation
of 1763— the Royal Instructions to the Governor— the Act
of 14th Geo. III. ch. 83— and the ordinances of the Province
of Quebec, passed in virtue of the last mentioned act ;
each of which was specifically referred to in the Constitu-
tional Act ; and Parliament assuming that the King in
the exercise of his royal prerogative would continue a
Council which had previously existed, required of it, when
created, certain specified duties, but no where making it
a Cabinet which by its advice was to govern the Province,
and assume the power and responsibility of the Crown, —
rendering the King's Representative a mere cipher, subject
to its domination and control. A principle so preposterous
as this, could no where be found in the Constitution.
(Hear, hear.) Nothing could be more clear than that it
never was intended that the Council should have greater
powers than were entrusted to it prior to the passing of
the Constitutional Act ; which powers were defined in the
King's instructions, and in the laws and ordinances then

DEBATE. HOUSE OP ASSEMBLY, APRIL 18th, 1836. 57

in, force in the Colony, passed in pursuance of the powers
given by the 14th Geo. III. By an ordinance of the
Province of Quebec the Governor and Executive Council
were constituted a Court of Appeals, and were continued
such by the 34th section of the Constitutional Act— and by
another section the Governor was required to act with the
advice of his Council in erecting parsonages and endowing
them: these are the only duties specifically required of , the
Council ; all others depend on the will of the Sovereign.
If, as is contended, it was meant that nothing could be
constitutionally done without the advice of the Council,
was it to be believed that so important a principle would
have been left in doubt by the eminent Statesmen who
framed the Constitution ? -- It was inconsistent with
common sense to suppose they would have been so blind to
their duty. (Hear, hear.)

But in truth, there could be no doubt in the minds of
dispassionate and intelligent men— the Constitution itself
gave a plain and distinct negative to the assertion, that
the Governor is at all times, and upon every public matter,
to consult the Council. It would be admitted that no
duty which a Governor has to exercise can be of greater
importance, than deciding on the Laws presented to him by
the other branches of the Legislature for the Royal assent ;
and it may be fairly argued, that if upon any one point
more than another he stands in need of the advice of a
council, it must be in coming to a decision on questions
which may involve the safety of the liberties and property
of the people of the country ; notwithstanding this, how-
ever, he is not to be guided by the advice of his Council,
but by the Royal Instructions. This was a provision of
the Constitution itself, couched in the following plain and
intelligible words :

"Sec. XXX. And be it further enacted by the
authority aforesaid, That whenever any bill, which has
been passed by the Legislative Council and by the House
of Assembly in either of the said Provinces respectively,
shall be presented, for His Majesty's assent, to the
Governor or Lieutenant Governor of such Province, or to
the person administering His Majesty's Government there-
in, such Governor or Lieutenant Governor, or person
administering the Government, shall, and he is hereby
authorized and required to declare, according to his
discretion, but subject nevertheless to the provisions
contained in this act, and to such instructions as may
from time to time be given in that behalf by His Majesty,
his heirs or successors, that he assents to such bill in His
Majesty's name, or that he withholds His Majesty's assent
from such bill, or that he reserves such bill for the signi-

58 LENNOX AND ADDINOTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

iication of His Majesty's pleasure thereon.

This section of the Constitutional Act was important
for several reasons, but principally because, in the first
place, it at once overthrows the doctrine that the Governor
is on all occasions to consult his Council, or act by its
advice ; and secondly, as shewing that the King's
instructions from time to time given were recognized by
Parliament, and embodied in the Constitution as binding
on the Governor. (Hear, hear.) The clause just quoted
required the person administering the government to assent
to or reject bills "according to his discretion," not by
and with the advice of his Council, but in conformity with
the instructions he may "from time to time" receive from
His Majesty. How absurd would it then be for a Governor,
were he to apply to his Council in a doubtful case for
advice, and acting upon it, assent to a bill contrary to
the orders contained in his instructions, which, by the
express terms of the Constitution, were to be his guide.
How would he excuse himself by alleging that he acted
upon the advice of his Council, instead of his instructions ?
Where then must the responsibility rest ? Upon himself,
of course ; and it would be out of his power to rid himself
of it, and cast it upon another. (Hear, hear.)

The Constitution having thus emphatically recognized
the Royal Instructions, ag binding upon the Governor, and
forming a part as it were of the Constitution itself, it
would be proper again to refer to those Instructions for
the purpose of placing before the house, in a clear and
connected manner, the duties required by the Sovereign
of the members of his Council when he appointed them to
their office : the following were the words employed :

"To the end that our said Executive Council may be
assisting to you in all affairs relating to our service, you
are to communicate to them such and so many of these
our instructions wherein their advice is mentioned to be
requisite, and likewise all such others from time to time
as you shall find convenient for our service to be imparted
to them."

Language could scarcely be more- intelligible, or free from
ambiguity, than was here employed ; and let it be borne
in mind, that these instructions were brought to this
country by Governor Simcoe, who was also the bearer of
the Constitution conferred upon this Province, and which
he was charged to put in operation. They were moreover
delivered to him after the Constitutional Act had passed
the British Parliament, and by the same Statesmen who
had conducted that measure to maturity. (Hear, hear !•)
If, then, the measure now contended for was correct, those
Statesmen were the first to attempt to violate the Con-

DEBATE. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th, 1836. 59

stitution they had framed, and Governor Simcoe was
selected and agreed to assist them in, their design ! There
was something so wicked and preposterous in the mere
mention of such a conspiracy that the mind instantly
repels it without further investigation.

The Councillors named in the instructions containing
the paragraph just quoted, were sworn into office in the
presence of Governor Simcoe, and it would be too much
for the most credulous to believe that such would have
been the case if that able and excellent man believed that
the duties of those Councillors were unconditionally cir-
cumscribed by the King, from whom he had just received
his commission as the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper
Canada.

And here he (the Sol. -General) would pause on this
branch of the subject, and calmly, but earnestly, entreat
hon. members to consider the question as he had attempted
to present it to them. An attack has been made upon the
Lieutenant-Governor, of a most violent— one might say
ferocious, character — and he is charged with an attempt to
change the Constitution, or to prevent His Majesty's
subjects from fully enjoying it, by refusing to surrender
his power and responsibility to the Executive Council !—
but, upon a candid examination, will any one say that he
could have acted differently from what he had done ?
Cle"arly not. Were he now to adopt the views contained in
the Report of the Committee, he must place himself in
direct opposition to the commands of the Sovereign con-
tained in his Royal Instructions, and by which every
preceding Governor had been bound. The real state 01
the question is this— it is with the King that the House is
coming into collision, and not with his representative. If
Sir Francis Head be wrong, the error did not originate
with him : The King on his throne is the party thi.s
attack must affect— 4t is against his royal authority that
this House is now contending ; and, to be successful, they
must compel him to surrender, as unconstitutional, the
powers he has exercised without dispute ever since, and
long before, Upper Canada became a portion of his domin-
ions. For his own part, he (the Sol.-General) earnestly
prayed, that, for the safety, peace, and tranquillity of 'the -
country, the attempt now made by the House might fail :
— In its success he sincerely believed the highest interests
of the Colony would be sacrificed ; but he had too much
confidence in the wisdom and integrity of Government to
suffer himself for a moment to imagine that a scheme so
certain to bring destruction on our most valued institu-
tions could succeed ;— something? more than blustering
language, and insulting resolutions, and abusive reports,

60 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

must be resorted to, in order to obtain so important a
change in the system of our Government as that contended
for by the majority of the House. With the British
nation, hard names and violent conduct would avail but
little ; on the contrary, such proceedings would effectually
counteract the result sought for, especially when they
betrayed themselves, as in the present instance, in public
documents emanating from a legislative body whose acts
should be marked with dignity, forbearance, and calm
reasoning. There were few men whose political sentiments
he more cordially detested than those of Mr. Joseph Hume,
of "baneful domination" memory ; but let the Report
under discussion be laid before that gentleman, and he was
satisfied that it would be treated with contempt even, by
him for its rudeness and its entire destitution of dignity
and argument. The House might, if it pleased, destroy
the prosperity of the country, and spread embarrassment
through all classes of the community, by refusing supplies,
but what would this avail ? The King upon his throne
must be attacked and overcome before his right to issue
and enforce those Instructions could be invalidated. (Hear,
hear ! and applause.)

From what he had stated it was evident that the
powers of the Executive Council were limited by the King,
and that their very existence was dependent upon his
pleasure. It had been stated that the Council ought to be
responsible, not to the Crown but to the people, and that,
if such were not actually the, case, it ought to be so. This
he would deny in the most distinct and unqualified manner,
and he defied any man in Upper Canada, or in the whole
world, to maintain such a position. It was not so ; — it
ought not to be so. (Hear !•) Suppose that the Council
should be compelled to retire whenever a House of
Assembly (no matter,. what its political character) should
say it was not worthy of confidence, the right of the King
to appoint the advisers of the Governor would in such
case be at once destroyed. It might be said the House did
not wish to dictate what particular persons should com-
pose the Council ; — but such an assertion would be mere
evasion. If the House were at liberty to remove the
Councillors by declaring their want of confidence in them,
they could repeat their declarations until they obtained
the particular persons they desired, and this would be
virtually appointing them. Where, under such a state of
things, would be the King's authority ? The moment the
House had power to say who should compose the Executive
Council, that moment the kingly office and authority
would be annulled, and the power and patronage of the
Crown, within the Colony, would be transferred to the

DEBATE. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, APRIL 18th, 1836. 61

House of Assembly. (Hear, hear.) The hon. and learned
gentleman (Dr. Morrison) might smile, as he observed he
did, but he knew it could not be otherwise ; and no single
argument could be brought to bear against this plain and
obvious truth. In favour of the new theory of responsi-
bility to the House of Assembly it had been asked, how
will you get rid of the consequences of any improper acts
of the Governor, seeing that his removal will not make
reparation to injured individuals, or restore the lives of
any who may have been victims of his unadvised tyranny ?
But he (the Sol. -Gen.) would ask how, so far as the
consequences of improper acts are concerned, would the
matter be amended by making the Council responsible,
instead of the Governor ? Would that restore the dead to
life ? Would that make good any injury that might
otherwise accrue to individuals, or to the Colony ? But
that was not all. The responsibility contended for was a
mere shadow — (hear, hear,) — a mere illusion of the fancy.
The Governor was really, and tangibly responsible for his
acts, and might be punished ; as he should take occasion
to show in the course of his argument. But how would
you punish the Council ? It was impossible to do so,
otherwise than by dismissing them ; for this obvious
reason, that as they are, and must of necessity be sworn
to secrecy, it would be impossible to find who among them
gave bad advice, and who opposed an improper measure.
Thus, the punishment, if such it could be called, must be
inflicted on the innocent as well as the guilty, or all must
go free. If he had not misunderstood some hon. gentlemen
who were in favour of the new system, they had contended
that the Council should be consulted on all occasions, but
admitted that the Governor might act upon their advice,
or reject it, at his pleasure. How then would they hold
the Council responsible ? To be sure the late Council
have said, — "We have laboured under much odium, and we
wish to be allowed to tell the people that we are not
guilty, when any unpopular act takes place without our
advice." Suppose this were granted, would not common
candour require that they should tell the people that they
did not deserve the credit of a popular act, if done against
their advice f Where would be the obligation of their
oath, if, contrary to it, they were thus to "respond to the
people." Such a system of responsibility might have
peculiar charms for some hon. gentlemen, but it was
really beyond his comprehension to perceive its propriety.
Just look at the absurdity of the Council communicating
with the public whenever their advice was not acted on,
and telling the people— "We are not tyrants, but the
Governor is a despot." Sworn agitators ! (Hear, hear.)

62 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

However fond of new things reformers might be, and
whatever they might declare to the contrary, they did not,
they could not wish for such a state of things, if they
really had the peace of the country at heart. (Hear, hear.)

It had been argued that the Executive Council is here
what the Cabinet is at home. Now this was just as
absurd, and betrayed the same ignorance of facts, as the
declaration in the Report, that the Governor has power to
declare war ! The Executive Council strictly resembled
the King's Privy Council, and it might be worth while to
direct attention for a moment to that body, and its
powers. Some hon. gentlemen seemed to imagine that the
King consults the Privy Council on all occasions ; but in
this they were entirely mistaken. The King could call on
his Privy Council or any portion of its members for
advice whenever he pleased, and they were bound to give
him their assistance whenever required of them, and that
too whether they agreed with the general policy of the
government or not. The Privy Council, at present, was
composed of a great number of gentlemen of different
political views, and the King could act with or without
their advice. They were altogether differently constituted
from the Cabinet Ministers, which last held their offices
virtually at the will of the House of Commons ; but the
changes of the Cabinet do not at all affect the Privy
Council. The latter are bound by their oath to give their
advice in any case in which it may be asked, but His
Majesty is not obliged to ask it ; but he may send for
other persons, if he pleases, and consult them, and then
act according to the best of his judgment.

During this discussion there had been various
authorities quoted on the other side, and among others,
that of Lord Stanley had been adduced ; now, he was also
willing to refer to that able and honest nobleman's
opinion, given when he was a member of the Cabinet.

—The Executive Council (he says) is a body acting in
the nature of the Privy Council in this country— advising
the Governor, but not responsible to him, and forming a
Council against whose opinion as well as with it, he may
act — and subject also to the control of the Treasury here
as auditing and passing the accounts of the Province, so
far as the jurisdiction of the Treasury extends."

So much for the opinion of Lord Stanley when a
Cabinet Minister, and when it became necessary for him
to inform himself of the constitutional duties and powers
of the Executive Council. It will scarcely be found to
favour the notion that the Executive Council are respon-
sible to the people rather than to the Crown ; and far less
will it establish the opinion, that the Governor is bound

DEBATE, HOUSE OF' ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th, 1836. 63

by the Constitution to consult them on those affairs not
specified in the Constitution or the King's Instructions,
except when he may think it proper and necessary to do
so. He would next adduce that of the Hon. James Stuart,
late Attorney General of Lower Canada, a very eminent
and able lawyer, who says, that "it would, in his opinion,
be better if the Council were more frequently consulted ;"
but he never intimated, that the Constitution required
them to be consulted on all affairs. He (the Sol .-General)
knew not how often the Executive Councillors were con-
sulted on general affairs ; but he knew that when they
were, they were bound to give their honest advice, and the
Governor had the same right to act upon it, or to decline
following it, that His Majesty had with regard to the
advice of his Privy Council. If this were not the case, the
Governor would be the mere passive tool of his advisers,
and, according to the system against which he was con-
tending, they, the Council, must be equally the tools of
the majority of the Assembly, Such a system would
annihilate the kingly authority. (Hear, hear.) Such was
not the Constitution of England, or of this Province ; but
the blind theory of the hon. member for Lennox and
Addington. It was much to be lamented that hon.
gentlemen did not think, and examine, before they rushed
into such absurdities. It was still more remarkable that
the late Executive Councillors, who had thrown the affairs
of the Province into such confusion, should have imagined
that, consistently with their oath of secrecy, they might
insist upon being consulted upon all occasions, and then
proclaim to the people the result of their deliberations.
(Hear, hear.) Another argument had been adduced, which
had not a little astonished him. He alluded to the
reference which had been made to the administration of
Governor Smicoe, who had been eulogized as the best
Governor that had ever been appointed to the Province.
He (the Sol. -Gen.) was as ready as any other hon.
gentleman to admit, that General Simcoe was a most
excellent man ; and he would be the last to detract from
his well earned merits. While in England lately, he was
highly gratified, and much affected, on observing a splendid
monument which had been erected to the memory of that
gallant officer, by the gentlemen of Devonshire, in the
Cathedra] Church of Exeter, bearing a highly honourable
and appropriate inscription, and ornamented with devices
commemorative of his valuable services during the Ameri-
can Revolution, and while Governor of Upper Canada.
But could any person prove that he had administered the
Government differently from his successors, in the point
which was that day the subject of debate f No, it was

f>4 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

impossible. He would refer hon. gentlemen to the Council
books, and ask them whether Governor Simcoe consulted
his Council on all affairs <? The result of such an examin-
ation would be fatal to the argument which hon'ble
gentlemen had attempted to bring to bear upon Sir Francis
Head. Look at the other public records of the Province.
Governor Simcoe had assented to laws, summoned parlia-
ments and dissolved them, issued proclamations dividing
the Province into Districts, (certainly one of the most
important powers ever entrusted to a Governor) ; and all
this without any mention being made of the advice of the
Council. It was probable that he might have conversed
on these subjects with his old friends and companions-in-
arms, by whom he was surrounded in this country, and
the Councillors appointed ; but it could never be shown
that the Council was to assist him on all occasions : the
instructions delivered to him, as has been shown, made
this unnecessary. The same observations would apply to
the administration of General Hunter, Mr. Gore, and
indeed every succeeding Governor. Yet it was now
declared, in order to bring odium upon Sir Francis Head,
and to induce him, by intimidation, to yield up to irrespon-
sible advisers one of the most important prerogatives
entrusted to him by his Sovereign, that he is, in this
particular, taking a stand never before assumed by his
predecessors. (Hear, hear.) But bold assertions could
not, in this day, be passed off on the country as facts, and
hon. gentlemen would find this to be the case before this
question was settled.

It had been contended, that Governor Simcoe said we
had the very image and transcript of the British Constitu-
tion. He (the Sol.-Gen.) would say we had more ;
(hear, hear ;) even the Constitution itself, except such
portions of it as we had refused to receive. Every part
and parcel of the British Constitution that was necessary
for the practical purposes of good government in this
Province had been extended to it. The British Constitu-
tion, consisting of King, Lords, and Commons, each branch
possessing its peculiar rights, powers and prerogatives, and
the laws and institutions of the Empire, were not confined
to Great Britain and Ireland,— their influence reached
throughout all the widely extended dominions of the
British Empire, and shed their protecting power and
blessings to the remotest portion of the realms and
possessions of our Sovereign : and the people of Upper
Canada are as much protected by that Constitution as if
they lived in an English County. Nay, more, for the
British Parliament had given up a portion of its legitimate
powers, and imparted them to these Colonies. Thus the

DEBATE, HOUSE OP ASSEMBLY, APRIL 18th. 1836. fio

Provincial Legislature had power to make laws, without
any interruption or interference on the part of Great
Britain, except where such laws would militate against the
general interests, or any of the great constitutional
principles, of the Empire. Such a check it would of course
be necessary to preserve, so long as we remain a Colony.
Besides this, we are under the powerful protection of the
British Crown ; and were our rights to be infringed by
any nation or power on earth, the arm of mighty England
would at once be raised for our defence, and to protect us
from injury or insult. (Hear, hear.) Yes, he would ask,
who provides fleets and armies for our protection ? — who
erects forts and constructs canals at an expense of
millions for our benefit f— who gives protection to our
trade, and exclusive privileges to our commerce ? — who
nurses and cherishes all our institutions until we shall be
able to manage and bear the expenses of them ourselves ?
It was the Parent State ; it could not be denied that all
these blessings flow from the practical working of the
British Constitution, and that, so far as was compatible
with our Colonial relation, we had the full benefit of that
Constitution. In our local Legislature, we had the prin-
ciples of King, Lords, and Commons. We had trial by
jury— the habeas corpus Act— and every other privilege
essential to the protection of life and property. It should
be further recollected, that we thus possess the laws and
protection of the .British Government without its expenses ;
so that it is true, as Sir Francis Head has asserted, that
though we may not have the exact image and transcript
of the British Constitution, the only point of essential
difference is as it respects its expensive arrangement and
machinery.

The first act of the Provincial Legislature, which in its
constitution resembles the Imperial Parliament, and is a
sort of imperium in imperio, was to adopt all the English
laws, except the Poor and Bankrupt laws ; the former
happily being unnecessary in a country where honest
industry will generally suffice to secure a competency of
wealth and comfort. The Court of Chancery, and other
important institutions of England, we can have whenever
we wish to avail ourselves of them. Indeed, it was clear
that this Province possessed the advantages of the British
Constitution, with many additional blessings, without any
of its burthens.

He would now again pass to the question of the
responsibility of the Government. If, by that term, it was
meant that the Lieutenant Governor should be responsible
to every individual in the Province, he would prove that
he is so. (Hear, hear.) Yes, and he would prove in the

«6 LENNOX AND AODIN'GTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

most satisfactory manner that the responsibility contended
for by some hon. gentlemen is a mere shadow, a thing of
nought, compared with that which really exists, according
to the laws and constitution of this Province.

As long ago as in the reign of William III. it appeared
that some of the Colonial Governors did not always
conduct themselves with propriety, and an Act was passed
which, as it was short, he would beg leave to read :

"Whereas a due punishment is not provided for several
crimes and offences committed out of this His Majesty's
realm of England, whereof divers Governors, Lieutenant
Governors, Deputy Governors, or Commanders-in-chiei of
plantations and colonies within His Majesty's dominions
beyond the seas, have taken advantage, and have not been
deterred from oppressing His Majesty's subjects within
their respective governments and commands, nor from
committing several other great crimes and offences ; not
deeming themselves punishable for the same here, nor
accountable for such their crimes and offences to any
person within their respective governments and commands ;
for remedy whereof, be it enacted by the King's Most
Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of
the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in
Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same,
That if any Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Deputy Gover-
nor, or Commander-in-chief of any plantation or colony
within His Majesty's dominions beyond the seas, shall
after the first day of August, one thousand seven hundred,
be guilty of oppressing any of His Majesty's subjects
beyond the seas, within their respective governments and
commands, or shall be guilty of any other crime or
offence, contrary to the laws of this realm, or in force
within their respective governments or commands, such
oppressions, crimes, and offences, shall be enquired of,
heard and determined, in His Majesty's Court of King's
Bench, here in England, or before such Commissioners, and
in such county of this realm, as shall be assigned by His
Majesty's Commission, and by good and lawful men of the
same county, and that such punishment shall be inflicted on
such offenders, as are usually inflicted for offences of like
nature committed here in England."

Let it be remembered, that the Act he had just read
was passed when the present United States formed part of
the British Empire,— when there were Legislative bodies in
those colonies, similar to those in Upper Canada. But if
the Executive Councils had been Cabinets, and responsible
for the acts of the Governors, why was such a law passed ?
It would have been the height of absurdity. The Act
shows plainly that the responsibility rests upon the

DEBATE. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, APRIL 18th. 1836. 67

Governor, and that he cannot be allowed to shelter himself
under any pretended responsibility to his Council ; and this
Statute is in force at this day. He (the Sol.-Gen.)
would grant that a Governor could not be prosecuted in
this country : and why t Because, as Lord Mansfield
says, if he could, he might be imprisoned ; and thus the
colony be without a Governor, and the power and author-
ity of the Crown be destroyed. But what of this ? He
can be prosecuted in England, and tried like any other
individual by a jury of his country. In the year 1774 a
Governor Mostyn was prosecuted, by a person of the name
of Falrigas, and a verdict of £3000 rendered against him
for an act which would have bee^i, perhaps above any other
strictly illegal acts, considered excusable. It was for
imprisoning a man who had been accused of stirring up
treason and rebellion in the colony. (Hear, hear.) Here
was proper responsibility, and proper redress ; and Lord
Mansfield in pronouncing the judgment of the Court
declared,—

"That a Governor was not that sacred character that
an action would not lie against him for an illegal act
committed by him within his Government— but that for
many reasons, if an action did not lie against any other
maji, for an injury done, it should most emphatically lie
against the Governor— but that he must be tried in Eng-
land to see whether he had exercised the power delegated
to him legally and properly ; or whether he had abused it
in violation of the laws of England, and the trust reposed
in him."

It was not pretended that this gentleman had been
advised to do what he had done by his Council ; and if he
had set up such an excuse it would have availed him
nothing. If, however, it had been in his power to shelter
himself under the advice of his Council, the consequence
would have been that the man who had sustained a
grievous injury would have been without any remedy,— an
admirable proof of the advantage of taking away responsi-
bility from a Governor and placing it nominally on a
Council that cannot be prosecuted. Neither are we without
examples of the responsibility of Governors to individuals
for injuries done them nearer home. Honourable gentlemen
no doubt recollected Governor Gore ; and some of them
might have heard of Judge Thorpe, Mr. Surveyor General
Wyatt, and others, who either abandoned their situations
or were suspended by Mr. Gore for alleged misconduct.
Mr. Wyatt was so disposed of, but, considering himself
unjustly treated, he brought an action against Mr. Gore
when in England and during the time he was on leave of
absence as Lieutenant Governor of the Province, and

68 LENNOX AND ALDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

received £300 damages against him. Many other cases
might be adduced proving the responsibility of Governors
for their acts, and showing that they never pretended to
shelter themselves under the advice of their Council.
Neither could they do so ; for the laws and constitution
make them, and not the Council, responsible for whatever
injury may have been committed by them. They arc
known, tangible individuals ; but a Council could not be so
prosecuted— and if a party were told to seek redress from
it, for an injury however enormous, he would find that his
hopes of compensation were visionary and unfounded.

He would conclude this part of the subject by referring
to two Acts of the Imperial Parliament showing the heavy
responsibility imposed upon Governors of Colonies, and
from which neither an Executive Council, nor any other
power but Parliament itself, could save them. The first is
an Act passed in the 7th and 8th years of William and
Mary, for preventing frauds, and regulating abuses in the
Colonial Trade, by the 4th clause of which it is enacted
that if a Governor of any of the Colonies shall fail to do
the utmost in his power to carry that law into effect, he
should forfeit one thousand pounds, and be removed from
his government. The second Act was passed in the 4th
year of Geo. III. to prevent paper bills of credit, issued in
the Colonies in America, from being made a legal tender
by any Act of the local Legislature ; and by4the 3rd section
of which it is enacted that if any Governor shall give his
assent to a bill passed by a Colonial Assembly in opposi-
tion to the intent and meaning of that Act, he should
forfeit £1,000, be removed from his government, and for
ever rendered incapable of any public office or place of
trust. Of what avail, he would ask, would it be to a
Governor of Upper Canada, who had rendered himself
liable to punishment under the provisions of either of these
Acts, to plead as his excuse that he had acted by and
with the advice of the Executive Council ? Should such a
plea save him from punishment, where would the responsi-
bility rest then ? (Hear, hear.) He might multiply
proofs and authorities but it could not be necessary.
Those hon. gentlemen who wished to be influenced by
honest argument and truth had heard enough, and if any
were already determined as to their votes, without regard
to facts or arguments, they must pursue their own course.
It had been asserted that the doctrine laid down by His
Excellency was altogether novel ; but when, he would ask,
had responsibility been claimed at any former period of
our history by the Council, or by anybody on their behalf f
Where was the proof of it ? ("Where is it not ?" from
Dr. Morrison.) The hon. and learned gentleman a-sks,

DEBATE. HOUSE OP ASSEMBLY, APRIL 18th. 1836. <0

"where is it not ?" He (the Sol.-Gen.) was really sur-
prised. Why was there no noise made about it last
Session •? Had not that hon. gentleman himself, and those
with whom he acted, declared that the Council was a
perfectly irresponsible and useless body ? Perhaps the
hon. gentleman has forgotten this, but his memory should
presently be refreshed. When the Act was passed, making
a permanent provision of £500 annually for the support of
the Council, it was asked often during the debate, and
particularly by the hon. member from Lennox and Adding*
ton, "What is the use of such a body, responsible to no
one for their conduct ?" He (the Sol.-Gen.) had no doubt
but those arguments would be found in the speeches of
hon. members, as reported at that time in the public-
papers ; but now they seem to have acquired new light.
(Hear, hear.) To show that some changes of opinion had
occurred, he would read an extract from the famous Griev-
ance Report of last Session : —

"It appears that it is the duty of the Lieutenant
Governor to take the opinion of the Executive Council
only in such cases as he shall be required to do so by his
Instructions from the Imperial Government, and in such
other cases as he may think fit."

Now, he particularly desired to call the attention of
the hon. member, (Dr. Morrison) , to the fact, that his own
name, the name of T. D. Morrison, was stuck to that
Report. Yes, there he was,' saying the the very thing
which he, now declares, and almost swears, is not true.
(Hear, hear, and laughter.) The hon. gentleman who
fabricated that Report knew well that the Council, as well
as the Governor, was only responsible to the King, and
that such was the Constitution.

He (the Solicitor-General,) felt an unwillingness to refer
to the extraordinary conduct of the late Councillors, with
all of whom, except one, he had ever been, and hoped still
to continue, on terms of friendship and intimacy. It was
a maxim with him, never to allow political feelings to
destroy private friendship ; he had become perfectly callous
to the attacks made upon himself by political opponents,
and should never suffer them to affect him. But his public
duty required him to refer to the letter which had been
read in that House, and in the Legislative Council, setting
forth the terms on which those gentlemen took office. It
was asserted, in the Report under consideration, that that
letter, as read in the two branches of the Legislature, had
been altered from the original draft shown to those gentle-
men by His Excellency, and that it did not contain the
terms on which they accepted office. (Hear.) But, if this
were true, wotild those gentlemen have taken office under

70 LENNOX AND ADDINUTGN HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

such circumstances ? If gentlemen, so distinguished for
acuteness and deliberation, had seen additions of such
importance made to the original draft, would they not
have returned the letter to His Excellency, and have
retired, saying — "No Sir, these are not the terms on which
we accepted office?" Or if they did not wish to embarrass
the Government by retiring, could it be supposed that they
would have put the letter into your hands, Mr. Speaker,
and in the hands of a friend and member of the other
House, for the purpose of having it read, as it was by
you, with much emphasis and apparent satisfaction, for the
express purpose of shewing the conditions upon which ; they
had accepted office, if it did not truly describe those
conditions ? He (the Sol. -Gen.) was bound to assume
that the assertion made in the Report, was unauthorised,
because, he could not for a moment suppose that the hon.
Speaker of this House would have consented to read to
the House, on behalf of his most intimate friends, as an
authentic document, one which he must have known was
not so. He felt very sensibly the embarrassing situation
in which the hon. Speaker must be placed on the present
occasion, and would most gladly sit down in order that a
motion might be made for the House to go into Com-
mittee, and thus allow the Speaker an opportunity to
express his views on this affair. Indeed, it was most
unfair in the majority of the House not to go into
Committee ; as by the present course, the House was
deprived of the valuable legal opinions of the hon. Speaker
on so important a subject. But to him (the Sol. -Gen.) it
appeared perfectly clear that as the Speaker was the
intimate friend of the late Councillors, and had been
consulted by them at every stage of the proceedings which
led to their taking office, he must have been, by direct
information, or otherwise, aware of the incorrectness of
that letter, if it were incorrect ; and therefore, if it were
so, he would not have permitted himself to be the medium
of communicating it to the House. Hence, he (the Sol.-
General) was bound to believe that that letter contained
the real principles under which those gentlemen became
Councillors. Now, he would ask, if they accepted office
with an understanding that their advice was to be limited
to those affairs on which His Excellency might feel it
necessary to consult them, how could they have understood
the Instructions in that unlimited sense in which they
have construed them in their address to His Excellency ?
(Hear, hear.) There was a something of mysteriousness
hanging over the whole affair which he could not compre-
hend.

It had been stated, that after His Excellency received

DEBATE. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th. 1836. 71

the address from the Council, it was wrong for him to
require them to renounce their principles or retire from
office. But how could His Excellency do otherwise ? He
replied to them in a document in which he gave his
exposition of the Constitutional powers of the Council, and
then, he, in substance, said,— "Your views and mine are
directly at variance on a vital principle of Constitutional
law— it is impossible that we can act harmoniously under
such circumstances — you must therefore calmly weigh the
views which I have laid before you, and if you cannot
conscientiously accede to them, I cannot conscientiously
give them up, and therefore we must part on good terms."
Had His Excellency done otherwise, he would have been
justly condemned.

It had been stated by the hon. member for Lennox and
Addington that the Executive Council were willing to
withdraw the paper they had addressed to His Excellency
\vhen they discovered the difficulties it was likely to lead
to ; and that it was proposed to erase it from the Council
books, and that the Clerks of the Executive Council had
been sworn to secrecy on the subject. All that he could
say was, that if this statement was true, it involved very
serious charges against these gentlemen : in the first place,
he knew of no authority under which the Councillors could
administer such an oath to the Clerks, and if no such
authority existed, then the oath was an illegal and a
profane oath ; and in the second instance, the proposal to
erase from the records of the Council the document they
had so deliberately signed, if made as asserted by the
hon. member, (which he was bound to discredit) was most
reprehensible : and he must say that if such a proposal was
made to His Excellency, and he had not forthwith
dismissed those who made it from office, he would not have
performed his duty ; unless indeed they had been convinced
of their error of judgment, and on that account wished to
retract their opinions. To continue them as Councillors,
they retaining the opinions they had expressed in opposi-
tinn to the Governor would have been objectionable indeed.
Suppose by way of illustration, that two or three Clergy-
men should write an elaborate document to their Bishop,
declaring their disbelief of the great truths of Christianity,
and stating their reasons, thinking thereby to convert him
to their views, and that the Bishop should reply at length
to their objections, and inform them if th«y persisted in
their opinions they must be suspended, as he could not
labour in connexion with persons holding such sentiments ;
suppose that when they see they are in consequence likely
to lose their livings and be expelled from the Church, they
should request permission to recall their declaration, at

72 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

the same time retaining- their opinions. What would be the
duty of their Bishop ? Evidently to say, "No, gentlemen,
it will not be sufficient that you Avithdraw the testimony
of your guilt, you must retract your opinions, you must
declare that they were wrong, and that you no longer
retain them, before I can consent to continue you in your
sacred office." Now, the affair with the Council was pre-
cisely similar. If the gentlemen were not convinced by the
able, plain and kind reply of His Excellency, they were
bound in honour to retire, even if not requested to do so.
He had too high an opinion of the honourable feelings of
those gentlemen to believe that they had proposed to with-
draw their paper and continue in office, retaining the
opinions they had avowed, and he was astonished that such
an assertion should be made. If true, nothing in his
opinion, could more fully prove their unfitness for the con-
fidential and honourable situation of Executive Councillors
than that they were capable of making such a proposal.

A great deal had been said about His Excellency having
garbled the documents sent to the Council. It appeared
that, through a clerical error, the word "these" had been
omitted, and on this ground His Excellency is charged
with a laxity of moral principle. To say nothing of the
unjustifiable grossness of this charge, it was really aston-
ishing that hon. gentlemen could not discover, that, if His
Excellency had designed to garble his extracts, it would
have been as easy a matter for him to have done so the
second time as the first, and thus not have exposed him-
self. Such accusations were no credit to those who made
them. Such charges might, with much stronger semblance
of truth, be brought against the authors of the Report
under discussion. A most laboured effort had been put
forth by the Committee to impeach the character of His
Excellency in reference to the arrangement which had been
made between two of the Councillors concerning the admin-
istration of the government in case of the death of His
Excellency. As it respected the arrangement itself, it was
altogether unnecessary. It appeared to have been made
under the impression that the senior councillor must other-
wise become the administrator of the government in the
case supposed. But that was a mistake. When Mr. Smith
was sworn into office there were two older Councillors than
himself, Mr. Baby and Chief Justice Powell ; neither of
whom was forbidden by the Constitution to administer the
Government. But no man is obliged to assume the office.
He would now state the facts of this case, and leave every
honest mind to judge whether there was any foundation for
the abuse which had been heaped upon His Excellency. One
of the Councillors, before they were sworn into office— (let

DEBATE, HOUSE OP ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th. 1836. 73

that be remembered)— suggested that, in case of His Excel-
lency's death, the administration of the government should
devolve on the hon. Mr. Allan. To this Mr. Sullivan read-
ily assented, being anxious to be free from so great respon-
sibility. And to place his wish beyond doubt, it was
suggested by Mr. Sullivan that a writing should be drawn
and signed by him, declaring that, in the event of the
Government devolving on a Councillor, he would resign and
make way for Mr. Allan. This conversation took place in
presence of His Excellency, who was requested to draw an
instrument to that effect. He did so, and it was signed by
Mr. Sullivan ; and Mr. Allan received it, and there the
matter rested. It was no official document,— it was not
done in Council, nor was any record made of it. It was a
private arrangement between two gentlemen, with respect
to which the. Lieutenant Governor was perfectly indifferent.
(Hear, hear!) Now, what does the Report state? It
states that when His Excellency was addressed by the
House for information, he intimated — (mark the expression)
—he "intimated that he knew of no such agreement, and
that in fact no document of such a nature existed." Now,
this was plainly a misrepresentation. His Excellency inti-
mated no such thing ; and to prove this, it will be most
satisfactory to read the answer His Excellency did give to
the Address of the House for information on this subject.
It is as tollows : —

"Gentlemen— I herewith transmit as much of the infor-
mation desired by the House as I possess.

"I have entered into no bond or agreement, of any sort,
with my present Executive Council, and I do not possess,
nor does there exist in Council, any document of such a
nature, between two or more of the said Council."

This answer was in the possession of the committee at
the time they made the unfounded assertion contained in
their Report. Any man of ingenuous disposition — any man
who was not desirous of perverting the truth, would have
at once seen that His Excellency, merely wished to inform
the House, that officially he had no controul over any
document such as was referred to, but that he by no means
intended to Convey the idea, that "no document of such a
nature existed ;" on the contrary, he very plainly intimated
the ( reverse, and to prove that he had no objection to its
being made public, and that he was ready to assist in its
disclosure, he permitted Mr. Sullivan to appear before the
Committee and state every thing he knew respecting the
matter. Had His Excellency desired concealment he could
have prevented this : and the Committee would then have
been left without this new topic, upon which to assail the
Lieutenant Governor. But, as an honest man, he had no

74 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

desire to conceal the truth — all he asked, was, that the
truth should be plainly told, and no false interpretations
placed upon it. Much stress was laid upon Mr. Sullivan
having expressed an unwillingness at first to state who
drew up the document. But why was he unwilling ? Un-
doubtedly, because he suspected the dishonourable use that
would be made by the Committee of that information:
(Hear, hear !) But it would be a mere waste of time for
him to attempt further to show how utterly impossible it
was for any imputations to be fairly cast upon the charac-
ter of His Excellency with regard to that transaction.
What he had said had not been for the sake of convincing
the Committee, or those who were already determined to
sustain the Report, and all the slanders contained in it ;
but to show to tho country the real nature of a transaction
which had been so shamefully misrepresented, for party
purposes. (Hear.)

He had detained the house a long time, but he hoped
that the vast importance of the subject would form for him
a sufficient apology. He had felt a deep and thrilling inter-
est in the question before the house, and although he had
no doubt as to the course which the majority would pursue,
and that it would be of no avail for him to argue against
the decision which had been already determined on, yet
that regard which every patriotic man must feel for the
prosperity of the country in which the interests of himself
and his posterity are at stake, rendered it impossible that
he should say less than he had. The subject was an excit-
ing one, but be had endeavored to confine himself to a
deliberate consideration and calm discussion of its true
principles and merits, and of those prominent features of
the Report which, from their connexion with the main ques-
tion, seemed to possess some importance. He hoped that
he had accomplished what he proposed at the commence-
ment of his observations. He had noticed the origin of the
Executive Councils— he had pointed out their legitimate
functions, and how far their existence was identified with
the Constitution. He had shown the real responsibility of
Colonial Government ; and had made it obvious that the
system advocated by the late Council and in the Report, if
indeed it might be called a system, would completely
remove that responsibility from where alone it could safely
rest, and would introduce in its stead a merely ideal
responsibility, subverting the best interests of the country,
and annihilating in it every vestige of British rule. (Hear,
hear.) And now he would close his remarks by expressing
his deep regret that men should be found occupying the
important and distinguished places of representatives of a
patriotic people, who would abuse the trust committed to

DEBATE, HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th. 1836. 75

them, and avail themsolves of their parliamentary privileges
to traduce the character, and misrepresent the conduct, of
as honest, upright, disinterested, straightforward, able, and
truly patriotic a man as ever was entrusted by Britain's
Monarch with the; government of any Colony of the Empire,
— (Hear, hear,) — a man whose only study was to maintain
alike inviolate the prerogatives of his Sovereign, and the
indefeasible rights of the people, (hear, hear ;) whose most
ardent desire was, to carry out in all their extent the
benevolent designs of one of the most indulgent and
patriotic Kings that ever wore the British Crown, (hear,
hear ;) and who still would persevere in accomplishing the
important work entrusted to him, amidst all the obstacles
which might be thrown in his way. (Hear, hear.) Yes,
such was the individual against whom all the vituperative
language of that laboured Report was directed ; — such was
the individual who, it might be almost said, immediately
on his arrival, is accused of crimes and offences which, if
true, ought not only to .depose him from his exalted office,
but ought for ever to close against him the door of civil-
ized society. (Hear, hear.) He would not give that man
credit for much strength of understanding, or honesty of
principle, or goodness of heart, who would not decide that
there was some other object kept in view, by the framers
and advocates of that Report, than the investigation of
constitutional principles. It spoke not the calm and digni-
fied language of virtuous patriotism, but that of an un-
worthy and factious attempt to embarrass the administra-
tor of the Government. That would be traced by every
candid man in almost every paragraph, and it would pro-
duce in the country a very different effect from that which
the supporters of it appeared to anticipate.— (Hear, hear.)
He supposed that hon. members were resolved, however, to
try the experiment. Well, let them do so. They had of
course power to stop the supplies necessary for carrying on
the Government in an advantageous manner ; but there was
another power from which theirs was derived ; and it was
for the people to decide whether it was for the peace, wel-
dare, and good government of the Province that the. Courts
of Justice should be impeded in their important proceed-
ings,—that the public offices should be shut up, and that
the industrious farmer and mechanic should suffer from the
suspension of all internal improvement. Yet such every
hon. member knew must be the inevitable result of stopping
the supplies.

But this, notwithstanding all the evils that would re-
sult from it, would undoubtedly be done ; and then efforts
would be made to persuade the country that it was done
from a regard for their rights and interests. (Hear, hear.)

7(3 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

But the people would not believe it ; there was too much
intelligence in the country for such a deception to be prac-
tised upon its inhabitants. There was no Colony that
possessed the power and the advantages which had been
entrusted and granted to Upper Canada, for the benefit of
those patriotic men who were among its first inhabitants,
and who risked their lives, and sacrificed their property, in
defence of British principles ; yes, many of them had fought
and bled for the sake of the privileges which they then en-
joyed under merely chartered governments. But the British
Government, with that nobleness by which it has ever been
distinguished, generously decreed a reward to their loyalty
by increasing and greatly extending the privileges they had
previously enjoyed, and conferred upon this Province that
constitution which it was the object of the Report under
consideration to subvert and destroy under the false pre-
tences of supporting it. (Hear, hear.) Yes, the object
could not be concealed, and the country will pronounce an
equitable sentence on its authors and abettors. The powers
entrusted to the Colonial Legislature were never intended
to be exercised in the manner now contemplated. It never
was supposed that an effort would be made to withhold the
necessary supplies for carrying on the Government, because
of a difference of opinion having arisen between the Gover-
nor and the majority of the House on a constitutional
question ;— and on a question which the Imperial Govern-
ment alone could decide. What was the meaning of such a
step ? It was saying most distinctly, not to the Governor,
for he had not power to grant what was .demanded of him,
but to the King, "Unless this question be decided according
to our dictation we will refuse to co-operate with the Gov-
ernment, we will array ourselves against the constitutional
powers of the King's representative, or in other words,
against the King himself." (Hear, hear.) Such was the
language spoken by the measure, and although it might be
denied, it could not be disproved. A certain system is laid
down by our Reformers in the Assembly, and it is designat-
ed responsible government ;— it is asserted that it is the
system acknowledged by the constitution, and the Governor
is required to act upon it. He dissents, and states that he
cannot view the constitution in that light, and therefore
cannot, in accordance with his oath, administer the govern-
ment on such principles ; but he points to the imperial
government as the only tribunal competent to award a
decision, and to that decision he declares himself willing
respectfully to bow. Why then does not the House wait for
that decision? If hon. members were willing to abide by
it, and to uphold the Constitution as it exists, why stop
the Supplies ? Such a step is evidently an attempt, to in-

DEBATE. HOUSE OP ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th. 1836. 77

timidate the Government, and it loudly declares to the
King, "you must either decide that our construction of the
constitution is right, or you must make such changes as
will accord with the system we have demanded ; and if you
will not, we will not be governed by you." (Hear, hear.)
Suppose the Government should decide that that system
cannot be established without destroying all colonial de-
pendency, what then must be done ? The answer was
obvious :—but there were more than 150,000 men, loyal and
true, within this province, who would never consent to have
the authority of the Sovereign trampled under foot ; and
never, without their concurrence, could the moral power of
the Government be put down. (Hear, hear.) If the refusing
to vote the Supplies would not open the eyes of the people,
they would deserve to be slaves ; — not the slaves of the
British Monarch, for such a relation could not exist within
the boundaries of his Empire, — (hear, hear,) — but the slaves
of the present majority of the House of Assembly, whose
eager grasping after uncontrolled power sufficiently proved
how utterly disqualified they were for possessing it. (Hear,
hear.) He was but an humble individual, and stood in a
minority in that House ; but, of that minority he was proud
on the present occasion,— and he felt assured the cause he
and his estimable friends were now advocating would be
found to be the cause of the people, and that he was ex-
pressing the views of those who constituted the worth,
and the intelligence, and the patriotism of the country.
Whatever might be the result of that evening's discussion,
and he had no expectation but that the Report would be
adopted, it would afford him unmixed satisfaction to the
latest period of his life, that he, and his respected friends
around him, had lifted up their voices, and recorded their
votes, against a measure so fraught with most disastrous
consequences to the Province, and so directly at variance
with every principle which ought to find a lodgment in a
Briton's heart. (The hon. and learned gentleman resumed
his seat amidst loud cheers from the crowded galleries, and
the space below the bar.)

Mr. ROBLTN said, that, with regard to the document
which had been spoken of between Mr. Sullivan and Mr.
Allan, he was as well satisfied as any thing could be, when
the Governor's reply was read, that he had been misinform-
ed ; and he was very much astonished when Mr. Sullivan
told the committee there was such a paper.— But it is
argued there is no such paper in Council. That was a way
of getting along that he was not used to. But, leaving
that matter, he would come to the question of responsible
government. The constitution recognized "such Executive
Council as shall be appointed by His Majesty for the affairs

78 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

of the Province," and therefore he argued that the Act
created an Executive Council. The hon. and learned
Solicitor-General stated that the Report said the Governor
should consult the Council upon all the affairs of the Gov-
ernment. Now, it said no such thing ; but the Royal
Instructions said so, and also that the senior Councillor
should administer the government in case of the death of
the Governor. The simple question was, Ought we not to
have a responsible Executive Council in this Province ?
Why not ? He could not see how it was going to curtail
the prerogative of the Crown, as it had been argued. Was
the Lieutenant-Governor to have more power than the King
himself ? (Hear, hear !) He had an Executive Council, just
as the King had his Privy Council ; and from the Privy
Council the King selected his Cabinet Council, whose advice
he was to take upon all affairs of the government. (Hear,
hear !) Whenever they gave advice, the King acted in ac-
cordance with it, so long as he retained them in office. The
acts of the Government were the acts of the Council, and
in that way their opinions went forth to the country. But,
if they did not suit the views of a majority of the repre-
sentatives of the people, the Council must go out of office ;
for it was contrary to all the principles of good govern-
ment that two bodies should be constituted to act together
who at the same time held views contrary to each other ;
just as the good book said, a house divided against itself
could not stand. It was not required that if the Governor
advised with the Council he should act with that advice ;
but it was wished to know who did anything for the good
of the country and who did not. If they were paid £500 a
year, he would like to know what good they did for it. If
they gave the Governor advice and he did not please to act
according to it, the House of Assembly wanted to know it,
that in such case the matter might be submitted to the
decision of His Majesty's Government. If they say, we
approve of your course, and you may dismiss your Council,
he would of course do so. He takes another ; but they
cannot agree with the people. Here we are at a stand, and
obliged to recur to first principles, and ask for what pur-
pose governments were instituted, if it was not for the
good of the people ? That should be the foundation of all
governments, the welfare of the people. And were not the
people of Upper Canada to be the judges of what was for
their own good, and what was not ? or was the Colonial
Minister at 4000 miles distant to be judge of what was for
our good, and tell us, "You must swallow whatever I please
to cram down your throat, whether you like it or not ?"
These were his opinions on government, and he was satis-
fied that on no other principle could it exist. While the

DEBATE, HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, APRIL 18th. 1836. 79

people of this Province could look to other countries where
government was thus administered, they would not be con-
tented so long as the present state of things existed here,
and while the rights enjoyed by others were denied to them.
If the Governor could not agree with the Representatives
of the people, they being a factious set of fellows like the
present House of Assembly, let him dissolve them and
appeal to the people. Should he do this, and a majority of
the same sentiments be again returned, what was to be
done ? Could we get on in this way ? Surely the British
Government had no desire, and could have no interest, in
persisting to govern this Colony in a manner contrary to
the wishes of its inhabitants. The hon. and learned
Solicitor General had told the house in pretty plain terms
that it was unconstitutional to stop the Supplies ; but they
had the opinions of Mr. Stanley and Lord Glenelg against
the opinion of .the hon. and learned Solicitor, which he was
inclined to think was quite as good authority. If a
Governor was sent out here, who, under all the circum-
stances, could not administer the government according to
the wishes of the representatives of the people,, he (Mr. R.)
would say, give us another Governor or another House of
Assembly. He had thought seriously upon the question of
withholding the supplies, and had come to the conclusion
that it was best to do so at the present time ; for then
they would bring matters to an issue at once, and see who
was right. The question of course would be referred to His
Majesty's Government ; and they would have to recal the
Governor or turn out the Assembly as often as they were
elected, until they agreed.

The Executive Council ought, in his opinion, to be re-
sponsible to the people ; he would not take upon him to say
they were so at present, but they should be so, that it
might be known who it was that gave the advice by which
the Government was conducted. At present it was never
known whether it was by the advice of the Council, or some
other persons, or whether the Governor acted as he pleased
himself. His Excellency had provoked this discussion, and
"dragged the question into day-light ;" and in one of his
documents he had admitted that he should advise with his
Councill, for he says he cannot divulge which of the mem-
bers of his Council advises him, which plainly implied that
he should consult them. If he agreed with the Council, he
might in his public documents say, "I have done so with
the advice of my Executive Council ;" or "on my own
responsibility," if he disagreed with them. There was noth-
ing in his oath which in his (Mr. R.'s) opinion prevented
him from doing this, although he might not divulge which
of the members gave him the advice bv which he acted.

80 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

His Excellency says, "whenever embarrassment requires it
he must draw upon their sterling1 fund," meaning* their ad-
vice ; that is, he will in ordinary affairs think and act for
himself ; but whenever, perhaps by his own unadvised mis-
management, the affairs of the government gets into em-
barrassment, he will ask their advice, that they may bear
all the odium of the measures he has pursued. Then, he
goes on to say, "'if they faithfully honour his bills, they
fulfil their duty to their oath, their Sovereign, and to
him." What he meant by honouring his bills, he, (Mr. R.)
being a plain farmer, might not understand so well as some
others, but he believed it meant this, — when one merchant
draws' a bill upon another, his Mend pays it according to
instruction's received from the drawer ; and His Excellency
must, therefore, mean that if the Council approved of .the
"remedial measures" which he told the House he was pre-
paring, they discharged their duty. He could not agree
with His Excellency in this limited interpretation of the
powers and duties of the Executive Council as they were
set forth in the Constitutional Act and the King's Instruc-
tions, for the latter say, "You are to communicate to them
such and so many of these our Instructions, &c., and all
such others from time to time as you shall find convenient
for our service." What did the word convenient mean, upon
which so much stress had been laid ? Not that it would be
inconvenient to ask their advice upon all occasions ; but the
better to enlighten their judgments and inform their minds,
in order that "impartiality" might be assisted by "knowl-
edge," he should communicate to them the views of His
Majesty's Government as often as he might find it conven-
ient to enable them to come to a judicious and proper
decision. That was what he considered the word "conven-
ient," in the Instructions, to mean. The Governor, at the
conclusion of his reply, tells the Council, that, "to the
opinions they have expressed he can never subscribe."
What were those opinions ? Not that they might be allow-
ed to tell the advice they gave, but simply to inform the
public when they advised a measure and when they did not.
But no, he tells them he will not allow them to do so ;
"The country shall not know whether you advised me in
the course I have pursuecj or not."

The adoption of the resolution before the House would
decide the question whether the Supplies were to be
stopped or not. To do so he acknowledged was a strong
measure, it was the last resource ; but what was to be
done ? That House and the Country had addressed His
Majesty's Government for the last four or five years,
setting forth that there was no Established Church in
Upper Canada, and praying that there might be none

DEBATE, HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th, 1836. 81

established and endowed, but that the Clergy Reserves
might be devoted to general education. But how had they
been respected or answered •? In the last year no less than
fifty-seven Rectories had been established and endowed out
of those Reserves. Were they to grant the Supplies and
again address His Majesty and say, "We pray your
Majesty this system may not be continued ?" (Hear.)
No ; if there ever was a time, or if there ever could be a
proper time, to stop the Supplies, it was now. Let His
Majesty's Government be plainly told, "if you will not
attend to our representations, we will not support your
Government ;" that was the meaning of stopping the
Supplies, and he hoped it would wake them up to pay
attention to our affaire. Whether his constituents would
approve of the vote he was about to give, he could not
tell ; but it never had been any advantage to him to be a
representative of the people, and he was willing cheerfully
to retire into private life, if the people would not support
him in taking what he willingly acknowledged, was a bold
stand— a very important step, but which he thought, all the
circumstances of the times required. He had, however,
made up his mind on the subject, and was prepared to
vote for withholding the Supplies.

MR. PARKE observed, that the principal arguments
against a responsible Executive Council in this Province
seemed to be, that it would destroy the power of the
mother country in the colony. But it should be remember-
ed that England, when she passed our constitutional act,
reserved to herself the power of regulating our trade and
commerce, and retained in her hands the whole patronage
of the government. For what was this done ? To main-
tain her control over the affairs of the colony. But that
she should exercise any such control through the Executive
Council, was never intended when the act was passed.
That Council was not appointed by any law, but by the
principle upon which all laws were founded, that of safety
and protection against oppression ; and to take away that
check over the Executive Government would be the very
essence of tyranny. The Government of Upper Canada
must be administered by an Executive Council responsible
to the House of Assembly ; for it never could be intended
by the people of Great Britain, that their fellow subjects
in Upper Canada should be degraded into the condition of
slaves. The Governor, we were told, was responsible to
Downing Street ; but had they ever been called to account
for tyrannizing over the people ? No ; but they were
praised when they exercised their power for the interest of
those who appointed them. The hon. and learned Solicitor
General said the powers of the Executive Council were

82 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

derived from the King's Instructions ; but he (Mr. P.)
contended that he had no right to give such instructions
without Act of Parliament. (Hear, hear.)

MR. NORTON.— After the very severe castigation which
the hon. and learned gentleman from Cornwall (Mr.
McLean) has been pleased to bestow upon me for the crime
of having been born in the United States, it may be
considered presumption in me to say one word upon a
subject of this nature. I will give the hon. and learned
gentleman all the advantage, and all the honour that he is
entitled to, for having made the discovery that a man was
disgraced in consequence of his birth-place. I have seen,
Mr. Speaker, men, nay even hon. and learned gentlemen,
whose conduct was a disgrace to the high station they
held, to themselves and to the country that gave them
birth ; (hear, hear,) but that the country should disgrace
the man, is a discovery left for no less an honourable,
noble, and generous personage than the gentleman" from
Cornwall to make. That man who is so lost to the
noblest feelings of our nature, as not feel a glow of pride
at the mention of his native land, is indeed only fit to
become the base and abject slave of such a man as the hon.
and learned gentleman has upon this occasion shown him-
self to be. The law in your Statute book, Sir, has made
me eligible to a seat in this House, and the spontaneous
and united voice of as intelligent, patriotic, and loyal a
people as Upper Canada can boast has done me the honour
to send me here, and they expect that I will do my duty
to my God, my King, and my Constituents ; and, Sir, I
shall not shrink from the task upon this occasion, not-
withstanding the sneering taunts, which no gentleman
would make, but which could have emanated from no
other than the hon. and learned member. (Hear, hear.)
The hon. and learned gentleman says, grievances are
preached continually, which are sickening to the ear— I
doubt not, Mr. Speaker, but such cries are sickening to the
ears of the hon. gentleman, but was he ever known to lend
a helping hand to redress those grievances, has he not
invariably denied that there existed any grievances ¥ He
has been pleased to laud the people of this Province for
their intelligence and discrimination, and warned the
majority of this House that the people were too intelligent
and too enlightened to be duped by any artifice, from
asserting and maintaining those just rights. Pray, sir,
how long since that hon. and learned gentleman has made
the discovery ? Has he not invariably opposed every
measure giving the people a voice in the management even
of their local affairs ? Has he not invariably scouted the
idea of consulting the people ?—-Tf the records of your

DEBATE, HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th, 183(i. 83

journal since the first day of his taking a seat in the
House of Assembly, answer the question, among the
specimens of his regard for the people you will find his
support for the celebrated Gagging Dill, preventing these
enligntened and intelligent people from meeting and
petitioning for a redress of these grievances. (Hear, hear.)
No surer proof however can be given of the march o£
intelligence in the county which he formerly represented,
than that the people very plainly told him they had no
further need for his valuable services. (Hear, hear.) With
regard to the question before you, the hon. and learned
Solicitor General, (the only hon. gentleman opposed to it,
who had undertaken to use any argument,) had really
made out our case most admirably. The whole drift of
his argument was to show us that the Executive Council
of this Province was exactly similar to that body in Eng-
land called the Privy Council, and he has quoted several
authorities to prove this fact. Well, Mr. Speaker, what
else do we contend for ; this is all we have ever asserted,
and we complain that although a similar body, and
constituted for similar purposes, yet they cling to office
after having entirely lost the confidence of the people. Yet
while the Solicitor admits that we have the "very image
and transcript of the British Constitution," His Excellency
denies it, — (hear, hear,) — and he is the first person in the
Province who has ever done so. Those very hon. gentle-
men, who now say it would be the greatest curse that
could be inflicted upon this Province, if we had responsible
Executive, ghould refresh their memories before they so
loudly proclaimed their own inconsistency. Did not our
Address to His Majesty in the last Parliament, respecting
the Banks, declare, in the most emphatic language, the
necessity of a responsible Government ? did not that
address receive the support and the vote of every member
in that House ? Let us come a little nearer the present
period : let hon. gentlemen look at the Resolution upon
which an Address was founded to His Excellency on the
14th of last month, upon the subject of the late Council,
which reads as follows :

"Mr. Perry, seconded by Mr. Chas. Duncombe, moves
that it be Resolved, That this House considers tin-
appointment of a responsible Executive Council to advis.-
the Lieutenant Governor, or person administering the
government of the affairs of this Province, to be one of the
most happy and wise features in our Constitution, and
essential in our form of government, and as being one of
the strongest securities for a just and equitable adminis-
tration of the government, and full enjoyment of our civil
and religious rights and privileges." — (Hear, hear.)

81 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Now, Mr. Speaker, this resolution was adopted after a
whole day's debate, and upon which there was a call of
the house, and when there were fifty-five members present,
(the fullest House we have had during the present session,)
and when the yeas and nays were called for, the only
members found to oppose it were Messrs. Boulton and
Malloch. (Hear, hear.) But, sir, when these hon. and
learned gentlemen found that such was not the opinion of
Sir F. B. Head, they immediately change their colours,
(hear, hear,) and now denounce this very principle as the
most absurd and wicked principle ever agitated in this
House. What are we to think ? What will the public
think of such men and such conduct ? I will ask hon.
gentlemen to satisfy their own consciences and the country
for this (to use the mildest term) most gross and flagrant
inconsistency, and dismiss from my mind the humiliating
reflections which their conduct has created. During the
whole discussion, not one argument of my hon. friend from
Lennox and Addington (Mr. Perry) has been answered :
sir, they are unanswerable, as well as those of my hon.
friend from Prince Edward (Mr. Roblin.) I trust, Mr.
Speaker, that I feel deeply the responsibility of this day's
proceedings, of the vast importance of the question now
before us. We have arrived at a most critical juncture in
the history of this Province. The fate of this measure
doubtless decides whether we are to enjoy the "very image
and transcript of the British Constitution," or whether
we are to have a mutilated and degraded one ; whether we
are to have a constitutional and responsible government,
possessing the confidence and affections of the people, or
whether we are to be governed by the arbitrary will of an
irresponsible vacillating Executive. We are called upon to
protect the sacred rights and privileges for which the
brave U. E. Loyalists nobly struggled and nobly bled.
Those rights and privileges which are the palladium of our
liberties, one of the foremost pillars in the British Con-
stitution. Those rights and privileges which form the
basis of every free and enlightened government throughout
the world, viz. responsibility to the people. (Hear, hear.)
When therefore shall this house assert with independent
dignity, a resolute and unequivocal declaration of those
sacred rights and privileges secured to us by that Con-
stitution, which, from our earliest infancy, we have been
taught to reverence and obey ? When, T say, shall wi-
st and forth in its defence, but in the instant of its most
imminent danger ? Low indeed shall we be placed in the
scale of human nature if we quietly suffer ourselves to be
longer governed by a secret, unknown, and unconstitutional
influence, base in itself as it is treacherous in its conse-

DEBATE. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, APRIL 18th. 1836. 85

quences. An administration such as this can only receive
the support of those who know no higher and more noble
principles to actuate their conduct, than the aspiring to
or obtaining some office of emolument, and who are willing
to obtain and hold them by no worthier tenure than secret
influence. Every true friend to his country cannot but
admit, however, that a responsible Government, possessing
the confidence of the people, is the only government that
can secure the country against the infinite abuses so
natural to the possession and exercise of power. Should
we unfortunately ever become so unmindful of our interests
as to suffer this great bulwark of our Constitution and of
our liberty to be wrested from us, we should soon become
the miserable and abject slaves of a secret despotism. So
long as the Governor is guided by a secret, intriguing,
underhand influence, the Executive Council act the part of
puppets to some unknown juggler behind the screen.
(Hear, hear.) They are not allowed to consult their own
opinions, but must pay implicit homage to those whom
they know not, and perhaps whom but to know were but
to despise. (Cries of hear, hear, hear.) The only rule
that guides them is a secret mandate which carries along
with it no other alternative than obedience or ruin. What
man, who has the feeling, the honor, the spirit, or the
heart of a man, would stoop to such a degraded condition
for any official dignity or emolument whatever. The
Council who would act so dishonorable a part, and the
country that would submit to it, would be mutual plagues
and curses to each other. What, sir, is the distinction
between an absolute and a limited monarchy but that the
sovereign in the one is a despot and may do what he
pleases ; while in the other, he is himself subjected to the
laws, and consequently not at liberty to advise with any
one who is not responsible for that advice. The preroga-
tives of the Crown are by no means to be exerted in a
wanton and arbitrary manner. The good of the whole is
the exclusive object to which all the branches of the
Legislature and their different powers invariably should
point. It is undoubtedly the prerogative of the Crown to
select the Council, but to secure the blessings of good
government that Council must possess the confidence of the
public. That Governor must be bold indeed, who dares to
despise and reject the voice of the people, and short must
be the duration of that administration that is not upheld
by the popular will. Is there an individual here who feels
for his honour, so lost to every honourable, every patriotic
feeling, so regardless of his dearest and most sacred rights
and privileges, as to feel callous and indifferent in such a
crisis as this f Tf there be, then I say that man is

86 LENNOX AND ADD1NGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

unworthy to enjoy, because he cannot duly appreciate the
blessing's secured to him by that Constitution which has
been . the glory and the pride of ages. Sir, I fear not the
result 'of this most important crisis, I feel confident that
the characteristic spirit of British subjects is still equal
to the trial. I trust they will feel as jealous of secret
influence as they are to open violence. (Hear, hear.) I
trust they are not more ready to defend their interests
against foreign depredation and insult than to encounter
and defeat this midnight conspiracy against the constitu-
tion. We are now deliberating1 on the life and blood of our
constitution. Give up the point of responsibility to the
people, and we seal our own quietus, and are accessory to
our own insignificance and destruction. Though we have
been most unjustly deprived of our just weight in the
constitution, yet if we acquit , ourselves honourably to our
constituents, to our friends, to our own consciences, and
to the public, whose trustees we are, and for whom we
act, we shall come out of this struggle honourably and
triumphantly. I have too much confidence in the justice-
and the magnanimity of the British Government to suppose
for one moment that they will oppose our wishes — wishes
founded so strong in justice, and so dear to our best
interests. Whoever wished for the liberty secured to us by
the constitution, whoever wished for good government,
whether he be a whig or a tory, conservative or radical,
they should equally unite in wishing for the removal of the
present administration, because until this is done there can
be neither freedom of constitution nor energy of govern-
ment. I have seriously reflected on the course I ought to
pursue upon this momentous question, and I deliberately
declare, that I have never in my life supported any
measure with a firmer conviction of duty. (Hear, hear.)
The glorious cause of freedom, of reform, of civil and
religious liberty, and of the constitution in its purity,
ever has, and ever shall receive my deliberate support.
Thus far this course has borne me up, under every
aspersion to which myx character has been subjected. The
resentment of the mean, the aversions of the great, the
rancour of the vindictive, and the subtilty of the .base, the
dereliction of friends, and the efforts of enemies have never
succeeded in diverting me from what I believed to be my
conscientious duty.

(Mr. Norton's speech is copied from the Correspondent
and Advocate, and the Reporter of the Guardian perceives
that the commencement of it is a reply to some remarks
made by Mr. McLean which were not heard by him, and
therefore do not appear in the report of that g-entleman's
speech.)

DEBATE. HOUSE OP ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th, 1836. 87

MR. ROBINSON said, he supposed he would be the
only member for the Home District that would vote
against the resolution, and therefore would take the liberty
of making- two or three remarks. The differences on this
question had been called "a matter of dry law," but it
would not appear to be a very dry subject to any one who
had attentively listened to the speech of the hon. and
learned Solicitor General. It was a speech full of argument
and historical information. He thought it was so utterly
impracticable to have an Executive Council responsible to
the House of Assembly, that it could never have been the
intention of His Majesty's Government that such a
responsibility should exist. He must say, that when he
has heard these measures brought forward under the name
of Reform, he always feared they did not intend Reform
but Revolution. The history of all Revolutions would
show the specious names by which those measures were
called which finally thus terminated. (Hear, hear.) With
regard to withholding the Supplies, hon. members should
ask themselves before doing so, whether the end would
justify the means. He thought not. So much had already
been so well said, that he would not take up any more
time.

MR. PERRY remarked, that the hon. gentleman before
he sat down, observed that so much had been said on his
side of the question that it was useless for him to say
any thing more. Now, in the name of common sense,
what had they said to support the position of His
Excellency ? Was it any thing said by the hon. and learned
member for Hamilton ? His arguments were, that some
members of the majority of that house had been made
Captains of Militia and Justices of the Peace. But his
hon. friends from Dundas and stormont (Messrs. Shaver
and Chisholm/ when they were appointed were great tories,
but they saw their error and left the ranks of the tories,
because they saw it was a wicked system. Indeed, the
minority seemed broken down in spirit as well as argument
during the discussion. The only thing on which they
seemed to be animated was concerning the remark he
made, that the junior clerks of the Council were sworn to
secrecy, which they said was unlawful, &c. ; but there was
no law which required the senior clerk to be sworn, and
yet it was well known that he was. What then had they
made of it ? Then they seemed to turn into ridicule what
he (Mr. P.) said about the Governor having power to
declare war ; but what did the King's Instructions to the
Governor say? "You shall not make war." Were hon.
gentlemen satisfied now ? (Hear, hear, and laughter.)
That was just what he expected from ignorance. "You

88 LENNOX JVND ALDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

shall not make war except in some special emergency."
Did not that very exception give him the power ? Most
certainly it did. Had it been shown that there was any
difference between the oath of the Executive Councillors
here and the Privy Councillors in England ? The Privy
Council and the Cabinet Council were the same ; — all the
members of the Privy Council were not Cabinet, Coun-
cillors, but all Cabinet Councillors were Privy Councillors.
They were not properly two offices ; but .the Cabinet
Councillors held the seals of office so long and no longer
than they retained the confidence of the people. There was
not one letter of the law which required the King to take
the advice of the Cabinet Council, yet it was invariably
done ; and what he contended for was, that the practice
pursued in England ought to be followed in this Province.
MR. MERRITT wished to say a few words on this
question. It was a matter of great importance ; but he
did not agree with the sentiments of any hon. members
who had spoken on it. The late Council say, they wish
the course to be pursued which they proposed, in order
to prevent the adoption of other measures uncongenial to
the constitution of the country ; .and the majority of the
house pursued the same means to attain a different end.
There was some inconsistency here which he could not
comprehend. He neither entirely approved of the measures
of, the Governor nor those of that house. It was constitu-
tional and right to refuse the Supplies when it was
necessary to do so ; but he did not think it was necessary
in the present stage of the question ; for he was satisfied
that if they would calmly and temperately discuss it, and
point out the remedy, they would obtain it. It was
admitted he believed on all hands, that some change was
necessary : but there was difference of opinion respecting
what that' change should be. He found fault with the
Colonial Office for dismissing the Crown Officers ; and he
was of opinion that there were too frequent changes at
that Office, and not that stability in our Colonial Govern-
ment which was necessary for the public good. They
dismissed officers for the expression of their opinions. We
also saw persons go home and make representations about
our institutions, for instance the representations that were
made by a certain individual concerning our Banking
Institutions, and these were adopted and attempted to be
forced upon us to the ruin of the country. Such things
should be prevented. If that house would make such
representation to England as he had mentioned, he thought
they would get the change desired ; but if they adopted the
Report and stopt the Supplies, he could see no good
that would result from it. They were going on in the

DEBATE, HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. APRIL 18th. 1836. 8$

same track as Lower Canada, and would get into the
same difficulties, which they could not tell what would be
the end of. He was satisfied this course of conduct would
not result in the good of the country. He was constrained
to vote against the Report, and could not consent to
withhold the Supplies.

MR. DURAND said, that when the hon. and learned
Solicitor-General got up, he (Mr. D.) expected that he
would dissect the Report, and tear it all to pieces. The
hon. and learned gentleman said he had taken notes, and
that he would give it a showing up. But what had he
done ? He had made a long speech with nothing in it.
He had attempted to defend the Governor in the course he
had taken ; because, no doubt, the hon. and learned
gentleman had whispered in the royal ear as a secret
adviser. At the beginning of the Session the hon. and
learned gentleman had said he was willing to go all lengths
to meet reformers ; but, when he found he could blow into
the royal ear, he turned round, and said he had not yet
reached his meridian. The Report before the House was
an important and able one, and when it reached England
it would procure redress of the public grievances. It would
show that the House was determined to take a firm stand.
A good deal had been said against stopping the Supplies,
but that was the only remedy which the representatives of
the people had in their hands. He would repeat what he
had before said, that this was the most important
measure that had been discussed this Session, and reform-
ers would now get their rights. The tories, who opposed
the Report, were completely foiled, and were afraid to
come up to the scratch. The great question was, Shall
we have responsible government or not ? He hoped we
should, and for that reason he would support the Report.
He was not afraid to go back to his constituents, and tell
them he had done his duty. The Tories were the persons
who had reason to be afraid. If the country should decide
against him, he could not help it. He had not come here
from personal choice, or for his own interest, but to
promote the good of the country ; and he should vote for
the resolution, because he believed it was his duty to do
so.

MR. RICHARDSON rose amidst loud cries of
"question." He said, if he were not in the minority he
should not hear so much clamour on rising, from those
who were afraid of discussion. He thought as it was
late, the debate ought to be adjourned. (Confused cries
of "hear, hear," "go on," &c.) It was now proposed to
stop the supplies ; but was it just to those who were
opposed to that measure, to bring on the question when it

LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

was only 48 hours to the close of the session, and there-
fore not time to discuss it ? (More confusion.) His
opinion most decidedly was, that these proceedings were
carried on in concert with the Papineau party in Lower
Canada, in order to effect a change in our Constitution and
break off the connexion with the mother country. (The
cries of "question," "hear him," "go on," "go a-head,"
coughing, &c. increased to such a degree that the hon.
gentleman could not be heard, and was obliged to sit
down.)

Mr. Perry's amendment was adopted, and on the
original question as amended, the yeas and nays were
taken as follows :

YEAS.
Messieurs Alway,

Bruce,

Buell,

Chisholm,

Cook,

Duncombe, of Ox-
ford.

Buncombe, of
Norfolk,

Durand,

Gibson.

Gilchrist,

Hopkins,

Howard.

Lount,

McDonell, of
Stormont,

Mclntosh,

Mackenzie,

McMicking,

Moore,

Morrison,

Norton,

Parke,

Perry,

Roblin,

Rymal,

Shaver,

Small,

Thorburn,

Waters,

Wells,

Wilson,

Woolverton,

Yager, 32.

Majority for the Adoption of the Report, sending it and the
Memorial to England, stopping the Supplies, &c.— 11.

NAYS.
Messieurs Boulton,

Brown,

Caldwell,

Dunlop,

Lewis,

McCrae,

McDonell, of
Glengarry,

McDonell, of Nor-
thumberland ,

McKay,

McLean,

McNab,

Malloch,

Merritt,

Richardson,

Robinson,

Rykert,

Solicitor General

Strange,

Thorn,

Walsh.

Wilkinson, 21.

WILLIAM CANNIFF, M.D., M.R.C.S., Eng.
Born 30th June, A.D. 1830
Died 18th Oct., A.D. 1910

LENNOX AND ADDINGTON
HISTORICAL SOCIETY

PAPERS AND RECORDS

VOL IX

THE CANNIFF COLLECTION

BEING A NUMBER OF PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS

PRESENTED TO THE SOCIETY BY THE

LATE DR. WILLIAM CANNIFF

COMPILED AND EDITED

By WALTER S. HERRINGTON, K.C.

PRICE, 25 CENTS

NAPANEE, ONTARIO

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY

1917

PRINTED AT THE BEAVER OFFICE

CONTENTS

Page

Chronology 4

Officers 4

Publications of the Society 4

Introduction 5

The Canniff Collection 7

Index..., . 59

ILLUSTRATION
The late William Canniff, M.D., M.R.C.S., Eng.... Frontispiece

CHRONOLOGY
Society Organized May 9th, 1907

Constitution Adopted '. June llth, 1907

First Open Meeting Oct. 25th, 1907

Affiliated with Ontario Historical Society March 31st, 1908

PAPERS AND RECORDS PUBLISHED

Vol. I. Chronicles of Napanee June 12th, 1909

Vol. II. Early Education Sept. 19th, 1910

Vol. III. The Casey Scrap Books (Part I) Nov. 15th, 1911

Vol. IV. The Casey Scrap Books (Part II) June 14th, 1912

Vol. V. The Bell and Laing School Papers March 14th, 1914

Vol. VI. Pioneer Life on the Bay of Quinte, by

W. S. Herrington, K.C May 4th, 1915

Vols. VII and VIII. The Constitutional Debate in

(Double Number). the Legislative Assembly

of 1836, with Introduction by

William Renwick Riddell,

LL.D., F. R. Hist., etc Nov. 7th, 1916

OFFICERS, 1917

Hon. Presidents Wm. J. Paul, M.P., and Clarance M. Warner

President Walter S. Herrington, K.C.

Vice President Mrs. Alexander W. Grange

Secretary-Treasurer Rev. A. J. Wilson, B.A., B.D.

Executive Committee:

Dr. R. A. Leonard

Mrs. M. C. Bogart

E. R. Checkley

J. M. Root

Rev. J. H. H. Coleman, M.A.

J. W. Robinson

Introduction

Two years before his death Dr. William Canniff gave
to Mr. Clarance M. Warner for the Lennox and Addington
Historical Society several hundred documents which he had
been treasuring for years. At page 100 in his Settlement
of Upper Canada, in commenting upon John Ferguson, he
writes, "It has been our good fortune to come into posses-
sion of a good many public and private letters penned by
his hand, and invaluable information has thus been
obtained." Again at page 547 he says, "Through the
kindness of Mr. Sager, of the front of Thurlow, grandson
of the late Colonel William Bell, we have had placed ,in our
possession a portion of the papers left by Colonel Bell, of
an official and semi-official character." The papers referred
to in the passages just quoted are among the ones that
were given to Mr. Warner, and were by him classified and
catalogued under five headings :— Case number 14 "Muster
Rolls and Returns", Case number 15 "Personal Papers",
Case number 1'6 "School Accounts, etc.", Case number 17
"Militia Papers", and Case number 17 (a) "Memoirs and
School Papers". A catalogue of these papers may not be
very interesting reading for the ordinary member of the
Society, but to many others whom our publications reach,
they will be of great interest, and may point the way to
much useful information not to be gathered from any other
source. If Dr. Canniff prized them so highly nearly half
a century ago, they certainly have not deteriorated since
they came into his possession. The "School Papers" were
reproduced in Volume V. of the Papers and Records of our
Society, and in the same volume will be found a brief
biographical sketch of Colonel William Bell. Dr. Canniff
frequently refers to John Ferguson in his history, and
particularly in Chapters X. and LIT. He was Lieutenant
of the County of Hastings, and later Colonel of the Militia
and as such exercised a general supervision over all
military affairs of that County. Bell, during the period
covered by the correspondence, rose from the ranks to be
a Lieutenant-Colonel and received all of his orders from
Ferguson. William Bell figures in many other capacities
in these papers. He was a farmer, storekeeper, Justice of
the Peace, Coroner, and for a time a teacher in the

Mohawk reserve. Throughout his entire career he kept in
close touch with Ferguson, with whom there was a sort of
partnership in many of his business transactions. They
were, I believe, related by marriage. Bell was always
very respectful towards Ferguson, and the latter did not
hesitate to administer a severe reproof when he thought
the occasion demanded it.

Case number 14 contains a large number of Muster
Rolls and Militia Returns. These were the bane of Wm.
Bell's existence. He coaxed, scolded and threatened his
subordinate officers in his endeavors to make these out fully
and promptly, and he in his turn was coaxed, scolded and
threatened because he did not secure and forward them to
his superior officer. • V

W. S. HERRINGTON.

The Canniff Collection

(Case Number 15.)

The following- is a list of the contents of Case No. 15 :

1. Letter from David Bell, Ireland, to his brother,
William Bell, dated 7th November, 1779.

2. Order from Reuben Pitcher for seven shillings in
favor of Wm. Bell, dated 1786.

3. Letter from John Grant to Wm. Bell, complaining
of hard times, dated at La Chine, February 21st, 1787.

4. Receipt from Adam Gordon to Wm. Bell, dated
Montreal, 1788.

5. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, from
Elizabethtown, holding out inducements for Bell to join
him in a "job" he expects to get from the Government,
dated 18th December, 1788.

6. Letter from James Woods to Wm. Bell, dated 1st
October, 1788.

7. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, dated 4th
July, 1789.

8. Letter from John Ferguson to William Bell, author-
izing the purchase of a feather bed at an auction for one
pound, dated 8th August, 1789.

9. Letter from John Ferguson at Kingston to Wm.
Bell at La Chine, complaining of hard times and advising
him not to go to the northwest, dated 31st March, 1788.

10. Letter from Capt. D. MacDougall at La Chine to
Wm. Bell, "Kingstown", regarding purchase of lands,
dated 4th August, 1789.

11. Letter from John Blaken to Wm. Bell, dated 22nd
September, 1790. In this letter the following description
of a novel surgical operation- appears : "The day after. you
left me I was taken with a violent nose bleeding, and con-
tinued for 24 hours, and I suppose would have continued
until now if my father-in-law had not butchered my arm
with a broken lance to turn the course of the blood, and
has lamed my arm so that I am unable to do anything
ever since."

12. Letter from John Ferguson, of Kingston, to Wm.
Bell, of Sidney, regarding conditions at Kingston, dated
15th October, 1790.

8 LENNOX AND ABD1NGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

12 (a). A letter similar to number 12, dated llth
November, 1790.

13. Letter from J. Grant of La Chine, to Wm. Bell, of
Sidney, complaining of hard times, dated 20th February,
1790. '

14. Record of laundry lists in Wm. Bell's handwriting,
extending over several weeks. The following is a fair
sample : "Sydney, Oct. 4th, 1790, 4 shirts, 3 westcoats, 2
pr. trousers, 3 handkerchiefs, 1 pr. breeches, 2 pair stock-
ings, 1 night cap, 1 table cloath."

15. Letter, John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, dated llth
March, 1790.

16. Order, Joseph Pritchard, dated 5th June, 1791.

17. Order, John German, 1st July, 1791.

18. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, asking
for butter, meat and lumber, etc., dated 3rd April, 1791.

18 (a). Letter, John Ferguson, of Kingston, to Wm.
Bell, of Sydney, again complaining of hard times, dated
12th May, 1791.

19. Letter from John Ferguson, at Sydney, to Wm.
Bell, at Kingston, dated 23rd July, 1791. "Send a memor-
andum of what you want from Canada. I think I heard
you say you had a quantity of apple seed. If you can
spare any send me a little. I mean to have a couple Can-
adians for the winter."

19 (a). Letter from John Ferguson, Kingston, to Wm.
Bell, Sydney, complaining of shortage of potatoes and
garden seeds, dated 17th April, 1791.

20. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, repri-
manding him for quarrelling, dated 20th May, 1792.

21. Contract for the manufacture of shingles at $3.00
per thousand, dated 27th November, 1792.

22. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, regarding
the sowing of fall grain, dated 20th August, 1792.

23. Letter from Wm. Bell, of Thurlow, to Robert Mc-
Cauley, at Kingston, dated 6th October, 1793. The follow-
ing is an extract : "Your goodness gives me courage to
make another request of your favours which is to be so
kind as to send me a few more necessaries which will
augment my acct. with you, and I am in hopes to have it
in my power to discharge the whole in the course of the
next season, the following is the articles I stand much in
need of at present, viz.,

3 gallons best rum
2 ditto port wine
a loaf of sugar
a quire writing paper
1 Ib. green tea".

THE CANNIFF COLLECTION. 9

24. Letter from S. Aitkins, of York, to Wm. Bell, of
Thurlow, regarding allotment of lands, dated 28th August,
1793.

25. Letter from John Ferguson, respecting a lawsuit
over the sale of lot 31, in the first concession of Sydney,
for £50, dated 1793.

26. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, dated
16th Nov., 1793."

26 (a). Letter from Wm. Bell to S. Aitkins, asking for
an allotment of lot 37 in the first concession of Sydney,
dated 25th June, 1793.

27. Last will of David Vanderhider, as follows : "In
the name of God, Amen, I David Vanderhider of Thurlow,
being weak in body but of sound memory (bleased be God)
do this day, being the twenty-first of August in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five,
make and publish this my last will and testament in man-
ner following (that is to say) I give my beloved friend
Phillip Sweek all the following articles vizt, one broad ax,
one brass kettle, and one iron pott, now in the possession
of Mr. John McArthur of Murray in the District of North-
umberland and likewise to receive from the said McArthur
wages from the first of Novr. till April being five months
and payment for thirty-five bushels of potatoes two bushells
of wheat at seven shillings and six pence pr bushell which
I bought from Mr. John Chisholm and one bushell of wheat
which I bought from Mr. Archd. Chisholm at seven shil-
lings and six pence pr bushell, mushrat skins in the fall of
the year to the ammount of one pound eighteen shillings to
your son out of which I had one yard and a quarter of
eloath two weeks wages in the fall helping you to move
your things from Thurlow to Murray geting stone for a
chimney back and digging a cellar (till the bay was froze
up) four gallons and a half of rum at seven shillings and
six pence pr gallon a hogg which I. paid two dollars for in
the begining of winter and kept it all winter and next sum-
mer and in the fall Mr. MeArthur fatted it and made use
of it, two buck skins and two doe skins, the whole of the
above mentioned articles I give and bequeath to the before
mentioned Phillip Sweek his heirs and assigns, he first
paying the said McArthur for the following articles vizt,
two arm bands valued at five shillings each five scalping
knives, one pound of powder and four pounds of1 shott, four
tommeyhawks valued at two shillings and six pence each
and one quarter of a pound of vermillion and I make and
ordain the before mentioned Phillip Sweek the sole execu-
tor of this my last will in trust for the interests and pur-
poses in this my last will contained in wittness whereof I
the said David Vanderhider have to this mv last will and

10 LENNOX AND ALDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

testament set my hand and sail the day and year above
mentioned.

Signed sealed and delivered by the )
said David Vanderhider as for his ) his

last will and testament in .presence ) David x Vanderhider
of us who were present at the sign- ) mark

ing and sealing thereof )

Wm. Bell.

28. Letter from Wm. Bell, of Thurlow, to George
Irlinson, asking for the loan of £5, dated 6th February,
1795.

29. Information and warrant for the arrest of William
Bell for assault, dated 15th September, 1796.

30. Letter from Wm. Bell at Mohawk village to John
Ferguson, dated 26th April, 1798, imploring him to join
him in a project for the building and operating of a still
house.

31. Letter from John Grant to Sergt, Wm. Bell, dated
June 10th, 1797.

32. Form of contract for the loan of a pair of steers
to be returned in three years "at which time they are to
be well broken and in good order saving accidents by
thunder or lightning or the bite of a snake".

33. Letter from A. Chisholm to Wm. Bell, dated 12th
November, 1797.

34. Dunning letter from William Dougall of Hallowell
to Wrm. Bell, dated March llth, 1800.

35 Letter, James Irvine, J.P., to Robert Land, sever-
ely reprimanding him for his dissolute habits.

36. Letter from Surveyor General's office to Timothy
Thomson, Esq., M.P., regarding the location of a lot,
dated 31st October, 1801.

37. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, respecting
the purchase of uniforms, dated 10th March, 1801.

38. Receipt and release from Abm. Allen to Wm. Bell,
dated 27th March, 1802.

39. Dunning letter from John Kirby to Wm. Bell,
dated 38th Jany., 1804.

40. Certificate of good character from John Stuart,
formerly missionary to the Mohawks at Fort Hunter, X.
York, to Captain John Deserontyon, dated 9th September,
1806. This document is endorsed, signed and sealed by W.
Hans, D.L.G.

41. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, dated 1st
June, 1805.

42. Letter from the Deputy Surveyor of His Majesty's
woods to Wm. Bell, dated 10th May, 1810.

43. Letter from Jas. McNabb, at York, to Col. Wm.

THE CANNIFP COLLECTION. 11

Bell, respecting lots in Thurlow, dated 23rd July, 1810.

44. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, complain-
ing of the scarcity of flour in Kingston, dated 8th July,
1811.

45. Letter to Wm. Bell from his nephew, Jacob H.
Bell, of Montreal, who left Ireland two years before and
had been hunting for his uncle ever since, (dated 1813.

46. Receipt of Wm. Bell for large quantities of flour
and peas to be delivered by him at Kingston, dated 8th
February, 1814.

47. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, regarding
the transport of Indian goods, dated 27th February, 1815.

48. Letter from L. McNabb to Wm. Bell, complaining
that Bell had assessed Mm as a merchant, dated 10th
April, 1815.

49. Recognizance taken before Wm. Bell, J.P., at Thur-
low, on October 20th, 1815, for the appearance of the
prosecutor, and also of the accused at the next general
sessions of the peace for the Midland district to be holden
at Adolphustown.

50. Public notice by Wm. Bell, Lt.-Col. of the 1st
regiment of Hastings militia, calling upon the inhabitants
to take the oath of allegiance, dated 21st October, 1812.

51. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, exhorting
him to drill his men well and maintain the reputation al-
ready acquired of having the best regiment in the district,
dated 14th June, 1816.

52. Receipt for twenty shillings, being Wm. Bell's sub-
scription to Kingston Gazette, dated 25th July, 1815.

53. Letter from Jas. MeNabb at York to Wm. Bell,
at Thurlow, regarding the location of lands for which Bell
had forwarded applications, also suggesting that a petition
be sent in for the division of the district, dated 16th Feb-
ruary, 1817.

54. Letter from Alex. Taylor to Wm. Bell, asking for
the loan of a cross-cut saw.

55. Deposition of Spencer Patrick, taken before Wm.
Bell, J.P., complaining that one, Wm. Dodds, an invalid,
was suffering from neglect, dated 14th February, 1817.

56. A receipt for one pound.

57. Letter from James Nickall, of Kingston, to Wm.
Bell, of Thurlow, informing him, that upon an application
being sent to him he will remit a license to two parties
who had been married by Bell, dated 31st January, 1818.

58. A beautifully engrossed letter from Patrick Strong,
of York, to Wm. Boll, dated 18th June, 1818. In this
letter he explains, that Bell's children were not entitled to
the U. E. privilege, and must pay the regular fee for cer-
tain lands they were endeavoring to obtain. After com-

12 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

menting severely upon some irregular legal proceedings in
which he and Bell were interested, he concludes his letter
as follows : "Times are amazing dull at Little York. No
such thing as cash to be seen. We expect our Governor
Mr. Gourley, from below, soon ; he is doing all he can to
put our Land Granting Gentry and big men through their
facings, and all I can say for him is God speed the
plough."

59. Letter from James McNabb to Wm. Bell, dated
10th October, 1818. In this letter the following appears :
"Please inform Mr. Dan'l Brown that the Council has
granted to him a town lot in the village of Belleville and
that he should lose no time in making his choice of a lot
and sending up the fees (about £8) and I will see to his
name being entered with ink on the map".

60. Warrant issued by Wm. Bell, J.P., for the arrest
of Phillip Zwick, charged with assaulting one Mary
Stimers, dated 27th November, 1818. Upon the back of
the warrant appears the following endorsement, "Phillip
Swick, junior, proves that Mary Stimers on this affair was
the first aggressor, and pelted him with stones at the time
the within affray took place, and that it was after that he
struck her with a whip, and having already taken the
examination of Mary Stimers with all the evidence in
allusion to this breach of the peace, would discharge him if
the within named magistrate were not now personally
attending a Court of Justice in sight. Therefore to him
I refer the constable with the prisoner."

5th Deer. 1818. Sgd. J. McNabb, J.P.

61. Letter from S. McNabb to Wm. Bell, demanding
payment of an account placed in his hands for collection,
also asking for certain fees -for conveyancing, dated 6th
March, 1819. The demand for payment of this account
begins as follows : "I really would be happy if you could
make it convenient to discharge Mr. Grey's account for
the Montreal Herald".

62. Oath of allegiance of Tobias Bleecker.

63. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, rebuking
him for meddling as a magistrate, with Courts of Re-
quests, or any other business but where the King was con-
cerned, and advising him to settle a suit brought against,
him for illegally issuing a warrant, dated 27th January,
1820.

64. Oath of allegiance, signed by several militia offi-
cers, apparently from Ernesttown, among them are Joshua
Booth, Sheldon Hawley and Isaac Fraser. No date.

65. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, stating
that he would consider it a great honor to be named as a
candidate for Hastings, dated 14th March, 1820.

THE CANNIPF COLLECTION. 13

66. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, concern-
ing1 his inability to be present in person at the election.

67. Notice of meeting of the committee of the Midland
District Agricultural Society at Bath sent to Wm. Bell,
a member of the committee, dated 1st June, 1821.

68. Oath of allegiance of Joseph P. Huycke, taken be-
fore Wm. Bell, J.P., at Thurlow, on 16th July, 1821.

69. Notice by executor of the estate of John W.
Meyers, asking for payment of accounts due the estate,
dated 19th February, 1822.

70. Warrant issued by Coroner Wm. Bell, summoning a
jury to enquire into the death of John W. Canniff, dated
4th May, 1822.

71. Oath of allegiance of Emerson Ruff, taken before
Wm. Bell, J.P., 22nd August, 1822.

72. Letter from Richard Bell to his uncle, Wm. Bell,
23rd July, 1822.

72 (a). Letter from Richard Bell to his uncle, Wm.
Bell, 14th July, 1823. He states that timber is selling in
New Brunswick at twenty shillings sterling per ton.

73. Letter from Wm. Bell to Hugh C. Thompson,
Kingston, dated 26th June, 1822. In this letter appears
the following : "I am sorry to acquaint you that I seldom
get your paper delivered at my house altho I have put up
a box on a Plumb tree almost hanging over the Road in
front of my House the old man that caries the mail has
sometimes taken them to Belleville to Nelsons".

74. Letter from Jacob H. Bell, of Kingston, to Wm.
Bell, Thurlow, dated 3rd December, 1813. In this appears
the following : "W7e are not in quite so much dread of the
Americans as we have been some time ago it is said that
there is 5000 them between Cotte du Lac and Prescott on
their way up but whether this is authentic I cannot say".

75. Notice to Col. Bell of the funeral of John Car-
michael, dated 21st April, 1823.

75 (a). Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, dated
15th July, 1824. The following is an extract : "I am
sorry to hear that you are so badly off for flour, and the
more so, as I have it not in my power to relieve you, as
there is very little flour here, and what is cannot be had
for less than six dollars and a half, cash paid down, which
last I have not, nor have I had five dollars in my posses-
sion these five weeks past".

75 (b). A love song, of eight stanzas, composed by
Stephen Ferguson Bell, in 1823. The first stanza reads :—

"My Julia my life my love

To the to the I call

I cannot live if thou remove

For thou are all in all."
The other seven are just as bad.

14 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

76. Apology from Daniel Canniff to Wm. Bell for that
he "did in an unguarded moment of passion insult and
abuse William Bell."

77. Muster roll of the Mohawk Tract.

78. Letter from the Council of Indian Chiefs of the
Mohawk Tract to Wm. Bell, concerning some threatened
litigation, and suggesting that he refuse to listen to the
complaints of hot headed young men, and leave it to the
Indians to settle their differences according to their own
customs, dated 2rd April, 1828.

79. A certificate signed by sixteen Mohawk Chiefs to
the effect that all Indians are privileged to cut timber any-
where upon the reserve outside the enclosed fields, dated
3rd April, 1828.

80. A summons issued by Chief Joseph Claus, calling
a Council of the Chiefs to deal with a question of cutting
timber upon the reserve, dated May 1st, 1828.

81. A summons, issued in the name of Alexander
Fisher, one of the judges of the District Court by A.
Hagerman, Plaintiff's attorney, against Wm. Bell, for
twelve pounds ten shillings, dated 28th December, 1820.

82. Letter from the Mohawk Village to Col. Wm. Bell,
in which the Chiefs present their thanks for his forbearance
and kindness in referring a dispute among the Indians to
the Chiefs to settle, dated 25th May, 1829.

83. Copy of directions for the guidance of the Court
of Requests at Kingston, dated May, 1829.

84. Minutes of town meeting for the Township of
Tyendinaga, held at the house of Richard Lazier, in Shan-
nonville, in 1830.

84 (a). Minutes of town meeting for the Township of
Tyendinaga, held at the house of Thomas D. Appleby, at
Shannonville, in 1831.

85. Minutes of town meeting, held at the house of
Thomas D. Appleby, on 2nd January, 1831. At this
meeting the following prudential law was passed : "No hog
to run at large till six months old, all hogs after six
months old to be free commoners till they trespass, then
the owner to pay said damage". All of the foregoing
minutes are written on loose sheets of paper. This
practice, if general, would partly account for the fact that
it is very difficult to secure the minutes of the early town
meetings "of most townships.

86. Notice demanding payment of subscription to
Genesee Farmer, dated July llth, 1836.

The Canniff Collection

(Case Number 16)

While Case Number 16 was intended to contain militia
papers only, a close scrutiny of its contents discloses the
fact that a number of miscellaneous letters and documents
are among the number.

1. An order, dated June 27th, 1795, directing Wm. Bell
as pathinaster, to "order all hands to work at the roads".

2. The following brief communication, dated 27th
January, 1796, recalls familiar names :• "Wm. Bell, I
•expect youll not fail to have wheat into Capt. W. Myers
Mill very shortly for what you owe me and oblige Sir,
Your obedt. serv't John Bleeker".

3. An order from John Ferguson, dated 29th Novem-
ber, 1796, directing that the inhabitants of the County of
Hastings be summoned to meet for the purpose of enroll-
ment.

4. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, dated
29th November, 1798, advising him of his appointment as
adjutant and directing him to enroll the militia.

5. Order for a pair of stills and pewter worms.

6. Letter from John Ferguson to Major Alexander
Chisholm, dated Dec. 13th, 1798, giving directions as to the
formation of a company.

7. A similar letter to Captain Wm. Bell.

8. Commission appointing Wm. Bell Captain.

9. Commission appointing Wm. Bell Adjutant.

10. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell to meet
him in Sydney to receive his commission.

10 (a). Order of John Ferguson, 25th February, 1799,
for assembling the militia of Hastings.

11. Letter from John Ferguson to Captain Wm. Bell,
dated 1st March, 1799, warning him to hold himself in
readiness.

12. Notice of adjutant Wm. Bell, calling upon the
militia of Hastings to assemble for parade "armed agree-
able to the Act". They are cautioned to have "their
crossbelts well cleaned".

13. Letter from John Ferguson, Lieutenant of the
County of Hastings, to Capt. Wm. Bell, dated 10th March,
1799, forwarding copy of circular from the president, re-

10 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

questing that the men ordered to be selected for immediate
service be instructed "in loading and firing and in the
evolutions necessary for preserving the order of march and
deploying before an enemy".

14. Circular letter, asking for a report on the state
of the Militia.

15. Informal letter from Ferguson to Bell, giving
directions about equipment, etc.

16. Directions from John Ferguson to Captain William
Bell, commanding the detachment for immediate service
from the battalion of militia of the County of Hastings
"regarding the teaching the volunteers and drafts who are
to assemble at Wallbridges every other Saturday the
platoon exercise that is to say, to load and fire with
expedition and orderly".

17* Letter, asking that a militiaman be excused from
attending training.

18. Order for assembling militia.

19. Notice of Captain William Bell, summoning militia
to assemble.

20. Summons to officers of Hastings' militia to appear
at the general sessions at Kingston, on April 23rd, 1799,
to take the oath of allegiance.

21. Notice from Capt. Wm. Bell, calling upon default-
ers to pay a fine for non-attendance at drill.

22. Notice of promotion of Capt. Wm. Bell to his
majority.

23. Order for uniform as follows : "Red coats with
blue facings, long yellow buttons and white lining with
shoulder straps, the light infantry to have short coats
with wings".

24. Wm Bell's commission as Major.

25. Summons for a funeral meeting of the battalion of
militia of Hastings.

26. Memorandum concerning officers' uniforms.

27. Order for enrollment 1800.

28. Notice of promotions.

29. Order of John Ferguson, directing attention of
officers to the manner in which they have been neglecting
their duties.

30. Letter from John Ferguson, giving details of cost
of officers' uniforms, and advising Wm. Bell "if any of
these gentleman wish to have them from Montreal and
will put into my hands sixteen bushels of wheat each, as a
part payment I will send for them".

31. Order for assembling militia.

32. Letter from John Ferguson to Wm. Bell, congratu-
lating him upon the improvement of his command and
enquiring about some delinquents.

THE CANNIFF COLLECTION. 17

33. Letter to Major Wm. Bell, complaining about not
having received returns.

34. Copy of reply with particulars about organizing a
troop of horse.

35. Appointment of Sergeant David Harris.

36. Requisition for dates of certain commissions.

37. Letter from J. Ferguson, complimenting Major
Wm. Dell on the work of his battalion and granting them
exemption from certain training.

38. Order for battalion parade and exercise in firing,
Ferguson to Bell, 1801.

39. Letter from Ferguson to Bell.

40. Order of William Bell for companies to meet at
the mouth ,of the river in Thurlow.

41. Letter shewing details of cost of uniform amount-
ing to £4 sll d2 each.

42. Order for assembling of the militia of Hastings,
for the purpose of exercising and training, 1801.

43. Letter for copies of orders.

44. Letter enquiring as to false report of a certain
officer as to attendance of his company at training.

45. Order of Major Bell for assembly of company

45 (a) . Order of John Ferguson, Lieutenant of the
County of Hastings, for the assembly of the militia of
Hastings.

46. Similar to number 45 (a).

47. Similar to number 45 (a), and asking for full
report of conduct of men, condition of arms, etc.

48. Order cancelling order to assemble for training,
owing to the lateness of the seeding.

49. Peremptory demand for returns which have been
delayed, 1805. This communication from John Ferguson
is addressed to Lieut. Colonel William Bell.

50. Reply from Lieut. Col. Bell, giving excuses for not
forwarding returns.

51. Order for the assembly of the militia of Hastings
at the usual place of rendezvous.

52. Letter from Lieut. John Ferguson, demanding that
a certain captain be prosecuted for not making a proper
return.

53. Order for battalion to parade, dated 4th June,
1808, signed by John Ferguson, Colonel of Hastings militia
instead of Lieutenant of the County of Hastings as for-
merly.

54. Original commission by His Excellency Francis
Gore, appointing William Bell Lieutenant Colonel in the
first regiment of militia in the County of Hastings in the
Midland District, dated January 2nd, 1809.

55. Order of Colonel Wm. Bell.

18 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

56. Letter, transmitting order from His Honor the
President Major General Brock, dated 6th of April, 1812.

57. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, advising him that
"war is declared by the United States against Great
Britain", and requesting him to hold his battalion ready
for active service. £ i ;

58. Permit for WilKam Bell to return from Kingston
to Hastings.

59. Order regarding absentees sending substitutes.

60. Letter regarding passports and for certain men
who had "been ballotted for active service" to repair to
Kingston without loss of time.

61. Order for assembling of Hastings militia at the
mouth of the River Moira.

62. Order for deserters to march to Kingston under
escort, dated 1st August, 1812.

63. Order of Col. Ferguson, for muster of Hastings
militia for active service, dated 10th Sept., 1812.

64. Order of Lt. Col. Bell, for battalion to assemble
for active service, 12th September, 1812.

65. Order of Lt. Col. Bell, for certain men to proceed
to Kingston immediately, dated 15th October, 1812.

66. Letter, offering to purchase Lt. Col. Bell's red
coat.

67. Letter from Col. Ferguson to Col. Wm. Bell, re-
questing men on furlough to be sent to Kingston, dated
20th October, 1812. "The reason why these men are
wanted is because there are a number of American prison-
ers, taken at the death of General Brock, expected down
every hour and there is not men enough to guard them
down".

68. Order for arrest of deserters.

69. Order of Lt. Col. Wm. Bell, for assembling five
companies at mouth of River Moira "each man to be
provided with one blanket and three days provisions also
arms and ammunition", dated 12th November, 1812.

70. Letter from Bell to Ferguson, with returns.

71. Order for arrest of deserters.

72. Letter, concerning deserters.

73. Pass granted by Richard Cartwright, O.C.

74. Order for arrest of deserters.

74 (a). Peremptory order from Ferguson to Bell, to
send down certain men for duty, dated 10th March, 1813.

75. Order for Sergeant James Liddle to report for
duty.

76. Order for assembling of Hastings militia, dated
20th September, 1813.

77. Summons from James McNabb to Li-out. Col. Bell
to answer to a complaint.

THE CANNIFF COLLECTION. 19

78. Order from Ferguson to Bell to send down
seventy-five men with their officers.

79. Order for seventy-five men "to be ballotted unless
their service is volunteered". The letter concludes with :•
"I need not tell you that an attack upon this place
(Kingston) by the enemy is daily expected", 1st October,
1813.

80. Order of Wm. Bell, for the apprehension of desert-
ers.

81. Order from Ferguson to Bell, forwarding request
from His Honor the President for a return of all teams of
oxen and horses in the County.

82. Request from James McNab, J.P., to Lieut. Col.
Bell for five militia men to take down a bateau to the
sixth township.

83. Letter -advising that the Honorable Colonel Cart-
wright has obtained permission from the President to have
the detachments from the County of Hastings relieved
every two months.

84. Order for all men to return to duty and for the
arrest af certain deserters.

85. Circular letter of Lieut. Col. Bell for return of
men to duty.

86. Request for men to load a boat at Napanee Mills
with provisions for the troops at Kingston.

87. Circular letter from Lt. Col. Bell, to the captains
or officers commanding companies in the Hastings militia,
dated 20th November, 1813.

88. Letter from Bell to Ferguson.

89. Order for arrest of deserter.

90. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, for fifteen sleighs.
90 (a). Summons from Lt. Col. Wm. Bell to Capt.

Jacob W. Meyers to appear at Margaret Simpson's house
to answer for neglect of duty in not furnishing his quota
of men agreeable to the general order.

91. Order from Ferguson to Bell, to send one subalt-
ern, one sergeant, and ten rank and file to assist in the
public works at Kingston, dated 26th January, 1814.

92. Resolution of officers of the militia of Hastings for
devising means for securing better instruction in their mili-
tary duties.

93. Appointment of Court of Enquiry to investigate
complaints against certain officers, for neglect of duty in
not furnishing their quota of men.

94. Order of Col. Ferguson to assemble battalion.

95. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, complaining among
other things about officers sending to Kingston men who
are not fit for duty.

96. Militia order from Col. Ferguson, for Hastings

20 LF.NNOX AND AJDDINCTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

battalion to ass-emble and to forward certain men to
Kingston. Officers are warned not to send men unfit for
duty.

96 (a). Letter from Ferguson to Bell, commenting
upon the laxity of the dealings of officers with deserters.

97. Order for arrest of two officers to attend a general
court martial to answer to the charge of disobedience of
orders in not sending men for actual service at Kingston
when required to do so.

98. Order to forward men to Kingston.

98 (a). Letter from Ferguson, cautioning Dell to see
that order is strictly observed.

99. Copy of order of Lieut. Gen'l. Gordon Drummond,
warning all magistrates to pay strict attention to orders
for requisitioning men to be employed in towing the King's
bateau and for other purposes.

100. Order for arrest of a delinquent.

101. General order, announcing articles for a conven-
tion entered into for the mutual release of all prisoners of
war except certain hostages, dated 24th April, 1814.

102. Copy of order forwarded to all magistrates and
commanding officers to furnish such horses, wagons and
men as may be required for the transportation of provi-
sions, etc.

'103. Letter regarding the arrest of a captain..

104. Requisition for "bateaumen".

105. Letter from Colonel Ferguson, announcing the
pleasure of the Lieutenant Governor in directing the
release of a certain Lieutenant from arrest.

106. Letter from Wm. Bell to Lieut. Zwick, to secure
men to take charge of prisoners.

107. Letter from William Bell, announcing a report
that "our people have taken Oswego".

108. Letter from William Bell, for bateaumen.

109. Letter to Colonel Wm. Bell, enclosing copy of
general order of Lt. General Drummond, asking that a
quantity of provisions be sent to Burlington Heights.

110. Copies of letter, order and court martial proceed-
ings from the Deputy Adjutant General.

Head quarters, Kingston April

15th, 1814.
Militia General Order

At a general Court Martial assembled at Kingston by
order of His Honor the President and Lieutenant General
Commanding His Majestys Forces in Upper Canada on the
4th of the present month, and continued by adjournment
to the 13th instant, was arraigned Lieutenant Colonel

THE CANNIFF COLLECTION. 21

Beuoni Wiltsie of the 2 regiment of Leeds Militia on the
following charges, viz :

1. For having in the month of November last, dis-
regarded the Orders given him by Colonel Stone Command-
ing the 2d regiment of Leeds Militia, directing him to call
out the men of that regiment at a time when the enemy
appeared of the coast.

2. for permitting the Militia men, when called out on
military service to leave their post without orders from
the Commanding Officer to that effect, and contrary to his
wishes.

3. for endeavoring to circulate disobedience and in-
subordination, by making use of language tending to
disuade the militia of the above mentioned regiment from
obeying the orders issued to them, when called upon to
perform military duty.

4. for making use of language unbecoming an officer
and a gentleman towards the commanding officer Colonel
Stone.

Opinion and sentence. The Court after mature delibera-
tion, found the prisoner guilty of the whole of the charges
preferred against him, and therefore order and adjudge the
said Lieut. Colonel Benoni Wiltsie to pay a fine of fifty
pounds and to hold him unfit to serve His Majesty as an
officer in any military capacity pursuant to the militia
laws of this Province.

At the same General Court martial was arraigned
Lieut. Samuel Kelsie, of the 2d regiment of Leeds Militia
on the following charges, viz :

1. For unofficerlike conduct, in initiating a suit in
civil law against His Commanding Officer Colonel Stone
for pay due him for service performed as a militia officer.

2. For in an indecent and unbecoming manner, levying
an execution on the property of His Commanding officer
Colonel Stone, in discharge of a suit commenced for the
recovery of pay due him for service as a militia officer.

Opinion and sentence. The Court after mature deliberation
were of opinion that the prisoner Lieutenant Samuel
Kelsie was guilty of both the charges preferred against
him, and therefore sentence him to be cashiered.

At the same Court Martial was arraigned Private
Charles Morgan of the 2d regiment of Leeds militia on the
following charges, viz. —

1. For deserting to the enemy on or about the 31st
October, 1812.

2. For unsoldierlike conduct in initiating- a suit at

22 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

civil law, against His Commanding Officer Colonel Stone,
for services done by him as a militia man.
Opinion and Sentence. The Court after having maturely
considered the circumstances of the case, were of opinion
that the prisoner Charles Morgan, not having at the time
taken the oath of allegiance, nor having been enrolled in
any regiment or company of militia, or having been called
upon for that purpose by any officer, does not come under
the Militia Law of this Province, but being to all intents
and purposes an alien, cannot be guilty of desertion, and
therefore under those circumstances of the case, do aquit
the said prisoner of both the charges preferred against him.

At the same General Court Martial was arraigned
Captain Jacob Weldon Meyers of the 1st regiment Hastings
Militia on the following charges, viz. —

For disobedience of orders in not furnishing two men
from his company for actual service at Kingston when re-
quired so to do by his commanding officer.
Opinion and sentence. The Court after maturely consider-
ing the circumstances of the case, were of opinion that
Captain Jacob W. Meyers was guilty of the charge prefer-
red against him, and therefore sentence him to pay a fine
of three pounds currency, and to pay the costs attending
the prosecution.

At the same general Court martial was arraigned Cap-
tain Samuel Budsiye Gilbert of the 1st regiment of
Hastings Militia on the following charge, viz, —

For disobedience of orders in not furnishing two men
from his company for actual service at Kingston when re-
quired so to do by His Commanding Officer.
Opinion and sentence. The court after mature deliberation
were of opinion, that Captain Samuel B. Gilbert was
guilty of the crime laid to his charge, and therefore sen-
tence him to pay a fine of five pounds currency, and to
pay the costs attending the prosecution of the said
charges.

His Honor the President approves of the foregoing
sentences, and directs that the general fine therein adjudged
be forthwith paid to the Commanding Officers of the 2d
regt., Leeds and 1 regt. of Hastings Militia respectively
who will report their receipt of the same to the Adjutant
General of Militia for His Honors further pleasure thereon.
By Command of His Honor

'signed) C. Forster Lieut. Col.
Adjutant General of Militia
Copy Upper Canada

(signed) Nathn Coffin, Lieut. Col.
Dy. Adjt. Gen. of Militia
Upper Canada

THE CANNIPF COLLECTION. 23

In answer to the letter prefering a charge of dis-
obedience of order against Lieut. John Reed of the 1
regiment of Hastings Militia, in not attending the above
General Court Martial as an evidence, when ordered so to
do by His Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Bell,
His Honor the President has been pleased to direct, that
Lieut. John Reed will be tried at a suitable opportunity
but is to continue his duty until then.

Signed Nath. Coffin, Lieut. Col.
Dy. Adj. Gen. Militia

Upper Canada
Colonel Ferguson

Commanding 1 reg.
Hastings Militia.

111. Letter from the Deputy Adjutant General to
Colonel Wm. Bell, expressing the Lieut. Governor's concern
at not having a situation to which he could appoint him.

112. Copy of Capt. Chisholm's report concerning pris-
oners in his division. • ,

113. Explanation of a man charged with deserting.

114. Letter to Colonel Bell for men for the bateaux.

115. Order of Colonel Bell for men to man the bateaux.

116. Letter from Bell to Ferguson, about men for
bateaux service.

117. Letter from the Deputy Adjt., General, threaten-
ing to report Colonel Bell unless crews be provided
immediately for the bateaux loaded with flour for the
troops in Kingston.

118. Order to forward men for duty in Kingston.

119. Letter to Wm. Bell for a bateaux crew.

120. Letter from Colonel Bell to Adjt. Thompson, for-
warding copy of militia general order.

120 (a). Requisition for men for bateaux.

121. Letter from Colonel Bell to Lieut. Zwick.

121 (a). Letter to Bell, for more men for the boats.

122. Order for forwarding delinquents under guard to
Kingston.

123. Memorandum re endorsement to be made on
orders.

124. Militia order concerning appointment and duties
of an orderly for Colonel Bell.

125. Warrant for arrest of Benjamin Gerow, for using
seditious expressions.

126. Certificate of Col. Richard Cartwright, exempting
Reuben White from other militia service.

127. Letter from Col. Ferguson about white belts.

128. Order offering rewards for the capture of certain
deserters.

2-1 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

129. Order of Colonel Ferguson, for annual meeting of
militia.

130. General order of court martial proceedings as
follows : —

Head Quarters, Falls of Niagara Oct. 28, 1814.

Militia General Orders

At a General Court Martial held at Stamford on the
25th instant and continued by adjournment to the 27th of
the same month, Private John McMillan of the 2d regiment
of Lincoln Militia was arraigned on the following charges,
viz,—

1st. For having deserted to the enemy with his arms
and accoutrements when on duty, on or about the 6th of
October, 1813.

2d. For having been taken, bearing arms in the service
of the enemy on or about the 17th of September last.

And the Court after duly considering the evidence for
the prosecution, and on behalf of the prisoner, were clearly
of opinion that he is guilty of both charges ; and therefore
sentence^ him to suffer death at some place and time as His
Honor, the President, may be pleased to direct.

His Honor the President, approves the finding and sen-
tence of the court and directs that the same be carried into
execution at Bridgewater on Monday morning next the 31st
instant at 11 o'clock.

The General Court Martial of which Lieut. Colonel
Dickson is president is dissolved.

By Command of His Honor the President
C. Forster

Adjutant General of Militia
Upper Canada.

Head Quarters Falls of Niagara November 1, 1814
Militia General Orders

At a general court martial held at Cornwall on
Saturday the 3 September last John Johnson of the 1st
regiment Stormont Militia was arraigned on the following
charge, via. for having deserted to the enemy near Corn-
wall on or about the 10th day of November, 1813.

The Court having weighed the matter and upon due
deliberation are of opinion that the prisoner John Johnson
is not guilty of the charge preferred against him, viz. tor
having deserted with his arms to the enemy on the 10th
November, 1813, but find him guilty of having deserted
from his company when before the enemy and having
delivered his arms to them unnecessarily ; and do therefore
sentence him to be transported beyond Seas for Life at

THE CANNIPF COLLECTION. 25

what time and to what place, His Honor tne President or
person administering- the Government of the Province may
be pleased to direct. His Honor the President approves
the finding and sentence of the court and directs that the
prisoner John Johnson be detained in confinement until
an opportunity offers of carrying the sentence into effect.
The Court martial of which Lieutenant Colonel MacLean
of the 1st regiment of Stormont Militia is president is
dissolved.

By command of His Honor the President

C. Forster

Adjutant General of Militia
Upper Canada.

Lieutenant Colonel William Bell of the 1st regiment of
the Hastings Militia is hereby required to promulgate to
the regiment under his command these two proceedings
and sentences of General Court Martial in the most con-
venient and public manner possible.

Kingston 1st December, 1814.
John Ferguson Col.

Commanding 1 regiment
Hastings Militia

131. Complaint of a sergeant major that too many
are presuming- to interfere with him when on duty.

132. Circular from Colonel Bell forwarding copy of
circular from the Dep. Adit. Gen'l giving information
about certain prisoners who escaped from their guard at
Hallowell (Picton).

133. Militia order for court martial to assemble.
Militia Orders

County of Hastings 5th Novr. 1814

A Militia Regiment Court martial to assemble at the
mouth of the river Moira at the home of Margaret Simp-
son, on Saturday the 19th day of Novr. instant at the
hour of ten o'clock in the forenoon, for the tryal of all
such delinquents as may be brought before them.
Capt. Alex. Chisholm, President
Lieut. Wm. Ketchison )

Lieutenant Alec. Gilbert ) Members
and Ensign Olipt. Petrie )

All officers are hereby required to bring such delinquents
forward for tryal, before the said court martial as may
belong to their respective companies.

William Bell, Lt. Col.

1st Regt. Hastings Militia

26 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Capt. and Adjutant Thompson will communicate his
order to the officers commanding company, and also direct
that all officers belonging to the battalion of the County
of Hastings attend on the same day, and at the same time
and place.

Wm. Bell, Lt. Col.

134. Proceedings of a regimental court martial.

Thurlow 19th November, 1814
FIRST

Proceedings of a Regimental Court Martial, held here
this day by order of Lieutenant Colonel Bell, for the trial
of such persons as may be brought before it belonging to
the first Regiment of Hastings Militia,—

Captain Alexander Chisholm, President
William Ketchison )

Archibald Chisholm ) Members

Ensign Alex. Oliphant Petrie)

The Court being duly sworn proceeded to the trial of
Lewis Rosebush for disobedience of orders, having on the
thirty-first day of July, last been duly warned to proceed
to Kingston to discharge his duty as a private Militia
man. Sergeant Spencer Patrick being duly sworn, says, he
warned Lewis Rosebush in obedience to the orders he had
received from Captain Gilbert Harriss to hold himself in
readiness to go to Kingston to do duty as a militia man,
that on the day of he received

orders from Captain Harriss, to make Lewis Rosebush
prisoner, and take him before Colonel Bell, that on the
approach of Sergeant Patrick, the said Rosebush went to
a barn, armed with a stick or cane in which there was a
sword and said he would not suffer himself to be taken.

The Court further proceeded to the trial of Samuel P.
Cummings for not attending Captain Harriss 's company
training on the twenty-fourth day of September last.
Captain Harriss being duly sworn, says that Samuel P.
Cummings did not appear at the company training on the
twenty-fourth day of September last.

Samuel P. Cummings being put on his defence says he
understood Captain Harriss was not at home on the
twenty-fourth day of September last, and further, that he
had business at the river Moira, which he must have at all
events attended to.

The Court further proceeded £o the trial of ledediah
Cummings, for neglect of duty on the twenty-fourth days
of June and July last, Captain Harriss being duly sworn
says that the said ledediah Cummings was absent from

THF. CANNIFF COLLECTION. 27

both the company trainings on the days above mentioned.

Samuel P. Cummings being duly sworn, says that
ledediah Cummings was absent from his home on the
twenty-fourth days of June and July last, and believes
he was at work in the district of Newcastle, does not
know what was the cause of ledediah Cummings leaving
home.

The Court further proceeded to the trial of Henry Me-
Mullen, for neglecting to attend company trainings on the
twenty-fourth days of June and July last.

Captain Harriss being duly sworn, says that Henry
McMullen was not present at the company trainings on the
twenty-fourth days of June and July last and has reason
to think the said Henry McMullen absented himself to
avoid doing his duty as a militia man.

The Court further proceeded to the trial of Stephen
McMullen, for neglecting to attend company trainings on
the twenty-fourth days of June and July last.

Captain Harriss being duly sworn says that Stephen
McMullen was not present at the company trainings on the
twenty-fourth days of June and July last, and has reason
to think the said Stephen McMullen absented himself to
avoid doing his duty as a militia man.

The Court further proceeded to the trial of Leman
Barnum for neglecting to attend company training on the
twenty-fourth day of October last.

Lieut. Phillip Zwick being duly sworn, says that Leman
Barnum was not present at the company trainings on the
twenty-fourth day of October last.

Leman Barnum being put on his defence, says that on
the twenty-fourth day of October last he was at work at
thre Napanee river, drawing timber, which he believes was
intended for the use of Government, that he only arrived
at home on his return from the Napanee river on the thir-
teenth day of November instant.

The Court further proceeded to the trial of Thomas
Badgely for neglecting to attend the company training on
the twenty-fourth day of October last.

Lieutenant Phillip Zwick being duly sworn, says, that
Thomas Badgely was not present at the company training
on the twenty-fourth day of October last.

Thomas Badgely being put on his defence, says that on
the twenty-fourth day of October last, he was at work in
the township of taking care of a quantity

of wheat belonging to himself, and could not possibly leave
it without it being injured.

The Court having heard the evidence against Lewis
Rosebush is of opinion that he is guilty of the crime laid
to his charge, and do sentence him to pay a fine of twenty

28 LENNOX AND ADDINGTQN HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

pounds currency, in default of payment to be .committed to
gaol for the span of six calendar months.

The Court having heard the evidence for and against
Samuel P. Cummingrs, do sentence him to pay a fine of
one pound currency together with all reasonable expenses.

The Court having heard the evidence, for and against
Tedediah Cummings, do sentence him to pay a fine of one
pound currency together with all reasonable expenses.

The Court having heard the evidence against Henry
McMullen, sentence him to pay a fine of two pounds cur-
rency, together with all reasonable expenses and in default
of payment to be committed to some safe place of confine-
ment for the span of twelve days.

The Court having heard the evidence against Stephen
McMullen sentence him to pay a fine of two pounds cur-
rency, together with all reasonable expenses, and in
default of payment to be committed to some safe place of
confinement for the span of twelve days.

The Court having heard the evidence for and against
Leman Barnum is of opinion that he acted thro ignorance
and do acquit him.

The Court having heard the evidence for and against
Thomas Badgeley sentence him to pay a fine of ten shil-
lings currency together with all reasonable expenses.

The Court was then adjourned until the 3rd December
ensuing.

Thurlow, 3rd December, 1814

The Court reassembled here this day pursuant to
adjournment, and proceeded to the trial o-f Solomon Reid
for appearing on parade without fire arms on the twenty-
fourth day of October last.

Captain John McMichael being duly sworn says, that
Solomon Reed appeared on parade without fire arms on
the twenty-fourth day of October last.

Solomon Reed being put on his delence says he cannot
possibly procure fire arms without actually distressing his
family.

The Court further proceeded to the trial of David Seley
for appearing on parade without fire arms on the twenty-
fourth day of October last.

Captain McMichael being duly sworn says, that David
Seley appeared on parade without fire arms on the twenty-
fourth day of October last.

David Seley being put on his defence says, he cannot
possibly procure fire arm's without actually distressing his
family.

The Court further proceeded to the trial of James
Badgley for appearing on parade without fire arms on the
twenty-four tli day of October last.

THE CANNIPP COLLECTION. 29

Captain McMichael being duly sworn says, that James
Badg-ely appeared on parade without fire arms on the
twenty-fourth day of October last, and believes could fire
arms be obtained Badgely would purchase a stand.

James Badg-ely being put on his defense says, he has
not an opportunity of procuring arms, there being none to
be obtained.

The Court further proceeded to the trial of Joseph
Parks, for being absent from the company training on the
twenty-fourth day of October last.

Captain McMichael being duly sworn says, that Joseph
Parks did not appear at the company training on the
twenty-fourth day of October last, and that he does not
make a practice of attending any company training what-
ever.

Joseph Parks being put on his defence says, that he
was considered unfit for militia duty when in Kingston in
the month of March, 1813, and that Captain Jacob Myers,
sometime in the month of November following, told him,
he should not attend any company training whatever.

The Court further proceeded to the trial of Luke
Potter, for not attending company training on the twenty-
fourth day of October last.

Lieutenant William Ketchison being duly sworn says,
that Luke Potter was absent from company training on
the twenty-fourth day of October last.

Luke Potter being put on his defence, produced a
certificate signed by N. Coffin, Deputy Adjutant Gen'l of
Militia, dated 26 June 1814, stating that Luke Potter is
reported by a medical board as unfit for militia duty.

The Court further proceeded to the trial of Isaac
Whiteman, for being absent from company training on the
twenty-fourth day of October last.

Lieutenant Ketchison being duly sworn says, that Isaac
Whiteman was absent from company training on the
twenty-fourth day of October last.

Isaac Whiteman being put on his defence, says, that he
is incapable of doing militia duty owing to his left arm
being lame.

The Court further proceeded to the trial of Francis
Pimble, for being absent from the general training on the
fifth day of October last.

Lieutenant Ketchison being duly sworn, says, that
Francis Pimble was absent from the general training on
the fifth day of October last.

The Court having heard the evidence for and against
Solomon Reid is of opinion that what he states is truth,
he having a certificate from Captain McMichael to that
effect and do acquit him.

30 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

The Court having heard the evidence for and against
David Seley, is of opinion that what he states is truth.,
he having a certificate from Captain McMichael to that
effect, and do acquit him.

The Court having heard the evidence for and against
James Badgely, and owing to the scarcity of fire arms do
acquit him.

The Court having heard the evidence for and against
Joseph Parks, sentence him to pay a fine of twenty shil-
lings currency, with all reasonable expenses, and in default
of payment, to be confined fifteen days unless the fine and
expenses be sooner paid.

The Court having heard the evidence for and against
Luke Potter, is of opinion that the certificate he produced
is not meant to exclude him from attending company
trainings, and do sentence him to pay a fine of twenty
shillings, with all reasonable expenses, and in default of
payment, to be confined fifteen days unless the fine and
expenses be sooner paid.

The Court having heard the evidence for and against
Isaac Whiteman, is of opinion that what he states is
truth, and do acquit him.

The Court having heard the evidence against Francis
Pimble, is of opinion and do sentence him to pay a fine of
forty shillings currency, with all reasonable expenses, and
in default of payment to be confied one calendar month
unless the fine and expenses be sooner paid.

The foregoing proceedings are submitted to Lieutenant
Colonel Bell for his approval and further directions there-
on.

135. Letter from Bell to Ferguson enclosing rolls and
returns with explanations.

136. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, asking for particul-
ars about conveying a load of goods to York.

137. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, advising him that
to avoid impressment as much as possible the Lieut.
Governor has instructed him to offer to pay thirty
shillings per hundred weight for conveying Indian presents
from Kingston to York.

138. Order of Col. Wm. Bell, for meeting of officers at
the house of Margaret Simpson, to receive orders, dated
16th December, 1814.

139. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, demanding imme-
diate reply about furnishing fifteen teams to convey Indian
goods to York at thirty shillings per hundred weight.

141. Letter from Lieut. Col. Bell to Wm. Meyers.

142. Letter from A. O. Petrie, forwarding court mar-
tial proceedings for the approval of Lieut. Col, Bell.

143 and 143 (a), 1 otters forwarding lists of men who

THE CANNIFP COLLECTION. 31

had engaged to go to Kingston to transport Indian stores
from that place to York.

144. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, about storing and
forwarding Indian goods. The letter concludes with
"several gentlemen from York give a very good account of
the roads".

145. Receipt for linen and ammunition.

146. Blank forms reading as follows :—

COMMISSARIAT TRANSPORT.

I certify that are employed with their

sleighs and horses, under my orders in transporting stores,

provisions, and forage, on the communication between

and and that

they are not liable to be impressed into any other service.

To all military and civil officers 1815

147. Letter to provide transport to York for Captain
Livingstone.

148. Order explaining method to be strictly adhered to
in transporting goods.

149. Order, forbidding any officer of the battalion of
militia of Hastings to leave the country without notifying
the officer commanding the battalion.

150. Letter from Francis Vandervoort, stating that he
had lamed his horse the last time he took a load of goods
to York, and therefore begs to be excused this time as his
horse is still lame.

151. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, urging haste in
forwarding goods to York, dated llth February, 1815.

151 (a). Letter urging expedition in carrying on the
transport, dated 19th February, 1815.

152. Certificate of Lieut. Col. Wm. Bell to the effect
that Benjamin Ketcheson reports that he had spent two
and one half days in a fruitless effort to secure sleighs for
transporting Indian presents from Thurlow to York. At-
tached to, and based upon the foregoing report, is the
warrant of Solomon Hazelton, J.P., authorizing Ensign
Bryan Ketcheson to impress ten sleighs and horses for the
above purpose.

152 (a). Letter from Ferguson to Bell, urging further
exertion in transporting goods to York.

153. Order to Solomon Hazelton, J.P., to give the
necessary impress warrants for thirty sleighs for trans-
porting His 'Majesty's stores, etc., from Thurlow to York.

154. Account of Indian goods on 7th March, 1815, re-
maining in store in the barn of Lieut. Col. Wm. Bell, at
Thurlow, and forwarded on the 10th, llth and 20th of the
same month to the store of Capt. Mclntosh, at the mouth

32 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

of the Moira River. This document is published in Dr.
Canniff's history at page 671.

155. Letter re militia law.

156. Letter delivered by a man prepared to take a
load of goods to York. In this letter Ferguson expresses
the hope that Bell's difficulties will soon cease as he had
exhibited several charges against Clark, among them was
one for impeding and obstructing His Majesty's service in
the transport of Indian stores from Kingston and Thurlow
to York.

157. Letter from Lieut. Col. Bell to Sergeant James
Yeomans, reproving him for not looking more sharply after
the stands of arms for which he was responsible.

158. Order of Lieut. Col. Wm. Bell, to provide escort
for two prisoners.

159. Militia General's order announcing promotions.

160. Order for arrest.

161. Militia order reading as follows :—

Upper Canada )

Midland District ) Militia Orders

County of Hastings )

It having been reported to me that Lieutenant John
Reid has behaved unbecoming the character of an officer
and a gentleman, in passing counterfeit money, knowing
it to be so, he is hereby suspended from doing duty as an
officer of militia in the 1st regiment of the County of
Hastings until the pleasure of His Honor the president is
known on the subject and all other officers of the same
battalion are desired to take notice of the order, and to
refrain from being in company with the said Lieutenant
Reid, as any officer af the said battalion, who may be
known to keep company, or correspondence, with the said
Lieutenant Reid, untill he has cleaned up his character,
will be treated in like manner, and presecuted as the law
directs.

Kingston, 18 April 1815 John Ferguson Colonel

Commanding 1st regiment Hastings Militia

162. Letter from Richard Cartwright to Col. Fergu-
son : —

Kingston, 18th April, 1815
Sir,—

In answer to your note of yesterday I have to observe,
that tho' I have doubt whether the persons in question
can now be punished as deserters from the militia yet I
am very clear that they are liable to be tried for treason,
or treasonable practice as adhering to the King's enemies,
and ought immediately to be committed under that charge,

THE CANNIFF COLLECTION. 33

by any magistrate before whom a complaint of that kind
can be made an oath.

I am,
Col. Ferguson Sgd. Richard Cartwright

163. Deposition of Reuben Potter, —

The examination of Reuben Potter of the County of
Hastings a militia man, heretofore enrolled in Captain
Leonard Meyers company of the 1st regiment of the
Hastings militia.

Reuben Potter says he left this province about the last
day of July, or first day of August, in the year one thous-
and eight hundred and twelve, and that he returned to this
province from the United States since the termination of
the war.

Reuben Potter

Taken the 25th day of April )

1815 before me )

John Ferguson, Col. )

Comm. 1st reg. H.M. )

164. Deposition of Richard Davis.

164 (a). Order for Reuben Potter and Richard Davis,
to return to Hastings.

165. Letter to Lieut. Col. Wm. Bell, advising him of
the arrest of Reuben Potter by Capt. Mclntosh.

166. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, concerning pro-
ceedings to be taken against Potter and Davis for
desertion, also enquiring about goods left in storage on
the way to York.

167. Order from Col. Ferguson, concerning court
martial, and the collecting, repairing, and cleaning, of
arms and accoutrements.

168. Letter from Lieut. Col. Wm. Bell to Sergeant
James Yeomans, transmitting order of Col. Ferguson to
collect arms and account rements.

The following appear in the handwriting of Lieut. Col.
Wm. Bell :-

169.

Crime 1st

John Henesy Private in Capt. Chisholm Company of
the Hastings Militia confined by Lt. Colonel William Bell
for refusing, when he was required by Capt. Mclntosh to
say God Bless the King, said he could not saud that word
as he had not received any more than six pence a day from
the King he could not say God Bless that man, that had
given him no more than six pence a day, and other dis-

31 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

respectful words to Lieutenant Colonel Bell when in the
execution of his duty.

William Bell, Lt. Col. 1st regt.
Thurlow, 10th Apl. 1815, Hastings Militia Commanding

Crime 2nd.

Theophelus Nelson inkeeper, and private militia man
in Capt. Simon McNabbs company of the Hastings militia
confined by order of Lt. Colonel Wm. Bell of the battalion
of militia of the County of Hastings, for neglecting his
duty in permitting Jonathan Selden a prisoner, given into
his charge, as a militia man willfully to escape ; who had
deserted, to the enemy from his duty at Kingston, when he
was there on duty in the embodied militia, on or about
the day of July, 1812, and was apprehended at

Meyers Creek on the 8th day of April, 1815, by Capt. John
Mclntosh.

Wm. Bell Lieutenant Colonel 1st
regiment Hastings Militia Commanding.

170. Proceedings of a militia regimental court martial
held at Thurlow on llth day of April, 1815, by order of
Lieut. Colonel Wm. Bell.

Capt. Alexr. Chisholm, President
Lieut. Philip Zwick )

Ensign Wm. Zwick )

Ensign Hugh Cunningham ) Members
Ensign Peter Holmes )

The court proceeds to the tryal of Theopilus Nelson,
for neglect of duty and dissobedience of orders.

The evidence of Capt. John Mclntosh after being duly
sworn, saith, on the morning of the 9th April 1815 Jona-
than Seldon was brought to me before I was out of bed.
I then directed the men that had the prisoner in custody
to Mrs. Simp, to get their breakfast. Mr. Nelson was
willing to take charge of the prisoner, and likewise took
charge of the prisoner, and then asked, where he must
deliver the prisoner in the morning. I told him not to
fetch him to me, I would go up to his house in the morn-
ing, and accordingly went up on the morning of the 10th
inst. I met Mr. Nelson on the plains, near to his own
house, and asked him where was Seldon. Mr. Nelson said,
he was gone down with Wm. Maybee to see Colonel Bell.
1 asked Mr. Nelson how he could take it upon him to
countermand my orders, whether you consider me as a
sipher. I believe that Mr. Nelson knowingly, and willingly,
let the prisoner go.

The evidence of Lieut. John Taylor of tho Durham

THE CANNTFF COLLECTION. 35

militia saith on his oath, he saw Mr. Nelson in front of
his house, and asked him if Jonathan Seldon Avas yet
there, he told me he was not, he was gone to Colonel
Bells with Wm. Maybee, and said I saw Wm. Maybee
going from Mr. Nelsons house and Jonathan Seldon was
not with him, the above was on the 9th in the afternoon.

The prisoner Theopelus Nelson saith in his defence, I
deny the charge of willfully letting the prisoner Jonathan
S'eldon go, with the intention of making his escape. Wm.
Maybee requested that the prisoner might go with him,
and he would be accountable for his return in the morning
of the 10th inst. The evidence of Capt. John W. Meyers
in behalf of the prisoner, he saith on his oath that, the
prisoner was in Mr. Nelsons charge after being in Mr.
Nelsons house. Wm. Maybee requested Mr. Nelson to let
the prisoner go to Colonel Bells, and he would come back
with him on the 9th inst., then Maybee, and the prisoner
went out of the house, as I thought to go to Colonel
Bells, after being gone a short space of time, the prisoner
returned, and said to Mr. Nelson that it was Mr. Maybee' s
request that the prisoner might go with him to his own
house, and stay there that night, and they would return
in the morning, and I saw no private conversation between
Mr. Nelson and the prisoner, nor no person else.

Capt. Mclntosh Saith, that he considered himself as
doing his duty as a capt. of militia on actual service, and
also considered Mr. Nelson on actual service.

After hearing the evidence, the court is of opinion that
Theopelus Nelson is guilty of the crime laid to his charge,
therefore sentence him to pay a fine of ten pounds cost,
and charges £5. 7.6 and in default of payment, that the
prisoner Theo. Nelson shall be committed to some place
of confinement for the space of 4 months, or untill the fine
and expenses is paid. I approve of the above sentence, and
order the same to be immediately carried into execution.

Wm. Bell, Lt, Col.
1st regiment Hastings Militia
Commanding.

The Court proceed to the tryal of the prisoner .John
Henesey.

The evidence of Capt. John Mclntosh saith on his
oath that on the 10th day of April, 1815 I asked John
Henesey when he was going to take a glass of grog, I
asked him to say God bless the King. John Henesey said
he could not say that. I then said cannot you sayd God
bless the King. He said no, his pay was so small that
he couldn't, then say God bless a man that did not
give him more than six pence a day. Colonel Chambers

36 LENNOX AND ADDINHTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

then asked him if he could say God dam him, he said no,
he could not say that neither.

Ensign Hugh Cunningham after being duly sworn,
coroborats the above.

After hearing the evidence the court is of opinion that
the said John Henesey is guilty of the crime laid to his
charge therefore sentence him to pay a fine of one pound,
and costs of court 17.6.

Alexander Chisholm Capt. president.

I approve of the above sentence and order the same to
be immediately carried into execution.

Wm. Bell, Lt. Col.

1st regiment Hasting militia Commadg.
171.

County of Hastings ) A Militia regimental court martial

Militia orders ) to assemble on the llth instant.

The .house of Margaret Simpson, near the mouth of the

River Moira, at the hour of 9 o'clock in the forenoon, to

try all such prisoners that may be brought before them.

Capt. Alex. Chisholm,
Lieut. Philip Zwick
Ensign H. Cunningham
Ensign Peter Holmes
.and Ensign Wm. Zwick

All officers are hereby required to bring forward all
delinquents that may belong- to their respective companies
for tryal before said court martial.

Willm Bell, Lieut. Colonel

1st regiment Hastings militia
Thurlow, 10th April, 1815

172.

Thurlow, 10th Apl. 1815
Sergt. Ozekul Lawrence

Sir,— You are hereby required and strictly commanded
to apprehend the body of John Henesy private of Capt.
Chisholms company of the Hastings militia and bring him
here to the house of Margaret Simpson at the hour of
nine o'clock in the forenoon of the eleventh inst., to an-
swer to the complaint of Lt. Colonel Wm. Bell and herein
fail you not.

Given under my hand the day and
year above written
Alexander Chisholm Capt.

173. Order of Lieut. Col. Wm. Bell, for the issuing of
rations for prisoners.

THE CANNIF'F COLLECTION. 37

174.

Thiirlow, 12th Apl. 1815
James McNabb, Esquire,

Sir, — Theopelus Nelson, a private man in Captain
Simon McNabbs company of the Hastings militia, having
been tried by a militia regimental court martial, by my
orders, and sentenced by the said court martial to pay a
fine of ten pounds currency, and five pounds seven shillings
and six pence cost and charges, which suon, the said Theo-
pelus Nelson refuses to pay, this therefore is to require
you to issue a warrant of distress, to levie the above
amount by distress, and sale of the goods, and chattels,
of the aforesaid Theopelus Nelson, agreable to the 15th
clause of the militia act, passed in the 54th of the King,
and in the year of our Lord 1814.

I am sir your most obedt. humble servant

William Bell,

Lt. Col. 1st regt., Hastings Militia
Commanding.

174 (a). Order, suspending a Lieutenant for passing
counterfeit money.

175. Letter from Bell to Ferguson, endeavoring to
clear up the troublesome matter of the Indian goods, that
appear to have been "left on the way to York", and also
excusing himself for the delay in collecting the arms and
accoutrements.

176. The evidence of Capt. John Mclntosh taken upon
the trial of John Henesy.

177. Certificate of payment of a reward of six pounds,
and one shilling, for bringing in a deserter.

178. Letter requesting signature to a return.

179. Letter for information concerning certain corres-
pondence, about forwarding returns of men who had sleighs
and horses fit for service.

180. Memorandum of Lieut. Col. Wm. Bell, explaining
the circumstances under which he apprehended John Rice.
On the back of this are endorsed a number of miscellaneous
memoranda, varying from a reminder that he needed one
pound of pepper, to an acknowledgement of having received
pay for apprehending John Rice, and also his son's pay
for acting as his orderly.

181. Subpoena for Bell to appear as a witness upon
the trial of John Rice.

182. Notice as to the time and place of the fall train-
ing for 1815.

183. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, announcing that
the quarter master is being sent up to collect the arms,
accoutrements, drums and fifes. Elijah Ketcheson is

38 LENNOX. AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL EOC1ETY.

recommended as a proper person to be appointed sergeant.

184. letter from Dell to Ferguson, enquiring about the
appointment of a training day and asking when he is to
get pay for the storage and forwarding of the Indian
goods.

185. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, in which the writer
refers to "the change of the seat of Government to this
place", dated June 10th, 1816.

186. Letter from Bell to Ferguson, pleading his in-
ability to raise a dollar to transmit to the Receiver
General as ordered.

187. Commission to William Bell as Coroner, dated
25th July, 1816.

188. Bail bond taken before Wm. Bell, J.P.

188 (a). Subpoena for witness to appear before Court
of King's Bench at Kingston.

189. Summons to appear before the Court of Requests
at the house of Margaret Simpson.

190. Letter from Bell to his lawyer, Christopher
Hagerman, advising him of the settlement of an action.

191. Copy of letter from Bell to Ferguson, enclosing
rolls and returns of complaints.

192. Proceedings before Coroner Wm. Bell upon an
inquest.

192 (a). Letter from Ferguson to Bell, threatening to
report him to the Lieut. Governor for neglect of duty.

193. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, concerning a parade
to be held at Belleville.

194. Militia order of Lieut. Col. Wm. Bell, for the
assembling of the Hastings Militia on "the plains in
Belleville on Saturday, the 30th day of October, 1819".

195. Letter from the Adjt. Gen'l to Lt. Col. Bell ask-
ing for returns.

195 (a). Letter from Ferguson to Bell, acknowledging
receipt of returns, and complaining, that the postage was
not prepaid, and that he had to pay five shillings and
eight pence.

196. Copy of order in council for giving location
tickets to members of the militia who served in the war.

197. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, warning him to
order a fall meeting of the militia of the County of Hast-
ings.

198. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, dated 30th May,
1821, pointing out that the militia must according to
statute assemble on the 4th of June.

198 (a). Order of Lt. Col. Wm. Bell, calling upon
Hastings militia to assemble on June 4th.

198 (b). Letter from Ferguson to Bell, regarding rolls,
n-turns and conduct of certain officers.

THE CANNIFP COLLECTION. 39

199. Certificate of marriage solemnized by William Bell
as a justice of the peace, under the provisions of a statute
authorizing him to do so in case there was no Church of
England minister residing within eighteen miles of either
of the contracting parties.

200. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, about filling
vacancies in Hastings and asking for complete returns as
to the assembly of June 4th.

201. Letter from Bell to Ferguson, enclosing returns
and explaining absence of certain members.

202. Copy of Act in pamphlet form, respecting part of
militia laws dated 17th January, 1822.

203. Notice of appointment of sergeants from Ferguson
to Bell.

204. Certificate of returns of delinquents having been
made.

205. Summons issued by Wm. Bell, J.P., dated 9th
April, 1822, calling upon certain parties to appear before
the Court of Requests.

206. Order of Col. Ferguson, 21st October, 1822, for
the selection of Flank Companies for the 1st regiment of
the Hastings militia and outlining the procedure to be
adopted.

206 (a). Letter from Ferguson to Bell, with additional
particulars about the Flank Companies.

207. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, 23rd January, 1823,
requesting him to take charge of a box of arms at Grant's
store.

208. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, regretting the
falling off in the membership of the regiment and suggest-
ing means of adding to their numbers.

209. Order from Col. Ferguson to Lieut. Col. Bell, to
call out the Hastings militia for fall training.

210. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, complaining of the
failure of a certain officer to do his duty, and demanding
prompt action or a resignation.

211. Letter from Bell to Ferguson, dated April 26th,
1813, enclosing incomplete returns, with an explanation
that bad roads and bad weather rendered it impossible to
secure a full attendance of officers at the last assembly.
In this letter, he intimates his intention of resigning.

212. Letter from Ferguson to Bell.

213. Certificate of out-pensioner John Joyce, contain-
ing instructions for the guidance of out-pensioners.

214. Letter from Bell to Ferguson, dated 24th April,
1824, with incomplete returns and explanations. In this
letter appear the following pathetic remarks, "I was not
on the parrade myself as I was not able to stand out so
long, being in such great distress with Rnmatic pains in

40 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

my back, and both shoulders, on which account and for no
other Reason, I wish to Resign as I am not able to do
the duty of my situation in the militia, as it ought to be
done, which I believe to have preceded from the effects of
the hard services of the Revolutionary war on and about
Lake Champlain, for about 8 or 9 years with Lieutenant
James Davice of the 31st regt. of Foot to which regiment
you know I formerly did belong. I am now in the 64 year
of my age and it need not be wondered at if I begin to be
infirm from the Hardships I have seen in the Revolutionary
war in the Services which was alotted to me to Perform
mostly in the winter Season".

215. Order for a court of enquiry to enquire into the
cause why Major Chisholm neglected to muster the inhabi-
tants as ordered and why the officers and captains neglect-
ed to furnish rolls and returns.

216. Letter from Adjt. Gen'l to Colonel Ferguson, for-
warding forms of returns to be used.

217. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, forwarding forms
of returns.

217 (a). Letter from Ferguson to Bell, instructing him
to bring a certain officer before a magistrate for not for-
warding roll and returns.

217 (b). Letter from Bell to Ferguson, forwarding re-
turns.

218. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, acknowledging cer-
tain returns, but asking for further returns.

219. Proceedings of Court of Enquiry into conduct of
officers for not making returns. The officers are excused
upon the ground that they did not understand the instruc-
tions.

219 (a). Proceedings of Court of Enquiry into the
conduct of Major Chisholm for neglect of duty. The Major
is excused owing to bad roads and his indisposition.

219 (b). Letter from Bell to Ferguson, enclosing resig-
nation of Capt. Petrie, who assigns no reason for so doing.

220. Order of Lieut. Col. Wm. Bell, requiring officers
to meet at the house of John Taylor in Thurlow Township
on Friday, the 19th day of August, 1825, to receive orders.

220 (a). Order of Lieut. Col. Wm. Bell, for a meeting
of the officers of 1st regiment of the Hastings Militia.

221. Letter from Capt. Robt. D. Liddell to Lieut. Col,
Wm. Bell, forwarding names of persons wishing to have
their names taken off the roll of the company of Light
Horse.

222. Letter from John W. Ferguson to Lieut. Col.
Wm. Bell, resignation of Col. John Ferguson, and certain
recommendations made by him and concluding with "The

THE CANNIFF COLLECTION. 41

Col. is much better than when you saw him, but without
any use of his left side".

223. Letter from Adjutant General to Colonel Bell,
requesting tne names of thirty-five candidates for the
troop of cavalry.

223 (a). Letter from Adjutant General to Col. Bell,
stating1 that the Lieut. Governor declines to accept the
resignation of Capt. Petrie, who assigned no reason for
resigning, also instructing the Colonel to take proceedings
against him if he declines to serve.

224. Militia General Order from the office of the
Adjutant General, advising of the promotion of Lieut. Col.
Bell to be Colonel vice Ferguson who resigns ; and of Major
Alex. Chisholm to be Lieut. Colonel vice Bell promoted,
dated June 1st, 1825.

225. Copy of letter to the Adjutant General, contain-
ing suggestions respecting the division of the Hastings
Militia into two regiments, dated 1st Sept., 1826.

226. Copy of circular of Colonel Bell to the officers,
commanding companies of the First Regiment of Hastings
Militia, in which he goes carefully into the question of
irregularity, and 'neglect of duty, and threatens to deal
severely with all delinquents. This document bears a most
striking resemblance to the orders he used to receive with
painful regularity from Colonel Ferguson.

227. Order of Colonel Bell, directing the manner of
organizing the Troop of Dragoons.

228. Letter of Col. Bell to Capt. Abel Gilbert, favor-
ing although regretting his resignation.

229. Copy of letter to Col. Bell, to the Adjutant
General, expressing his views upon certain resignations.

230. Application of Donald Mackenzie, for appointment
as Lieutenant of the Troop of Dragoons.

230 (a). Letter from Major Coleman to Capt. Petrie,
calling for certain explanations regarding failure to make
returns, and including the following, "It is not the desire
of Col. Bell to take any further notice of your conduct on
that day, providing you are sensible of the impropriety
thereof and acknowledge the same".

231. Order of Colonel Bell, directing Captain Turnbull
to call out his troop.

232. Letter from Capt. Wm. Zwick, recommending ap-
pointment of Benjamin Clark as Sergeant.

233. Letter from the Adjutant General to Colonel Bell,
requiring a return shewing all moneys received from
Menoni'sts, Quakers and Tunkers, for exemption from
Militia Services.

234. Letter from Adjutant General, dated January
31st, 1829, to Colonel Bell, acknowledging receipt of a

42 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

letter from the Colonel, requesting that he be allowed "to
retire from active life", and expressing His Excellency's
pleasure in permitting him to do so, and promising to
forward his name to the Secretary ,of State for the Colon-
ies in the hope that some provision may be made to
reward him for his faithful services.

235. Letter from the Adjutant General to Colonel Bell,
dated 15th October, 1831, asking why certain names were
omitted from the lists, shewing the men who served in the
year 1812.

236. Letter from Government House, conveying the
consent of the Lieut. Governor that Wm. Bell may hold
the offices of magistrate and coroner of the Midland
District.

237. Articles governing the training of the officers of
the Hastings Militia.

(Case No. 16— Accounts, &c.)

William Bell appears to have been most methodical in
his habit of preserving all sorts of documents and papers.
Scores of papers, that could have had but a passing inter-
est to him were neatly folded, and on the back he
invariably made an endorsement, indicating the nature of
the document, and its date. He not only preserved the
letters received by him, but in many instances he kept
copies of his replies. At a time when there were no letter
books, or carbon impressions, this meant the re-writing of
the letters, and this too was invariably done by himself.
The contents of Case No. 16 are principally accounts dat-
ing back as far as 1787. To the ordinary reader these
might not prove to be very interesting reading, yet much
useful information can be gleaned from them.

No. 1. A three page account of John Grant with Wm.
Bell, beginning July 7th, 1787.

No. 2. Account of Stephen Gilbert with Ferguson &
Bell, dated 1789. In this account we find tea charged at
six shillings a pound, and sugar at one shilling and ten
pence.

No. 3. Is a long list of goods left with Wm. Bell for
sale. The list contains among other articles, tomahawks,
clasp knives, razors, beaver spear and scalping knives.

No. 4. Account of Ferguson & Bell with Elizabeth
Smith. This account begins and ends with tobacco at
2s. 6d. per pound.

No. 5. Joseph Forsythe account against Wm. Bell,
dated 1789.

No. 6. Is a homemade day book, dated 1790, stitched
with shoe thread. We find in this account that two shil-

THE CANNIPP COLLECTION. 43

lings and six pence were paid for otter skins and four
pence for muskrats.

No. 7. John Fairman's account with Ferguson & Bell,
dated 1790. Loaf sugar and butter each are charged at
two shillings per pound.

No. 8. David Simmon was charged by Ferguson & Bell
12s. 3d. for 3'^ yards of 'linen, and in the same account was
credited with 12s. 6d. for clearing one acre of land ; date
1790.

No. 9. (1790). Orry Rose is credited by the same firm
with eleven shillings for two and one quarter days' work
with his horses.

No. 9 (a). (1790). The same Orry Rose, according to
this account buys tobacco at 3s. 6d. per pound and sheet-
ing at 3s. 6d. per yard, and pays for his purchases with
turnips at nine pence per bushel, and in work at two
shillings per day.

No. 1C. (1790). Elizabeth Smith's account with Fer-
guson & Bell.

No. 11. Asa Walbridge's account with Wm. Bell. Two
gallons of gin share the honors with a hat as the most
important items, each twenty shillings.

No. 12. (1790). G. Mikel in account with Ferguson &
Bell. In this we find Is. 3d. charged for one half gallon
of salt.

No. 13. (1790). James Kenny in this account with
Ferguson & Bell is credited with 12s. 6d. for clearing one
acre of land.

No. 14. (1790). An account rendered by Peter Vanal-
stine to David Vandorhidah.

No. 14 (a). Another account between the same parties.

No. 15. Wm. Laumberg's account with Ferguson & Bell.

No. 16. (1790). John Germain's account at the store
of Ferguson & Bell, calico is charged at five shillings per
yard.

No. 17. (1790). Thomas Colquhune pays for his tobac-
co and thread by working for the firm at one shilling and
•eight pence a day.

No. 18. (1790). Order in favor of Ferguson & Bell, for
nine shillings Halifax currency.

No. 19. (1790). John Germain's store account.

No. 19 (a). (1791). The same.

No. 20. (1791). An account shewing that pork sold at
seven and one half pence per pound.

No. 21. (1791). Receipted account of James Robins, a
tavern keeper, against Wm. Bell.

No. 22. (1793). This account of John Blacker against
Wm. Bell contains tho item "a black silk handkf 5s."

44 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

No. 23. (1793). Samuel Sherwood in account with Wm.
Dell.

No. 23 (a). The same.

No. 24. (1795). Estate of John Fairman to Wm. Bell.

No. 25. (1795). Account Philip Z,wick with Ferguson &
Bell.

No. 26. (1794). From this memorandum book we learn
that venison sold at one and one half pence per pound.

No. 27. (1796). Account for crockery.

No. 28. (1796). Order on Wm. Bell, addressed to Wm.
Bell, Bay Kanty, which would indicate how the name of
the bay was pronounced at that time.

No. 28 (a). Account for 7i gallons of whiskey, which
cost £1 17s. 6d, date 1794.

No. 29. (1799). Letter to Wm. Bell, asking for pay-
ment of an account.

No. 30. Another homemade account book similar to
No. 6, and containing 58 pages, and extending over a
period from 1799 to 1814. Most of it is in the hand-
writing of William Bell, and the first few pages are
headed "mohawk village", but the rest of the book where
there are any headings at all are "Thurlow". The en-
tries are of a miscellaneous character and vary from an
entry of a sale of "a Dill worth Spelling book" to a charge
for a search warrant.

No. 31. (1800). Receipt on account.

No. 32. (1802). An account against Wm. Bell made up
principally of charges for making shoes. The prevailing
charge for making a pair of shoes appears to be two
shillings and six pence.

No. 33. (1806). Copy of an account rendered by Wm.
Bell.

No. 34. (1806). Copy of account rendered by Wm. Bell
to Margaret Simpson, including among other things, a
charge for several gallons of whiskey at five shillings per
gallon.

No. 34 (a). Similar to No. 34.

No. 35. (1806). An account against Wm. Bell, in which
he is charged seven shillings and six pence per pound for
three pounds of green tea.

No. 35 (a). An account in the following year between
the same parties from which it appears that green tea had
been reduced in price by one shilling.

No. 36. (1807). A small account of Wm. Bell's against
Seth Meecham.

No. 37. (1810). A blacksmith's account against Wm.
Bell.

No. 38. (1815). Letter from John Ferguson to Wm.
Bell.

THE CANNIFF COLLECTION. 45

No. 39. A dunning note.

No. 40. (1820). Account rendered by Wm. Bell.

No. 41. Account rendered to Wm. Dell.

No. 42. Account rendered to Wm. Bell.

No. 43. A ledger of Wm. Bell, covering the years 1818
to 1823, inclusive.

No. 44. Account against Wm. Bell, 1827 to 1832, in-
clusive.

No. 45. (1829). Account for two loads of wood ashes

sold at six pence per bushel.

No. 46. (1830). Promissory note.

No. 47. (1834). A carpenter's account against Wm.
Bell ; wages seven shillings and six pence per day.

No. 48. A doctor's account.

No. 49. Fragment of an account.

(Case No. 16— Local)

The documents in Case No. 16 classified as "local",
were written from some point in the County of Lennox and
Addington, and are of especial local interest.

No. 1. Letter written from John Ferguson to William
Bell from Fredericksburgh, and dated 29th December, 1788.
In it appears the following, "Our courts are opened but
they have done nothing particular, but I suppose will in a
few days".

No. 2. Letter written from the same place by Fergu-
son to Bell, dated 1788.

No. 3. Letter from Ferguson to Bell, dated 1789.

No. 4. (1790). Letter written from "Nappanie Mills"
by Ferguson to Bell, advising him of the forwarding of
two bags of flour.

No. 5. (1790). Letter written from Fredericksburgh by
Ferguson to Bell. The writer had been taken ill, but .says
he must attend court on the 16th, sick or well.

No. 6. (1790). Letter written by Jas. Clark to Wm.
Bell from "N. Mills", urging Bell to secure for him twenty
or thirty bushels of oats.

No. 7. (1790). Letter from Ferguson to Bell written
from 3rd Township.

No. 8. The following autograph letter is to the point,
and was written by the first lawyer of the County of Len-
nox and Addington :—

Adolphustown, Deer. 19th, 1796

Sir,

Mr. Forsyth insists upon me summoning you if
the debt due him is not discharged without delay. You I
hope will not put me to the necessity.
I am sir,

Your hum'l serv't

Mr. Wm. Bell. N. Hagerman

46 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Nicholas Hagerman, the writer of this letter, was one
of the ten practitioners who met ai Wilson's Hotel,
Newark, in July, 1797, to organize the Law Society of
Upper Canada.

No. 9. Written in 1791 from the 3rd township from
Ferguson to Bell. The following are extracts, "I wish
you would put up, and send by him the five volumes of the
History of England by Hume, and the two volumes of

Andersons History of France I was sorry to

hear that you allowed any woman whatever to jilt you,
If you was ever serious in the other quarter you richly
deserve it".

No. 10. (1795). Letter from Alex. Clark, Fredericks-
burgh, to Wm. Bell, asking "payment for the whiskie".

No. 11. (1799). Letter from Ferguson to Bell.

No. 12. (1799). Letter from Ebenr. Washburn, of
Fredericksburgh, to Wm. Bell, asking him to acquaint the
Indians with his desire to purchase a quantity of Ginsen
roots.

No. 13. (1808). Order for payment of money given to
Timothy Thompson.

No. 14. Oath of Walter T. Orr, as a surveyor of lands,
taken before Robert Clark, J.P., at Ernesttown, in Sep-
tember, 1819.

No. 15. (182,0). Notice, summoning a meeting of the
Midland District Agricultural Society.

No. 16. (1820). List of subscribers to the funds of the
Midland District Agricultural Society. Wm. Bell heads the
list with one pound, the largest subscription.

No. 17. (1830). Report of the commissioners for the
road from Napanee to Belleville, to the Justices of the
Peace for the County of Hastings. This report, referring
to the work of laying out the road, is in the handwriting
of Allan Macpherson, of Napanee, the chairman of the
committee.

No. 18. Letter from Rev. R., S. Fqrneri to. Dr. William
Canniff, requesting him to assist in the centennial cele-
bration of the landing of the Loyalists, to be held at
Adolphustown, in 1884.

The four succeeding documents are uniform in style, all
engrossed upon foolscap with a wide margin on the left
hand side containing brief references to the contents.
Each set of papers is bound by a bit of white parchment
at the upper left hand corner, fastened with green tape,
and the handwriting proclaims itself to be that of a pro-
fessional penman. Everything about them points to their
having been prepared in one of the departmental offices of
the Government. Are these the copies of manuscript from
the Parliamentary Library at Ottawa, for which Dr.

THE CANNIFP COLLECTION. 47

Canniff thanks the Hon. Lewis Wallbridge in the preface to
his history f

MEMOIRS OF COL. JOHN CLARK.

The most voluminous document in the Canniff collection
is a copy of the memoirs of Col. John Clark, which
extends over 114 pages of closely written foolscap. While
the Colonel pays some attention to himself and his family,
the production is by no means an autobiography, but it
fairly carries out his intention as expressed by himself.
"It will give posterity a general idea of the early state
of the country soon after it was settled by disbanded sol-
diers and U. E. Loyalists, whose ambition was to live
and die under the British flag."

There does not appear to be any phase of life of the
early settler upon which he does not touch to some extent.
In many instances he goes quite minutely into the details
of some event or custom. Being a military man, it was
quite natural that he should take a deep interest in the
war of 1812, and by far the greater part of his memoirs
deals with this subject. He goes into the causes leading
up to the outbreak, enumerates the composition of the
opposing forces, follows the movements of the troops, and
describes the various engagements.

Upon the whole, the memoirs are very good reading,
and furnish much useful information, which it would be
very difficult to secure, but for the foresight of such men
as Col. Clark.

Colonel Clark's father lived for a time in the township
of 'Fredericksburgh, about three miles from the site of the
present town of Napanee, and shortly after its erection in
1786, he was placed in charge of the Government flour mill
at that place. In 1789 he was transferred to Fort Niag-
ara, where he was appointed Barrack-master, a position
which he continued to fill until his death in 1810. He is
not to be confused with Robert Clerk, who built the flour
mill at Napanee in 1785. Col. Clark was born at Fron-
tenac in 1783, and was baptised by the Rev. John Stuart,
the first English Church Missionary in Upper Canada. He
recalls in the memoirs but few recollections of his early
life in Fredericksburgh, as the home was saddened by the
death of his mother in 1787, but he frequently reverts to
the experiences of his boyhood days in the Niagara penin-
sula, with which he was seemingly infatuated. In writing
of the location of his father's home, he says, "when we
would occasionally stroll over to Queenston Heights and
look at the magnificent prospect, little did I contemplate
that a battle would ever be fought on that pleasant spot,

48 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

or that a magnificent monument to a British hero would
ever crown those heights".

It is quite apparent that in writing his settlement of
Upper Canada, Dr. Canniff used much useful information
from these memoirs of Col. Clark.

MEMOIRS OF REV. JOHN STUART, D.D.

On page 258 of Dr. Canniff 's valuable work will be
found in italics and quotation marks a reference to a
transcript of the memoirs of Rev. John Stuart.

"Memoirs of the Rev. John Stuart, D.D., father of the
Upper Canada Church. He opened the first academy at
Cataraqui-Kingston, 1786. The last missionary to the
Mohawks."

This identical document is also preserved in the Canniff
collection and covers twenty-six pages of foolscap. Written
at the top of the first page in pencil is the following : "I
will not insert the whole but will the more salient facts
under the head of "Clergymen". This memorandum was
evidently made by Dr. Canniff, when laying out the mater-
ial for his book, and he adhered to his intention as
•expressed in this memorandum. In chapters XXVI. and
XXVII. he quotes extensively from these memoirs.

TESTIMONIAL OF MR. ROGER BATES.

This brief but interesting testimonial is not referred
to by Dr. Canniff in his history, although he quotes from
its contents at pages 199 and 202. I am not aware that
it has ever been published and as the information it con-
tains is given first hand and is of an important character,
I consider it worthy of being reproduced in full.

TESTIMONIAL OF MR. ROGER BATES OF THE
TOWNSHIP OF HAMILTON, DISTRICT OF NEW-
CASTLE, NOW LIVING ON HIS FARM
NEAR COBOURG.

"Our family came originally from Yorkshire in England.
They were of the old fashioned Tory or Conservative
School, who looked upon no form of Government equal to
the British Constitution founded on the principles laid
down by the English Barons at Runnymeade, when they
compelled King John, to sign the great Charter of
Liberty."

"To the present day, all the Bates family follow in the
footsteps of their ancestors."

"As encouragement was held out for Loyal British
Settlers to locate in America, my Grandfather turned his

THE CANNIFP COLLECTION. 49

attention to the western Hemisphere and having satisfied
his mind that his posterity might become considerable
land owners."

"He sailed for the New World, and arrived in Boston
between the year 1760 & 1770, when he commenced farm-
•ing, lands at that period being obtained at a very low
price to actual settlers."

"The troubles commenced in 1774, wheo all who were
loyal to the House of Hanover, took up arms in defence of
their Sovereign. In this conflict my Grandfather took a
conspicuous part. My Grandmother was an active intelli-
gent woman, wonderfully industrious, who attended to the
farming affairs till they were compelled to quit the United
States territory being determined never to side with the
Republicans. Liberal offers were made to the U. E. Loyal-
ist so the family removed their effects to Upper Canada,
where for their services the Governor granted them 1200
acres of land and 200 acres for each of the children."

"To the best of my knowledge it was about the year
1780 when they came into the country. My father was
then a boy about 13 years of age. before they finally
settled down, they looked about to ascertain the most
favourable location, a vast number went to Prince Edward
District in the Bay of Quinte and there my Grandfather
and Grandmother with their young family went also."

"At first they had to experience great privations, but
being possessed of indomitable courage, and love for the
British Constitution they soon set to work with the
materials they brought with them and erected a log
House, After clearing a few trees and thus got a shelter
from the storms and winds of Heaven."

"From over exertion and exposure my Grandfather had
a very severe attack of ague, it is a most trying complaint
and at that period there seemed to be no cure. It was
with great reluctance that he made up his mind to leave
this fine locality. The waters teemed with fish — the air
with birds no end to ducks— the woods filled with deer,
beaver, wolves, martins, squirrels and rabbits."

"Implements were very scarce, so that at first they
adopted many ingenious contrivances of the Indians for
procuring food. Not the least simple and handy was a
crotched pole with which they secured salmon in any
quantity the creeks and Rivers being full of them."

"Skins of animals they obtained from the Indians who
at that period were very numerous throughout the coun-
try."

"With those skins my grandmother made all sorts of
useful and last drepes which were most comfortable for a
country life, and for going through the bush made leather

50 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

petticoats for herself and girls, as they could not be torn
by the brambles, they made capital dresses— made some for
the boys, and at night were extremely comfortable for bed
covers. There were no tanners in those days shoes and
boots were made of the same useful material."

"Finding the ague still troublesome a batteau was
built with the assistance of the Indians, and one general
moving the whole family departed with their effects, coast-
ing along the shores of Ontario, until they reached the
present Township of Clarke in Northumberland County."

"The change of air operated favourably and there they
drew their lands and settled."

"My Grandfather often remarked that for six months
he never saw a white person, their only visitors being
Indians with whom they got along with well and in process
of time learned a smattering of their language, those real
owners of the soil being then under British protection were
well treated and became firm and loyal to the British
cause."

"In exchange for little presents given them they reci-
procated by bringing skins of animals and frequently a
deer so that they got along capitally. Could they rise
from their ashes they would be astonished at the nourish-
ing condition of Clarke now."

"In process of time other settlers came along, not the
least conspicuous in after time were the Baldwins and the
Beards."

"Robert Baldwin, who was my grandfathers intimate
friend afterwards, was a gentleman of good family the
owner of a small property called Knockmore in the County
of Cork, Ireland."

"He emigrated to Canada at the early period of 1798
in all probability in consequence of the Rebellion in that
distracted country."

"From the liberality of Governor Simcoe's proclama-
tion inviting settlers into the country, he drew lands near
my Grandfathers and located — calling his clearing Annawa
in the Township of Clarke. A stream ran through the
property which to this day is called Baldwin's Creek."

"A Grandfather of the Beards of Toronto was also one
of my fathers neighbours. As the girls grew up — they
married. I had five aunts. Betsey Sally, Huldah Polly
and Theodosia. The three first married Thomas Barrett,
Amos Gills and Joseph Selden from the United States,
where they joined their husbands who were well to do,
having good property there and though adherents to the
new republic, were highly respectable. Sally and Huldah
married Stephen Conger of Prince Edward, and Richard

THE CANNIFF COLLECTION. 51

Lorekin, of New Castle both staunch Government men,
and have remained so with their families."

"My Grandmother remained on the farm at Clarke until
her death which took place in 1838 at the advanced age of
96. My Grandfathers death was caused by fright in conse-
quence of a fire which took place in 1819."

"He was then a hearty old man, but the above
calamity hastened his death, at the premature age of 84.
had it not been for this dire event, in all probability he
would have reached 100 possessing a wonderful athletic
constitution, he was a terrible aristocrat, a regular John
Bull to the back bone."

"As our family grew up in the Clarke settlement, my
Grandfather wished to see them well settled before he died,
and an opportunity offered by the purchase of a military
grant from George Shaw of 600 acres of land, which they
drew in 1804 in the vicinity of Cobourg."

"Whilst the lands were being cleared and a log house
erecting they opened a small store close to the property
now possessed by the White family."

"Here my father Stoddard Bates and my uncle Lew
Bates planted an orchard and we had a snug temporary
residence."

"This store was supplied with goods by Enoch Wood,
who brought the first assortment to Toronto."

"Everything at that time was very dear, but a system
of barter was carried on that was of advantage to all
parties."

"My father made a great quantity of Pot Ash, which
fetched at that time a good price."

"This in part paid for his goods. On referring to the
Old Books now in possession of my mother, I find some
entries that give an Idea of the general prices of goods—
which people had then to pay."

"1804. Gimblet $i, Padlock $U Jack-knife $1 Callico
$li per yd. Needles Peach, Ball of cotton 7i. Board of
Pigs $1 dollar per week. Old axe $2^— had to send them to
Kingston to be ground. Tea 8 s Ib to 10 s. Halifax Cur-
rency. Barrel Pork 27 to 30$ per barrel. Flannel 6-3
yards, Salt 6 d. per Ib, Mill saw fourteen dollars"

"The first saw mill erected in the neighborhood was
where the present Ontario Mills and Factory stands and
was put up by the father of Colonel McDonald, of Peter-
boro' in 1803, this was a great boon to the people, who
were always in want of a few boards to finish off their
Shanties."

"My Father and Uncle were partners in this store,
which turned out very profitable, as the settlers round
were always in want of something or other. The woods

52 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

at that time were alive with deer and bears. Many were
killed by the Indians who traded off their skins dressed by
the Squaws, which made useful garments. I find by me-
morandum in my fathers old books, that he was married
on the 20th October, 1806."

"An old family of the name of Hare had located a few
miles from our residence and it was one of that old far-
mers, buxom daughters that he fell desperately in love with.
The mode of courting in those days was a good deal of the
Indian fashion."

"She would run through the trees and bushes and pre-
tend to get away from him, but somehow or other, he
managed to catch her, gave her a kiss and they soon got
married, I rather think by a magistrate, Clergymen being
rare in those parts."

"Time was too valuable to make a fuss about such
matters— they depended upon their own industry and got
along wonderfully well."

"John McCarty was also married by a Magistrate, he
was an old settler. For a long time my Grandfather had
to go with some of the neighbours, all the way from
Clarke to Kingston 125 miles with their wheat to be
ground there. They had no other conveyance than Bat-
teaux, which were commodious as the journey would some-
times occupy five or six weeks."

"Of an Evening they putting up some Creek and ob-
tained their salmon with ease using a forked stick that
passed over the fishes backs, and held them tight as with a
spring, the wood I have often heard my Grandfather say,
that after a few trees were felled, they burnt the brush-
wood, and planted the seed between the stumps which be-
ing planted on virgin sail, turned out most prolific."

"Some times they were so long gone for grist, in con-
sequence of bad weather setting in, that the women would
collect together and have a good cry, thinking the batteaux
had foundered, they however always turned up in time,
taking the precaution to make tents of poles, and brush to
keep out the bad weather and wolves which were wonder-
fully plentiful, when they were gone on these provision
journeys, the dogs were very useful in finding game."

"One ol<J dog in particular was very smart evidently
having an eye to his own bill of fare. You had nothing to
do but tell him you had nothing to eat and off he would
go driving the Deer into the Lake, where the youngsters
could easily shoot them with an old Queens Arms Musket,
the principal fire arms in use."

"The privations they underwent at times will scarce
bear mentioning, when- compared with the early settlers at
Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick after taking Quebec."

THE CANNIPF COLLECTION. 53

"From the best authority we have accounts, the pri-
vations, which the early colonists endured were severe to
a degree of which, those who now plant themselves in a
Canadian Woods, have scarcely a conception. They had
not only to suffer the miseries of hunger and the want of
almost every convenience of life, to which they had been
accustomed, but they could scarcely enjoy that relief from
toil which sleep usually affords, from the dread of being
burnt in their habitations by the Indians or of becoming
victims to the Tomahawk. So that it required more than
ordinary resolution and fortitude to establish themselves
in defiance of immense difficulties. My father said, that
some of the IT. E. Loyalists brought their spinning Wheels
and looms with them. All the youngsters learned to
weave and do a bit of sewing."

"In the back country out at Keene there is an old loom
now extant, which was in use by my mother, 50 years ago,
which I have often worked. Every settlement foi years
was a sort of Robinson Crusoe Life — very healthy — none
seemed to suffer from accidents. If they met with any
they had many simple remedies that performed many won-
derful cures, far more efficacious than the art and mystery
of Quack Doctors, located through the country. People
lived in those days to a good old age. There was no fuss
about Religion in those days — the families would assemble
together on the Sunday or any evening to read the
Scriptures and sing a Psalm or Hymn, often found more
solid consolation than in our crowded churches now-a-days.
Fully verifying the Truth of the Scriptures "that where
two or three are gathered together"."

"Preachers were rare and very thinly scattered. The
Rev. Mr. Stuart, was I believe the first Church Missionary-
He was driven out of the United States after the declara-
tion of Independence, most cruelly treated but found a
hospitable Asylum under British Supremacy, which he
originally enjoyed. He was recommended to the Mission
Society by Sir William Johnson and arrived at the
Mohawk Village in 1770 but had to leave in 1781 and
became Chaplain to the Royal Yorkers from which date
his field of labor in Canada commences."

"The Revd. John Doty four years before in 1777 escaped
with his family into Canada and was appointed by Sir
John Johnson to a Military Chaplaincy but the earliest I
believe of all was the Revd. John Ogilvie who attended
the Royal Regiment upon the expedition to Fort Niagara
which surrendered in 1759."

"The principal settlers being French of course those
reverend gentlemen were not patronized nor did their

54 LENNOX AND ADP^NGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

labours really commence until the first settlement of Upper
Canada by the U. E. Loyalists."

"My mother remembers a Mr. Langhorne an eccentric
good old man, who never would marry any one after 11
o'clock A.M. much to the disappointment of lovers who
travelled through the woods on Horseback or Boat expedi-
tions."

"As such occasions were generally holidays they furn-
ished themselves with Tomahawks and implement in case
of Emergency, so as to camp out if required. The ladies
had no white dresses to spoil or fancy Bonnets. With
deer-skin petticoats, home spun gowns, and perhaps a
squirrel skin bonnet, they looked charming in the eyes of
their lovers, who were rigged out in similar materials."

"How they managed for rings I know not— but presume
the Missionary or Magistrate were furnished with them as
part of their labors of love. 'Now I think of it I have
heard my mother say that Uncle Ferguson, a magistrate
rather than disappoint a happy couple who had walked
twenty miles, made search throughout the house and
luckily found a pair of old English skates, to which a ring
was attached, seizing the glorious prize, he went on with
the ceremony and fixing the ring on the young woman's
finger, reminding her that though a homely substitute, she
must continue to wear, otherwise the ceremony would be
dissolved. That curious token was greatly cherished and
is still among the family relics."

"Before the country was properly settled the marriage
ceremony was performed sometimes by Magistrates or a
sjtray Missionary, an Adjutant or Surgeon of the Regiment
who officiated as chaplain— there were then no Registry
Offices, and as the documents were often lost by fires or
other contingencies and as families grew up and increased,
there was some demur as to the legality of those
marriages. In 1793, therefore, while the Parliament was
held at Niagara in Governor Simcoes, time an Act was
passed legalizing all those marriages, that no demur should
hereafter arise posterity, as to the validity of titles to
lands and the occupants thereof. The war with the United
States broke out in 1812, which was a source of great
consternation to the country at first, a great hindrance to
those engaged in clearing their lands. The determined
Loyalty of the settlers however soon changed the gloomy
aspect of affairs."

"My father at that time had a good team and horses
and as such appendages to a farm were rare, he was em-
ployed by the Government in Teaming ammunition and
provisions to the scene of action for which he was after-
wards liberally remunerated by the Government."

THE CANNIFF COLLECTION. 55

"There was but one regular road through the country,
called the Danford Road which led from Kingston to
Toronto and continued thence to Hamilton and Niagara."

"It was on a rough scale similar to the Watling Street
road constructed by the Romans through England. In this
vicinity it is still known by the original name."

"When we look back and contemplate the last fifty
years, it is wonderful to notice the extraordinary change
that has taken place in the general aspect of the country."

"We have now good roads through every part of the
Province, comfortable Farm Houses— first rate implements
of Agriculture. Orchards in full bearing. The finest
wheat in the world, with the exception of Australia."

"Improved breeds of Cattle, fine Teams, good oxen,
Superior, Sheep, excellent wool, Esculants of every descrip-
tion, Cider presses, in short everything that would do
credit to the Mother Country, whose bosom our Ancestors
left for the wilds of Upper Canada, and with indomitable
courage, persevering Industry and great labour, have now
the unbounded pleasure of viewing Farms that are a credit
to the present generation who I trust will pursue the old
beaten track of their forefathers, and forever remain
faithful and loyal in defense of those institutions that
stand pre-eminent in the Annals of Nations.

(Signed) ROGER BATES.
Witness
(S) GEO. COVENTRY.

REPORT OF JOHN COLLINS.

This report made under the direction of His Excellency
Lord Dorchester was no doubt a most useful document at
the time it was presented, as it dealt very extensively
with the condition of the forts, and harbors from Carlton
Island to Michillimackinac. Whatever Collins undertook
to do he performed it most thoroughly and this report is
no exception.

U. E. ROLL.

This is a copy of "A roll of the inhabitants of the
Midland District, in the province of Upper Canada, who
adhered to the Unity of the Empire, and joined the Royal
standard in America before the Treaty of Separation in
the year 1783, taken in open sessions held at Kingston,
October the llth and at different adjournments to the 15th
day of November, 1796" and contains 972 names.

In the same case with the foregoing documents are a
number of "school papers" which were published in Volume
V. of this Society's publications.

56 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Two copies of the Kingston Gazette, dated respectively
March 16th, 1816, and June 14th, 1817, are in the collec-
tion. The former contains sixteen columns, and the latter
twenty, with a corresponding increase in the length. The
period of startling headlines had not arrived. The news
items were very meagre, and were published in the most
unostentatious manner. The first, and fourth pages, were
given over exclusively to advertisements, and a fair pro-
portion of the two inner pages were used for the same
purpose. The advertising rates were as follows :—

Six lines and under 2s. 6d. first insertion, and Is. 3d.
every subsequent.

Ten lines and under 3s. 4d. first insertion, and Is. 8d.
every subsequent.

Ten lines and upwards 4d. per line first insertion, and
2d. per line every succeeding insertion.

Nicholas Hagerman, the Adolphustown lawyer, occupies
three shillings and four pence worth of space in a promin-
ent place on the first page to announce to the world that
he has two pot ash kettles for sale. In the same column
Geo. Okill Stuart offers for sale several farms in the
Townships of Pittsburgh and Kingston.

Daniel Brown invites the public to come to him for
garden seeds, assuring intending purchasers that he has
"nine different kinds of lettice seed, early, late and red
cabbage, culliflower, savory, kail, eight kinds of kidney
beans, carrett, Thyme, marjoram, red beet, &c., &c."

Peter Van Skiver, of Adolphustown, offers for sale
three elegant wooden clocks, warranted to keep good time,
and states his willingness to accept most kinds of country
produce in payment.

Barnabas Dickinson, of Montreal, advertises the intro-
duction of a new line of stages, a bi-weekly service between
Montreal and Kingston. "It leaves Montreal on Mondays
and Thursdays at eight a.m. and arrives in Kingston Wed-
nesdays and Saturdays, and leaves Kingston at the same
time and arrives in Montreal on Wednesdays and Satur-
days."

Under the heading "education" we find the following :
"Mr. & Mrs. Woolf beg leave to inform the public, that on
the 21st inst., they purpose to commence a Boarding and
Day school in the house recently occupied by Dr. McCauley
for the instruction of young ladies in the different branches
of Female Education."

The following advertisement by the publisher of the
Gazette under the caption "something new" is rather un-
usual in its character. "The subscriber is desirous of
settling all his accounts up to 30th June, 1817, in order
that he may know how he stands in the world. Those

THE CANNIFF COLLECTION. 57

therefore who have accounts against him are desired to
present them on or about that day, that a settlement may
take place. He also expects that some of his country
subscribers who are one, two, and three, years in arrears
will call and settle their accounts without further invita-
tion."

There evidently were no bargain counters in those
days, or if so, they were not announced through the ad-
vertisements, as in no instance is the selling price of a
single article mentioned.

One may look in vain for an editorial comment of any
kind or a local news item in either of these copies. Those
portions not given over to advertisements are filled with
extracts from other papers and communications. Among
the latter is a rather lengthy but clever dissertation upon
the sin of swearing which began as follows: "It was the
saying of a great man of the British nation that common
swearers give their souls to the devils gratis, having no
pleasure in return for it, and doubtless it was well
observed ; for no man in his senses can pretend to say
there is any enjoyment in that particular vice . . . let
us then search a little into the motives that prompt men
so often to fall into it. It must I think proceed either
from a barrenness of invention, keeping continually bad
company, being overpowered by liquor, from a false mod-
esty which is afraid to be particular, or finally from a
monstrous desire of being thought wicked merely for the
sake of wickedness without either pleasure or profit". He
then 'proceeds to deal with the question under these different
heads. Of drunkenness, he says, "Let a man's parts be
ever so bright, if he suffers liquor to take possession of the
seat of his understanding, reason no longer presides ; his
passions which before lay dormant, rise up with redoubled
vigour and hurry him away impetuously into the abyss of
vice and swearing in that case is generally the forerunner
of all the rest, being, as it were, a signal to let us know
that we are no longer our own masters." Further on
the writer adds, "It has been of late too much the custom
for men of quality and fashion to swear by way of giving
a grace to their conversation ; others have heedlessly fol-
lowed their pernicious example, which has been no small
reason of its spreading so much."

The next communication in the same issue was a step
from the sublime to the ridiculous. In it a certain
Dulcibella Thankley implores the editor for his advice as
to whether or not there is any remedy for a mania her
husband has contracted for smashing all the household
goods, and furniture, within reach of his cane when he is
in a passion. She assures him that he is "a good honest

58 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

gentleman, that is exceedingly good natured and at the
same time very choleric, there is no standing before him
when he is in a passion, but as soon as it is over he is
the best humored creature in the world ; when he is angry,
he breaks all my china-ware that chance to lay in his
way, and the next morning sends me in twice as much as
he broke the day before". The editor did not presume to
enlighten his correspondent as to how to treat this
malady. Perhaps the desired end was attained by pub-
lishing the letter which concluded with, "you will be
pleased to publish this letter, by that means my husband
will know that you do not approve of his conduct".

INDEX

Advertisements, Early 56, 57

Advertising- Rates 5g

Agricultural Society 46

Agricultural Implements, Scarcity of 49

American Invasion Feared 13

Assembly of Militia 17

Badgely, Thomas, Court Martial of 27

Baldwin, Robert 50

Ballot for Militia 19

Barnum, Leman, Court Martial of 27

Bateaumen, Requisition for 20

Bateaux and Boats, Request for 23

Bates, Roger, Testimonial 48 to 55

Bell, Wm., Appointed Magistrate and Coroner 38, 41 ;
Information for Arrest of, 10 ; Commission as
Captain, 15 ; Commission as Adjutant, 15 ;
Commission as Lieut .-Colonel, 17 ; Commis-
sion as Major, 16 ; Habits of, 42 ; Miscellan-
eous Correspondence with J. Ferguson, 8 to
40 ; Pathetic Appeal on Applying- to Resign
From Militia, 40 ; Promotion of, 41 ; Threat-
ened by N. Hag-erman with Lawsuit, 45 ;
Recognizance of, 11 ; Resignation Requested.. 42

Belleville, Assembly of Militia at 38

Brock, Gen., Letter From 18

Burling-ton Heights, Provisions for 20

Butter, Price of 43

Canniff, John W., Warrant for Inquest 13

Canniff, William, Frontispiece 5

Cartwright, Richard, Opinion re Deserters 32

Cartwright, Richard, Pass Granted by 18

Cavalry, Request for Candidates for 41

Chisholm, Major, Trial of 40

Clark, John, Memoirs of... : 47, 48

Clergymen, Scarcity of 39, 53

Collins, John, Report of 55

Commandeering Oxen and Horses 19

Commissariat, Transport 31

Counterfeit Money, Passing of 32, 37

Court of Enquiry, Order for and Proceedings of 40

00 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Court Martial Proceedings 20, 21

22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34, 35, 36, 37

Cummings, Samuel, Court Martial of 26

Cummings, Jedediah, Court Martial of 26

Danforth Road '. 55

Deserontyou, Capt. John 10

Deserters 18, 19, 28, 32, 37

Deer Hunting ! 52

Delinquent, Order for Arrest of 3^

Delinquent, Returns of 39

Delinquent, Ruling re..... 41

Doctor's Account 45

Doty, Rev. John 53

Editors, Troubles of 57, 58

Election Candidate, Ferguson , 12

Exemption From Military Service 17

Exemption of Menonists, Quakers, and Tunkers 41

Ferguson, John, Advises Bell Not to Go to Northwest,
7 ; Asks Bell for Butter, etc., 8 ; Repri-
mands Bell, 8 ; Wants Bell to Assist in
Building a Still House, 10 ; Exhorts
Bell to Drill His Men, 11 ; Rebukes Bell
for Meddling With Court of Requests,
12 ; In Politics, 12, 13 ; Orders Inhabi-
tants of Hastings to Meet for Enroll-
ment, 15 ; Orders Assembly of Hastings
Militia, 17; Orders Assembly of Militia,
in War of 1812, 18, 19 ; Demands Teams
to Convey Goods to York, 30 ; Order for
Court Martial, etc., 33 ; Threatens to
Report Bell, 38 ; Store Accounts of, 42,
43, 44, 45 ; Sickness of, 45 ; Sympath-
izes With Bell Upon His Being Jilted,
46 ; Fondness for Books, 46 ; Miscellan-
eous Correspondence with Bell 8 to 40

Flour, Scarcity of 13

Ginseng Roots 46

Hagerman, Nicholas, Letter From 45, 46

Harbours, Report on 55

Henesy, John, Charge Against 33

Henesy, John, Trial of 36

Herrington, W. S 6

Indian Chiefs' Council 14

Indians' Gratitude to Wm. Bell.... . 14

4 INDEX. 61

Indians, Loyalty to Settlers 50

Indians, Privileges of 14

Indian Supplies for York 30, 31, 37, 38

Johnson, John, Court Martial of 24

Johnson, Sir William .. 53

Justice of Peace Marriage Certificate 39

Kelsie, Lieut. Samuel, Court Martial of 21

Kingston, Candidates at in 1780 7, 8

Kingston Gazette 56

"Land-granting Gentry" ... 12

Laundry List 8

Loan, Request for 9

Love Song 13

Loyalists, Centennial Celebration, 46 ; Clathing of, 50 ;

Hardships of, 49, 52, 53 ; Removal of, 49 ;

Roll of, 55 ; Travelling of 52

Mail, Delivery of 13

Marriage Certificate by Justice of the Peace 39

Marriage License 11

McMillan, John, Court Martial of 24

McMullen, Henry, Court Martial of 27

McMullen, Stephen, Court Martial of 27

Meyers, Capt. Jacob Weldon, 'Court Martial of 22

Militia, Assembly of, 17, 38, 40 ; Ballot for, 19 ; Direc-
tions for Movements of, 16 ; Miscellaneous Cor-
respondence re, 15 to 40 ; Parade of, 15 ; Order

for Parade 17

Missionary to Mohawks 10

Morgan, Charles, Court Martial of 21

Napanee Mills, Letter re Flour 45

Napanee Flour Mill 47

Nelson, Theophilus, Trial of 34, 35

Newspapers, Early 57

Oath of Allegiance 11, 12, 13

Officers, Negligence of 16, 19

Officers, Order for Meeting of 30

Oswego, Capture of 20

Oxen, and Horses Commandeered 19

Parks, Joseph, Court Martial of 29

Patrie, Capt., Resignation Declined 41

Pimble, Francis, Court Martial of 29

Pork,. Price of 43, 44

Postage, High Rate of 38

r.i> LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Potash, Manufacture and Sale of 51

Potter, Luke, Court Martial of 29

Potter, Reuben, Deposition of 3^>

Prices of Necessaries 51

Prisoners of. War... 18, 20, 25

Prisoners, Escort for 32

Prisoners, Rations, for : 36

Promotions, Order for 32

Quack Doctors 53

Reid, Solomon, Court Martial of 28

Religious Observance 53

Roads, Bad 39, 40

Roads, Danforth 55

Road, Napanee to Belleville 46

Roads, Order for Work on 15

Rosebush, Lewis, Court Martial of 26

Rum, etc., Request for 8

Salt, Price of 43

Saw Mill, First in Clark Township 51

Sedition, Arrest for 23

Seed Shortage 8

Seley, David, Court Martial of 28

Shingles, Contract for 8

Shoes, Price of 44

Sickness of Wm. Bell 39

Skins, Price of 42

Sleighs, Scarcity of ' 31

Sleighs, Commandeered 31

Spinning Wheels and Looms 53

Still House, Building of at Mohawk Village 10

Stuart, Rev. John, D.D 48, 53

Subpoena for Witness 38

Sugar, Price of 42

Summons for Court Martial 25

Surgical Operation on John Blaken 7

Tea, Price of 42, 44

Timber, Price of 13

Tobacco, Price of 42

Town Meeting Minutes 14

Uniforms, Order for 16

Uniforms, Cost of 16, 17

Uniforms, Purchase of 10

Vanderhider, David, Will of.... 9

INDEX. 63

Wagres Paid 43, 45

War, Declaration of 18

War of 1812, Account of by John Clark 47

Warner, Clarance M 5

Wedding Ceremony 53

Whiteman, Isaac, Court Martial of 29

Wild Fowl in 1780 49

Will of David Vanderhider 9

Wiltsie, Lieut.-Col., Court Martial of 21

Wood Ashes 45

Zwick, Phillip, Warrant for Arrest of.... .. 12

VKKKI.Y POLITICAL, COMMERCIAL, MTKHAHY AND ADVERTISING .Ml I

KAPANEB, SAT0BDAT, MARCH 25,1866.

LENNOX AND ADDINGTON
HISTORICAL SOCIETY

PAPERS AND RECORDS

VOL X

THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY

A HISTORICAL SURVEY OF THE NEWSPAPERS OF LENNOX

AND ADDINGTON PRESENTED IN THE FORM OF

EXTRACTS FROM THE OLD FILES

COMPILED AND EDITED

By WALTER S. HERRINGTON, K.C.

NAPANEE, ONTARIO

PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY

1919

PRINTED AT THE BEAVER OFFICE

CONTENTS

Page
The Newspapers of the County Frontispiece

Chronology, Publications and Officers 4

Introduction 5

The Napanee Bee 7

The Emporium 16

The Index 16

The Napanee Standard 18

The Reformer 41

The Bantling 46

The British North American 49

The Lennox and Addington Ledger 49

The Addington Reformer 51

The Echo 52

The Napanee Star 53

The Napanee Express 55

The Napanee Beaver 55

Index... 60

CHRONOLOGY
Society Organized May 9th, 1907

Constitution Adopted June llth, 1907

First Open Meeting Oct. 25th, 1907

Affiliated with Ontario Historical Society March 31st, 1908

PAPERS AND RECORDS PUBLISHED

Vol. I. Chronicles of Napanee June 12th, 1909

Vol. II. Early Education Sept. 19th, 1910

Vol. III. The Casey Scrap Books (Part I) Nov. 15th, 1911

Vol. IV. The Casey Scrap Books (Part II) June 14th, 1912

Vol. V. The Bell and Laing School Papers March 14th, 1914

Vol. VI. Pioneer Life on the Bay of Quinte, by

W. S. Herrington, K.C May 4th, 1915

Vols. VII and VIII. The Constitutional Debate in

(Double Number). the Legislative Assembly

of 1836, with Introduction by

William Renwick Riddell,

LL.D., F. R. Hist., etc Nov. 7th, 1916

Vol. IX. The Canniff Collection... ....Oct. 30th, 1917

OFFICERS, 1919

Hon. Presidents Wm. J. Paul, M.P., and Clarance M.Warner

President Walter S. Herrington, K.C.

Vice President Mrs. J. E. Eakins

Secretary-Treasurer Rev. A. J.Wilson, B.A., B.D.

Executive Committee:

Dr. R. A. Leonard

Mrs. M. C. Bogart

E. R. Checkley

W. J. Trenouth

Rev. J. H. H. Coleman, M.A.

J. W. Robinson

INTRODUCTION

In the preparation of this volume I have had something
more in view than to simply place on record the history of
the newspapers of Lennox and Addington. By studying
these papers, particularly the editorials and communica-
tions, we may get into ( closer touch with the thoughts and
feelings of the people for whom and by whom the articles
were written. It may appear that I have given undue
prominence to The Standard. I feel that I am quite
justified in devoting so much space to it, as it is the only
paper which preserved its files and provided material for
extended references. Moreover it was by far the strongest
paper published in the county and for over thirty years it
was a weekly visitor to hundreds of homes, and the
uniform soundness of its editorials gained for it the
respect and confidence of its readers.

In making my selections I have confined myself pretty
well to the story of the separation of the County. I
might, instead, have taken up the subject of the American
War or Confederation, both of which were very ably and
fully treated in its columns. Separation appeared to be the
most suitable subject as it is a purely local and a very
important one too, and the press, particularly The
Standard, played a most conspicuous part in bringing it

about.

W. S. HERRINGTON.

THE NAPANEE BEE

Lennox and Addington did not boast a newspaper as
early as many of the other counties of the province. That
was due to the fact that Kingston was the county town
and the press of that place was the first established in
Upper Canada and appeared to serve the needs of the
people of this part of the old County of Frontenac, Lennox
and Addington. The first publication to enter the field was
The Napanee Bee, which made its bow to the public on
the 2nd of November, A.D. 1850. The editor and proprietor
was the Rev. G. D. Greenleaf, who resigned the pulpit for
the editorial chair, and in the rear of the press-room spent
his spare hours in making and mending furniture. In his
dual occupation he never quite abandoned his ministerial
functions and frequently officiated in the Methodist pulpit
on Sundays, and regularly padded his columns with
lectures on temperance and never missed an opportunity to
expose what he conceived to be the weaknesses of the
other denominations.

The Bee was a five column sheet of four pages, which
was occasionally enlarged to six columns when matter was
plentiful and orders were not awaiting fulfilment in the
cabinet making branch of the establishment. The editor
found it necessary to apologize at times for reducing its
size. This was generally due to the scarcity of paper, but
on one occasion the explanation was as follows, — "One of
our printers having taken French leave of us on Sabbath
evening and taken sans ceremonie a watch belonging to
another from our office, our being obliged in consequence
to lose a day in catching and properly disposing of the
thief and getting back the watch are the principal reasons
of our being under the necessity of allowing our sheet to
go out in its present appearance."

With a prescience rarely encountered in a village sanc-
tum the editor in commenting upon the recently enacted
Fugitive Slave Law of the United States, writes in his
issue of November 16th, 1850 :— "Between the Northern and
Southern portions of the Union an implacable enmity
seems to have taken root ; and bitter, indeed, will be the
fruit thereof when it shall have been matured. Slavery is
a dark stain on the escutcheon of the American people, a

8 LENNOX AND ALDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

stain which will only be removed, I fear, by the spilling
of blood."

I fancy I can see a smile lighting up the fat counten-
ance of the Reverend editor when he penned the following:—
"The Bishop of Toronto has recently exercised his
Episcopal authority in dismissing from his pastoral con-
nection with the English Church in this province, the Rev.
Daniel Murphy, a regularly ordained clergyman in the
Church in which he is now degraded."

Then follows a copy of the Bishop's letter in which he
reprimands the Rev. Mr. Murphy for "attending protracted
meetings of dissenters and permitting your family to go to
dissenting places of worship. Add to all this you appeared
before me without any clerical habit not even bands and
had only one confirmation in your extensive mission."

There evidently were other reasons for the action of
his Lordship in arriving at the conclusion, as he did, that
Mr. Murphy's continuance in the Diocese was not for the
benefit of the church ; but as these were the only ones
mentioned in the Bishop's letter, Mr. Greenleaf eagerly
seized upon them as the "only assignable reason for this
exercise of his Lordship's displeasure".

The Bee adopted an attractive method of reminding its
delinquent subscribers that payment of their accounts
would be quite acceptable to the proprietor :—

"It does not with our views agree,

To be forever dunning ;
But if you'll pay us for the Bee,

You'll save us cost and running.

We've served you all, as best we could

To literary honey,
And now we want both flour and wood

And wont refuse the money.

Our terms, you know, are — IN ADVANCE,
Of this you've not been heedful,

And now improve the present chance,
And hand us in the needful."

It was on the subject of temperance that the Bee waxed
most eloquent. Every copy devoted one or more columns
to the question so dear to the heart of the editor. On one
occasion The Whig took up the gauntlet for the tavern
keepers and expressed the opinion that the taverns were
so well managed that they were becoming as clean, tidy
and comfortable as1 the far famed inns of New and Old
England, and regretted that they were being so persecuted
by the temperance organization. This exasperated the

THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY. 9

reverend editor, who promptly came to the rescue of the
temperance societies, and handled the Whig without gloves.
"This is certainly a rich idea— an idea every way worthy
of the cranium which conceived it, the pen which wrote it
and the press which spread it before the world." In a
masterly style he advanced the oft-repeated arguments
against the traffic and reached the climax of his effort in
the following :—f-'It is, however, indeed true, that the
popular voice is beginning to be heard, and that the work
of spoiliation carried on by the vendors of strong drinks
in the sale of those drinks is becoming more and more
apparent to all persons of all classes, and that the general
cry "down with the liquor traffic", is reverberating louder
and yet louder still, throughout Canada ; and throughout
the world. Speed it on ye winds of Heaven ! Ye mighty
waves of the King of Waters ! Ye snorting iron steeds,
traversing vast continents ! Ye earth confined lightning,
transmitting knowledge with the speed of thought ! Ye
literary cohorts, engaged in the cause of truth and. right-
eousness and who wield instruments mightier than the
sword, the. pen and the press. Speed on the shout "down
with the liquor traffic", until that class of men, whose
pieces of silver are many of them often, very often, the
price of blood, are compelled to abandon a business which
produced and yet produces nine-tenths of the pauperism and
crime throughout the country."

In concluding his three column effusion he took one
parting shot at his co-temporary who h#d dared to say a
word in extenuation of the business of the tavern keeper.
"The Whig may trumpet forth his honorable alliance and
make dolorous lament over the imaginary wrongs of his
persecuted constituents— he may extol his own virtues and
dilate upon the praiseworthy efforts of his compeers in the
cause of intemperance ; but let him beware how he
charges upon teetotalers the possession of those motives
and passions which more than one fact evince to be
rankling in his own bosom." The granting of licenses
rested with the township councils and for many years the
Sons of Temperance were a factor to be reckoned with at
election time. The following communication from a cor-
respondent in the Township of Ernesttown upon the
question of tavern licenses is enlightening : — "Mr. Editor, —
For the edification of your numerous readers, I lay down
to you a short sketch of the proceedings of our learned
council on the question of licensing the sale of intoxicating
drinks. You will remember that there were twelve
licenses granted last year ; for which the council, the
majority of which were Sons, were roundly taken to task
by the advocates of the good order, but one of the Sons

10 LENNOX AND ADDINGT0N HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

being ousted by the advocates of the good old rum system,
who says that the greatest enjoyment he has, is to take a
glass with an old friend when he is out, very little could
be expected from that quarter ; but light has been advanc-
ing during the year and the opposers of the license were
sanguine in their expectations."

"Mr. Day thought they ought to give licenses to all
who could pay for them."

"Mr. Warner moved, seconded by Mr. Booth, that the
number should not exceed eight."

"Mr. Perry moved, seconded by Mr. Davy, that the
number should not exceed eleven."

"The lesser number was carried by the casting vote of
the Reeve."

"On the question how much each applicant should pay
for a license, Mr. Perry wished to lessen the amount
because he did not like to derive a revenue from such a
source. Mr. Booth would increase the amount because he
thought men ought to pay well for the harm they did in
this community."

"On the question whether moral character should be
required of the applicants, Mr. Perry thought it would be
wrong to employ moral men in such an immoral business.
The question was carried in the affirmative by the casting
vote of the reeve."

"There are many persons who have heard Mr. McLean
declare that he would rather have his right arm cut off
than to vote for licenses ; but we saw him last Monday
deliberately vote for eight." "But he was reeve and could
not help it," says somebody. "Who made him reeve ?
Verily his unenviable position is voluntary. It has been
said that every man has his price ; but the honor of being
reeve of a township is a small price. I have nothing more
to say, your readers will make their own comments. You
will see I am not in the habit of writing, but I can chop
or thresh with any fellow in these diggings."

"Yours respectfully,

JOSH JUMPER."
"Ernesttown, 17th Feb., 1852."

The early newspapers were not afraid to discuss all
public questions and if in so doing it became necessary to
criticize the conduct of some one in office the editor
unhesitatingly did so. Correspondents were encouraged by
his example, and the result was the free and open ventila-
tion of all public grievances through the columns of the
local press. An excellent illustration of this wholesome
practice is shewn in respect to the letter of Josh Jumper.

THE' NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY. 11

He opened up the question of the excessive number of
licenses and scored Reeve McLean, a Son of Temperance,
for voting for eight tavern licenses in the Township of
Ernesttown. In the very next issue of the Bee another
correspondent comes to the rescue of the Reeve, in an able
communication so forceful and well written that I do not
hesitate to reproduce it in full :—

"Sir,— In the last number of your excellent little
journal there is published a communication from some
person who evidently intends to injure the recently elected
Reeve of the township of Ernesttown. Now, much as I
am opposed to the licensing of taverns— those places of
infamy— I cannot join in trying to injure Mr. McLean for
his vote at the time mentioned. Surely, friend "Josh
Jumper", keen and sprightly as he may. appear to be from
the name he bears, must be an excessively dull and stupid
fellow, if he cannot perceive that, although the reeve did
vote for the licensing of eight taverns, yet he did not at all
go contrary to his formerly avowed principles ; for, the
question was not whether there should be eight taverns or
none at all, but whether eight or eleven ; and he, as every
conscientious public man should do, voted the smallest
possible number. And, it is an act of great injustice, on
the part of the writer of this communication, so to
misrepresent the thing as to leave an entirely wrong im-
pression on the minds of your readers— as there is no
doubt but what it actually -is the -desire of the Reeve to
have Ernesttown free from all grog holes."

"Now, supposing that he, instead of using his influence
in the manner he did, had given the casting vote against
the party that is now triumphant, what may I ask would
have been the consequence ? Why, instead of having only
eight of those grog holes, there would have been three more
added to this number, to assist in the cause of drunkeness,
which is already a deadly curse to the township."

"There is no doubt but that Josh's assertion that "he
can chop or thresh with any fellow in the diggings", is
perfectly correct, but surely he would have done far better
to have remained at the business for which nature seems to
have designed him, than to have exhausted his time and
energies in trying to injure the characters of certain men,
unless he can find some better reasons for doing so than
the one given in his last communication."

"Far better would it be for him and such men to
remain quietly chopping on their log heaps or threshing on
their barn floors than to run their heads against some-
thing for which nature had never designed them, for
although he may make fearful havoc in chopping a bass-

12 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

wood tree, "he's no great shakes" when it comes to
cutting and slashing at an opponent through the columns
of a newspaper— I do not at all attempt to defend the
other part of the council for their proceedings on the
question, and although I am of the opinion that they
might have done more towards lessening the number of
tippling houses that are already in existence — yet I had
never expected that they would be abolished entirely dur-
ing the short space of one year."

"Yours respectfully,

ERNEST TOWN."
"March 3rd, 1855."

The effect of Josh's letter did not end with the ventila-
tion of the license question in the township of Ernesttown.
Richmond, including the Village af Napanee, had no less
than thirteen taverns, and one "E. S.", moved by the
correspondence from Ernesttown, came forward with an
epistle, in the same issue of the Bee, which gives us an
insight into the game of municipal politics as it was
played sixty-six years ago.

"Sir,— In the Bee of the 27th of Feb. I observe a
communication signed "Josh Jumper", which gives the
proceedings of the Ernesttown Council, with respect to the
licensing public houses. He complains most of the Reeve,
for giving the casting vote for eight tavern licenses for
that township. I do not know what the number of inhab-
itants is in the township of Ernesttown, but I should think
it is one-third more than the township of Richmond, at
least, and yet Richmond is to be cursed with 12. What
will "Josh" think of this ? Can he complain ? Rich-
mond has on the assessment roll about five hundred &
fifty freeholders and householders. If this be correct it
will give two taverns and a fraction over for every hundred
on the assessment roll. Perhaps, Mr. Editor, before going
any further it will be proper to look back a year or two.
In the year 1850 there were licensed in the township of
Richmond 13 taverns. Well sir, the Sons and other true
hearted temperance men thought this too many ; and were
determined to lessen the number. To accomplish this, at
the town meeting of 51, there were three pledged temper-
ance men and two Sons proposed for councillors and two
Sons and one temperance man for inspectors. The Election
was lost, it is true ; but with it was lost three taverns."

"The council elected in 51, said Richmond should have
only ten taverns. In this they kept their word. It was
all we had. The townmeeting of 52 came on and two of
the council were candidates again. One of these and the

THE NEWSPAPERS OP THE COUNTY. 13

second who addressed the electors in the course of his
address said, "as regards the taverns, we last year reduced
the number 13 to ten and I think these will have a further
reduction."

"The next speaker endorsed the sentiments and said
he thought ten too many ; and that the number ought to
be reduced. After him, came on, a thorough going tem-
perance man as was supposed, but he did not allude to
the question at all. It was supposed that, as he was a
temperance man, he would go for reducing the number of
licensed taverns. But, how vain our wishes and our
hopes ! The very first by-law passed, by the new council
revealed to the sober part oif the community how greatly they
were deceived. The very first clause of by-law 34 modes-
tly reads "that the whole number of taverns to be licensed
to sell wines and spirituous and fermented liquors for the
year commencing the first of March, 1852 and ending the
last of February, 1853 shall not exceed twelve in the
township of Richmond."

"I need only refer to this very by-law to prove decep-
tion in order to secure their election."

"But sir, I hope he will listen to by-law 34 of the
Richmond code which orders the inspectors to report to
the 'council on the 24th of Feb. the number of applicants
they may find qualified, according to by-law No. 33. They
did report eight all that they thought qualified. But what
does our learned council do ? They do not think it
enough, some friends are left out and they must have
licenses. But they are not prepared, according to by-law
No. 33 and the inspectors will not report them qualified.
What must be done ? This is reduction in the wrong
quarter. Tell it not in Gath, speak it not in Akelon that
by-law 34 of the township of Richmond is suspended until
the 28th of Feb., in order to allow certain parties .time to
prepare for the inspectors and they are ordered to go and
again examine the premises of those they could not report
before. One applicant must have yards put in one place,
another rent stables away from his house ; a third, must
repair sheds and I suppose, if necessary borrow some beds
and furniture. By the 28th all is ready. The inspectors
sally forth, the premises are re-examined and reported as
qualified, according to by-law 33, they obtain licenses and
so come up to the number specified in said by-law— twelve.
And, yet, our council go tooth and nail for reduction.
But, sir, if this be reduction, I do most sincerely hope we
shall have no such reduction in our taxes."

"I may refer again to this question, at some future
time and try to fix the responsibility of the increase of
taverns on the right parties, and answer one or two

14 LENNOX AND ADDING TON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

reasons advanced for this increase. I shall close by re-
questing your readers to consider this matter and 'Josh
Jumper' in particular not to takei umbrage at the use of
his name. I only show him -that he ought not to complain
of eight taverns when he has three villages and we only
one."

"Yours E. S."

The Bee like most of the early newspapers encouraged
the rhymster and under the heading "poetry" appeared
many contributions, all of them bad, but some- much worse
than others. Why editors give space to such matter the
writer has often wondered for it is a species of offence
not confined to the early newspapers. Is the editor afraid
of offending the contributor by refusing to publish the silly
rhymes that so frequently appear in his columns ? If so,
it might be well, before accepting the copy, to consider the
offence he gives his readers by publishing such stuff. The
editor of the Bee was partial to rhyme, especially so, if it
dealt with the temperance question. I will inflict only one
sample upon the reader. A certain Mr. Clark had the
distinction of keeping a temperance hotel at Mill Creek
(Odessa). The following lines were alleged to have been
left at the house by an admiring guest as "a token of
respect" to the landlord :—

Long in mem'ry will I cherish
This bright spot amid the gloom
Gath'ring round, while thousands perish
Mid its dark and fearful gloom !
Here, I do not finds its trace ;
Here, the curse hath not a* place.

While the darkness yet is o'er us,
Faith is firm and hope is bright ;
There's a better day before us ;
There's an end to this dark night ;
We may doubt — we may fear —
Yet, a Resurrection's near.

Hasten then, its glorious breaking,
Sever Rum's soulcankering chain,
Rise, the millions now are waking,
Dawns Earth, a primal morn again,
May this gloom forsake our skies
"Star of Temperance" arise.

But, adieu, the years I number,
Will be bright with mem'ries here ;
Though in distant lands T slumber,

THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY. 15

God will bring your triumph near ;
Firmly then with faith and might
Battle on for human right !

Good night, Good night,

For I must away by the morning light.

The Bee was doomed to be short lived. The editor
scolded and coaxed but the subscriptions remained unpaid
and there was a falling off in the advertising matter except
the patent medicines. He did not seem to realize that the
chief end of a newspaper is to provide news for its readers.
His advocacy of the temperance cause was quite proper,
but the space devoted to it was out of all proportion to
that given over to other ' reading matter. In vain he
appealed to the temperance lodges to make the Bee their
mouth-piece and thus hasten the coming of prohibition. A
newspaper man needs to be broad minded ; but we can find
no trace of this characteristic in the editor of Napanee's
first newspaper. Shortly before the demise of the Bee, a
Mr. Youmans, who had for some time been tutoring the
young Mohawks up on the Tyendinaga Reserve, was giving
a series of concerts, consisting of "comic, sentimental and
moral songs ; dialogues, addresses, &c.", just the class of
program we find in our Sunday Schools to-day. While
accepting the advertisement Mr. Greenleaf felt it his duty
to discourage this form of entertainment as likely to have
an injurious effect upon the performers. In the same issue
in which the advertisement appeared he commented editor-
ially, "The Indian children, under Mr. Youmans, are
decidedly active, they are bright specimens from Nature's
quarry and susceptible of receiving a high and useful
polish. Hence our fears. That friction which they are
now having with a professedly civilized and Christian
people cannot, we fear, result in any lasting good, either
to themselves or those who hear them and see their theat-
rical exhibitions. Comic songs and grotesque illustrations
contrast strangely with those of a sentimental and moral
character, when mingled therewith. Those whose motto
is : — 'while we live let us live', may see nothing wrong in
comic songs or comic exhibitions ; but with those whose
motto is, 'in the midst of life we are in death', a distinc-
tion between that which exalts and that which debases man
is ever discernable in the commonest occurences of life."

This is a fair sample of his puritanical views, and yet
he saw nothing ridiculous in his narrow mindedness and
wondered why his paper was not popular. The wonder is
that it prolonged its life as long as it did. The Bee
ceased to buzz before it had completed its second volume.

16 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

THE EMPORIUM

Not content with his experience with the Bee, Mr.
Greenleaf concluded to make another trial at the news-
paper business. He chose a more pretentious name, "The
Emporium", for his new venture and took in a new
partner, Mr. C. Lowry ; but neither the new name nor the
new partner could overcome the prejudice against the
editor's methods. He could not understand why the
general public should not take as deep an interest in the
temperance movement as he did and was annoyed to find
that even the enthusiastic temperance advocates were not
satisfied to accept dissertations upon temperance instead of
news. The Emporium made its first appearance a few
weeks after the Bee had suspended publication, but it was
doomed to meet the same fate, and after a few issues, it
also was discontinued. The editor quite disgusted with
the poor taste of the citizens of Napanee and the sur-
rounding country made no further efforts to reclaim them
from the slough, ignorance and depravity in which, in his
opinion, they had fallen in spite of his fatherly advice and
grood example.

THE INDEX

Newburgh was not to be outdone by Napanee in the
newspaper line. In the month of January, 1853, there
issued from the back shop of a drug store in the ambitious
village the first number of the Index. It changed hands
several times and continued to make its weekly appearance
for nearly ten years. From a perusal of the few copies I
have been able to unearth the wonder is that it lived as
long as it did. In the first place one is struck with the
utter absence of local news. This department is overdone
in the local press of to-day which seriously chronicles the
fact that Mrs. Jones called upon Mrs. Smith on Sunday
afternoon, as though such an event could possibly be of
public interest. The Index went to the other extreme and
gave absolutely no information concerning the happenings
in the village or any part of the county. The editorials
were rare, and in vain have I searched for one worth re-
producing. What did it contain f Methinks I hear the
reader ask. In the first place there was the inevitable
poem, at least, it was published under the heading
"Poetry". Some of these were copied from other publi-
cations ; but many of them were composed for the Index.
A bard from Colebrook writing over the name "Experior",
was a frequent contributor. In one of his lighter veins he
inflicted a dozen stanzas upon the readers of the Index in
the issue of May 2nd, 1855. The first three will serve
our purpose as samples :—

THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY. 1?

'Tis obvious it would not do
If mankind had no whiskers,
For there's the fop and dandy, too,
They could not then exist, sir.

Moreover in this hairy age,
When shaving- is a crime, sir,
There's many a serious minded sage,
Is not behind the time, sir.

He wears whiskers 'cause they're warm,
The dandy wears moustaches,
Because they dignify his form
And beautify his dashes.

The following, incredible as it may appear, is from the
same pen : —

Beyond death's cold and chilling flood
There is a heavenly land of rest,
Where followers of the living God
Repose upon their Saviour's breast,
No waves of trouble ever roll
O'er the serene and peaceful shore,
And those who reach this heavenly goal
Rejoice to sigh and weep no more.

After the never failing poem came the serial, short
stories and boiler plate anecdotes that still prevail in most
of our local papers, and which under no conditions could
be treated as news. The second page was given over to
extracts from other papers, editorials, if any, and cor-
respondence. The third page was devoted almost
exclusively to advertisements. In this respect the Index
showed considerable enterprise, as twelve columns out of
the twenty-eight were advertising matter, many of them
from business houses across the border. The scissors were
freely used in securing1 material for such portions of the
last pag-e as were not filled with patent medicine advertise-
ments, and the man wielding them does not appear to
have been governed by any general rule in making his
clippings. Anything and everything to fill up the space-
poetry, sermons, parliamentary proceedings, it mattered
not.

Thus, week .after week, the same program was pursued
and long suffering subscribers endured it nearly ten years.
The editor occasionally woke up to snap back at the
Standard or Reformer for poking fun at "Rogues Hollow",
as Newburgh was called sixty years ago.

18 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

THE NAPANEE STANDARD

The Napanee Standard was founded in 1854 by a
number of citizens of Napanee prominent among whom
were Allan MacPherson, Robert Esson, B. C. Davy and
Alexander Campbell. They all took a deep interest in
the village and felt it should have a newspaper of its own.
It was the first newspaper worthy of the name published
in the county, and from the beginning it took its place
among the best papers of the day. The editor took his
stand upon public questions and, while it was at first
recognized as a Conservative organ, he did not hesitate
to withhold its support, when it was to the interest of
the community to do so. This was very clearly manifest-
ed in the general election of 1863 when Augustus Hooper
and Sir Richard Cartwright were the respective candidates.
For many years one absorbing local issue in Napanee had
been the separation of the Counties of Lennox and Adding-
ton from the United Counties of Frontenac, Lennox and
Addington. Because Hooper had in 1860, while Warden of
the United Counties, used his influence against the move-
ment, the Standard, at a time when he was sorely in
need of its support, chose to withhold it. For years it
fought all comers who opposed separation. Many obstacles
had to be overcome and powerful influences had to be met.
Arrayed against the proposal were such stalwarts as John
A. Macdonald, Henry Smith and Benjamin Seymour, and
of course the united influence of the City of Kingston and-
the County of Frontenac. The Governor-in-Council had
power by proclamation to effect a separation, if he deemed
the circumstances such as to call for a separate establish-
ment of courts and other County institutions ; but only
after a majority of the Reeves and Deputy Reeves of the
junior County had in the month of February for two
successive years passed a resolution affirming the exped-
iency of separation and in the month of February of the
following year did transmit to the Governor a petition
asking that separation be granted. Before its final con-
summation the battle was waged for ten years. Resolutions
were passed and petitions were presented ; but the oppon-
ents of separation always found some means of thwarting
the will of the people. In 1860 the Standard entered the
arena with a determination to see that justice was done to
Lennox and Addington. The following extracts from the
editorials illustrate the ability displayed in that contest.

The issue of March 29th, 1860, contained the following :
"The separation of the Counties of Lennox and Addington
from the County of Frontenac has been the subject of much
discussion within these Counties for some time past ; and

THE NEWSPAPERS OP THE COUNTY. 10

as the subject is of not less importance to us, as a com-
munity now, than when it was first introduced for debate,
we assume the responsibility of referring to it again."

"It is no great secret in these parts that a petition is
now safely before the House of Assembly, signed by a
majority of the Municipalities of Lennox and Addington,
praying that the separation in question be granted ; and,
which is in agreement with the expressed wishes of about
two thousand of the inhabitants of the Counties of Lennox
and Addington and furnished, as evidence of the prevailing
desire of the people for the separation, to the House of
Assembly two years ago, and it would be an insult to the
common sense of the thinking portion of the Counties, to
say that their views have since changed, notwithstanding
the vacillation of any aspiring gentleman, or the tenacity
for petty office honors of any, ' whose independence cannot
rise above the love of a municipal election.

"The objections that have been urged against separa-
tion have been of the most flimsy nature, characteristic of
pure selfishness from its beginning and running through all
subsequent discussion, a principle most destructive to all
future progress! veness, in any branch of local or public
enterprise. It is a sad day for the weal of the public, that
so little independence of mind is obtained among public
men, even from the lowest municipal office to the legisla-
ture of the country, that sacrifice of local and public
interests are made, in order to the accumulation of politi-
cal capital. Because one man aspires after Legislature
distinction ; and another after the petty office of munici-
pal councillor, interests of thousands must be sacrificed.
This surely is a feature in our political economy not very
complimentary to the intelligence and moral integrity of
the nineteenth century."

"The strategems of political jobbers have become so
notorious that the public eye is becoming brightened, so
as the more efficiently to watch the manoeuvres of those,
by whose hands are played the game of political trickery ;
and let not him, whose cunning may be thought to screen
him from being detected in his complicity, dream that the
day of retribution will never come ; for, as sure as every
effect has its cause, so sure, will 'one's sins find him out'
though the day of revelation may be somewhat tardy in
its approaches ; and then will he smart for his duplicity."

"The double game, which is generally supposed, by
parties who watched the progress of Legislature on the
separation bill, when in a recent session it passed through
the Lower House, only to be rejected by the Lords of the
Upper House, is not yet effaced from their memories and a
no less vigilance will mark the same parties, during the

20 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

present session ; however, we trust to witness an honest
and successful disposition of this increasingly vexatious
question."

"It is patent to every one that has taken the pains to
ascertain the good sense of the community affected therein,
that a large majority of the inhabitants of the Counties
of Lennox and Addington, are ripe for the separation and
are only hindered in effecting their scheme, by the predom-
inant selfishness of a faction, who, up to the present, have
possessed strategy sufficient to thwart the purposes and
designs of the majority ; thus retarding the progress of
justice and inflicting serious injury upon others, who from
some technicality of prescribed form, have been rendered
powerless to obtain their rights."

"What was it but the selfishness of a local faction, in
and about the obscure village of Newburgh, that prompted
their hostility against a joint separation with the County
of Lennox, while they used every plea for a separate dis-
union from both the Counties of Frontenac and Lennox ?
A more manifest injustice against a sister county could
not easily have been projected. And what could have been
the outside influence brought against the bill in the Upper
House, but the political presence of certain members con-
nected with the representation of Frontenac and the city
of Kingston ; to say nothing of the moiety of the back
water current, occasioned by the dread of accumulated
taxes upon a few acres of land within the Counties owned
by the Hon. Mr. Seymour, whose obtuseness prevented the
vision of increased valuation to real estate, far eclipsing
the consideration of increased taxation ?"

"Thus far we have merely been giving ventilation to
the opposing influences ; shewing the predominant and only
motive for opposition is selfishness, we now turn our
attention to consider some of the arguments in favor of
separation and demanding it."

"If we are not in error there is no county or union of
counties that has an equal extent of territory with our
United Counties. The Counties of Frontenac, Lennox and
Addington embrace an area of 1,335,640 acres of land, of
which 1200324 acres were returned as assessed in 1859.
And in the separation Frontenac, in this respect, cannot
complain, for she will still have 858940 acres as forming
her County, nearly double the amount of Lennox and
Addington together. We argue then, the necessity of a
separation from the oversize of the United Counties,
necessarily causing many miles distance from the County
Town to a large portion of the inhabitants and especially
as the County Town is not centrally located, being at one
side, namely, in the County of Frontenac, probably about

f HE NEWSPAPERS OF THE CX)UNTY. .21

sixty miles distant from the remotest municipality. To
bring parties interested in the County Courts and Assizes
from so great a distance six times a year and probably an
average loss of time each occasion of two weeks, and those
interested in the County Councils as many times more, is
a consequence of very serious moment, involving sacrifice
of time, means and comfort, which is oppressively felt
and complained against ; yet, hitherto, without any relief.
The grievance complained of, in this respect is rendered
doubly grievous in the fact that the greater portion of the
time thus consumed is occupied by the business of the
County Town, incurring serious sacrifices upon those who
are not in any way connected therewith. And' again, a
very disproportional amount of the current County
expenses, is borne by the County of Frontenac and the
City of Kingston and especially in view of the incontro-
vertible fact that the larger amount of the expenses is
incurred by that portion of the County contiguous to the
County Town and which has to be paid in a disproportion-
ate ratio by the inhabitants of the Counties of Lennox
and Addington, a fact which renders separation imperative
in order that Lennox and Addington may be relieved from
oppressiveness so cruel and burdensome."

"In the name of common sense, we ask, where is the
justice in compelling the inhabitants of Lennox and
Addington, who probably are not interested in over one-
fifth of the business of the whole County, to be taxed
with three-fifths of the county expenses ? In the face of
truths like these, and facts are stubborn things, how can
any enlightened Legislative body deny to Lennox and
Addington a separation ?"

"It is, indeed, very fine for the people of the city of
Kingston and the County of Frontenac, to have the
establishment of a County Town perpetuated among them
at the expense of Lennox and Addington Counties that
have but little participation in their operations, only as
they are called upon to hand over their means to give
respectability to those who blush not in perpetuating this
grievous burden."

"From this state of things as they exist, it is now
readily understood how selfishness is chargeable against all
opposers of this movement."

"If the Hon's. John A. Macdonald, A. Campbell and
Henry Smith be found opposing our scheme, it is enough
to say that each of them hails from 'the city of Kingston
and are the representatives of that city and contiguous
country."

"If any portion of Addington be found in the opposi-
tion, it is eneugh to say that the rising town of Napanco

22 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

threatens rivalry with their obscure Newburgh, in aspira-
tion for County Town. And let it not be forgotten, so
as to put our sister Addington in a fair light, before the
Legislature and the public, in order that the motive of any
opposition may appear undisguised, that Addington, even
Addington, the amiable Addington took the initiatory, in
her three annual Municipal votes for a separation both
from the Counties of Frontenac and Lennox, she being the
intervening county and put in her application before the
Governor General for said separation, which was very
wisely refused by His Excellency ; and now as a political
job, she desires «to take back her separation application,
until a more favorable time turns up for the honor ol
having the County Town."

"We say, and have said all along, give us the separa-
tion, and let the location of the County Town be an after
consideration and submitted to the decision of the reeves."

"In conclusion, we may remark, that our chief hope is
in the independence and indomitable perseverance of our
faithful and independent member, Mr. Roblin, whose power-
ful influence has been so much felt in support of men and
measures, , which have received the approbation of our
enlightened county."

"We trust that Mr. Roblin will shew no less zeal and
force, in pushing this measure through its various stages
of legislation until the sanction of the Governor-General
proclaims it law. We think that Mr. Roblin has undeni-
able claims upon the Ministry, who have received so much
of his able support for a return of Legislative influence,
which is not only due to Mr. Roblin, but demanded by the
oppressed yeomanry of Lennox and Addington. Parliament
was never convoked for merely local and personal
aggrandizement ; but for the general welfare of the -people
interested in Legislative enactment. Hence upon public
grounds, the rights of the people, we claim the passage of
the Bill,"

Thus did the Standard long before separation was
effected state its case and, for upwards of three years, in
season and out of season, it kept the question prominently
before the. public, met all arguments advanced against its
position and no matter what the political effect was, no
matter what friends or enemies were made, it never
swerved from the terms of that manly editorial. Such a
clear and convincing statement of the case for separation
could not fail to attract the attention of those opposed to
the movement, and the Whig was the first to comment
upon it. To answer the arguments of the Standard it
could not. The only course open to it was to challenge
the statement of facts, which it did by alleging that the

THE NEWSPAPERS OP THE COUNTY. 23'

United Council had petitioned against separation and that
all the reeves and deputy-reeves of Addington and one
reeve of Lennox had joined in a similar petition. To
facilitate the movement Mr. David Roblin, the member of
the Legislative Assembly for Lennox and Addington, had
prepared a special Bill and brought it before the House.
After the Bill had been introduced it is quite true that its
opponents had succeeded in securing such petitions against
it, but the Whig was in error when it stated that all the
reeves and deputy-reeves of Addington had joined in the
counter petition. These petitions, however, in. no way
wiped out the arguments for separation and in the next
issue of the Standard the attempt of the Whig to evade the
real issue was disposed of as follows : —

"The whole machinery at work effecting the sham
movements among the Addingtonians is apparent to the
most superficial observer. The vain expectancy of political
influence affecting the future locality of the County Town
is developing a duplicity which for the credit of Addington
we lament. It is as patent as that two and two make
four, that the majority of Addington is ripe for separation
and the only obstacle in the way of their co-operation,
officially, with Lennox is the County Town question'.
Indeed, it is very difficult to please those locality servers,
and when the just principle of settling the point at issue,
is so liberally proposed in the Bill now before Parliament
one would hardly have thought that it could have been
rejected ; yet, so it is for they are unwilling even to let
the people decide where the most eligible location is. The
faction whose manoeuvres have given existence to the
petition in question, would not, apparently be satisfied
unless the Bill provides that the aspiring village of New-
burgh be made the County Town, although a large
majority of the inhabitants of Lennox and Addington
might say otherwise. As far as our judgment is concerned
in the matter, it is very doubtful what locality the voice
of the people would say shall be the honored one, and in
'ft, Lennox runs as much risk as does Addington ; yet we
are willing to leave the matter in the hands of the people,
because the principle is fair and just, and we are sorry to
say that the same generous, open, liberal and unselfish
feelings do not characterize the Addington local faction.
We will take a step farther in the scale of anti-selfishness
and say that the interests of Lennox and Addington, as
a separate county, are so paramount that we would
advocate the separation, though the Bill provided that even
New-burgh should be the County Town. We ask, will
Addington evince such liberality ? The faction say No !
We will not even leave it to the people whose interests

24 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

ought to be considered in the settlement."

"We trust that our legislators will take an enlarged
view of the matter and not permit the subterfuge of a few
interested jobbers to bias them to the favoritism of any
party. We ask, in this matter, for no private local
favors. All that we ask is that justice be done to Lennox
and Addington, an aggrieved and burdened portion of the
United Counties as they now exist, with the County Town
at one corner of the Counties, the expenses of which
establishment are so disproportionately borne by Lennox
and Addington without any adequate benefit arising there-
from."

"And touching the composition of the petition itself,
it need scarcely be repeated that they do not represent
the feelings of the people on this question, but that it is
got up for a party purpose. The petition itself can have
very little, if any, weight with the members of Parliament
excepting with a few who are personally interested in the
matter, as a neutralizing element had preceded it in the
petition of a majority of the municipalities of the Coun-
ties of Lennox and Addington, praying for the separation,
which petition, unquestionably, represents the sentiments
of the people and whose voice doubtless will be heard."

The Standard also accused the editor of the Whig of
stating an untruth when he said in his editorial "All the
reeves and deputy reeves of Addington, together with one
of the few reeves of Lennox united in a separate petition."
This was an incorrect statement and admitted by the Whig
to be so ; but it claimed that it had corrected the error
by publishing the proceedings of the council in its next
issue. This could hardly be treated as a correction of a
statement of fact in the editorial in question and the
Standard stood by its gun and insisted upon it that the
editor had not only stated Avhat was not true, but was
guilty of another similar offence by claiming that he had
corrected his error. This was too much for the Whig.
Under the heading "A One-horse Newspaper", he adminis-
tered what he evidently believed to be a very sever*
castigation to the editor of tne Standard and seemed
quite pleased with the manner in which he had done it.
The editor of the Standard took full advantage of his
opponent's display of bad taste and an unruly temper in
the following clever editorial.

"As we have a few moments to spare, perhaps we
cannot employ them to the amusement of our readers
better than in the way of acknowledging the courtesy of
the venerable *Doctor of the Whig."

* The Editor of the Whig at this time was Dr. Edward John Barker,
grandfather of his successor, the late Mr. K J. B. Pense.

THfc NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY. ;25

"And since the splenetic Doctor has shown such
symptoms of feverish excitement, threatening a derange-
ment of the cerebrum, which may be alarming to his
friends, we will proceed cautiously to the analysis of the
causes of this temporary aberration and offer these pre-
scriptions and suggestions which we hope may lead to his
speedy convalescence."

"In the first place, the venerable Doctor, in the mani-
festation of the over zeal for the local interests of the city
of Kingston touching the County separation question,
allowed himself to falsify the doings of the County Council
in the premises by stating that all the reeves and deputy-
reeves of Addington had petitioned against the separa-
tion."

"In our issue of the 5th instant we directed the
attention of the Whig to his incorrect statement, which, of
course, was calculated to damage the separation interests
and intimated the probability of the Doctor's correcting it,
for we were jealous for our own side of the question, and
desirous that the truth should appear so that no false
capital might thus be formed against us. Instead of
correcting the error as ought to have been expected, the
Doctor betrayed a haughtiness peculiar to the profession of
quackery and denouncing us as impertinent, demanded to
know wherein the falsified statement existed. In our next
issue following, we quoted the objectionable paragraph, and
asked the amiable Whig to correct it, and in reply we have
the Doctor 'busted up' — the richest feature in the whole —
a complete coup de grace — a diminishing stroke. Here it
is, just as it came hissing and spitting and sissing and
boiling from the over-heated cranium of the splenetic
Doctor."

"A ONE-HORSE NEWSPAPER.— Nothing is more
vexing to a journalist than to be annoyed by the rudeness of
the one-horse press. These creatures of paste and scissors
know they can be impertinent with impunity, trusting to
their utter insignificance. On the day the County Council
adjourned, believing that all the Reeves and Deputy-Reeves
of Addington had signed the petition against separation, it
was so stated by us ; whereas in fact, all but one had
signed it. The next day this error was corrected by the
publication of the procee'dings of the Council, taken from
the minutes. This error, a miserable seven by nine sheet,
published at Napanee, has seized hold of and with an im-
pertinent rudeness, natural in its condition, reiterates the
cry of 'false', 'falsehood', 'false statement', etc. There is
but one way to get rid of such annoyances."

"This perfect gem of literary taste and exquisite
decorum, demands a little attention at our hands."

"We, all along, maintained our good nature with the
Doctor and when this last precious exhibition came to
hand, our risible propensities had a good opportunity of

26 LENNOX AND ADMNQTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

development. Throughout we endeavored to maintain a
proper respect for the age and position of our venerable
co-temporary— The Father of the Press ; but if we have
now lowered a degee or two in scale of editorial etiquette,
the Doctor, himself, must be held responsible ; for when we
have stuffed haughtiness to deal with— a real six-horse
power— we must square our action accordingly, lest the
Doctor be wanting in appreciation of our 'One Horse
Seven-by-nine' '

"The propensity of the Whig for fibbing and sticking to
it, is unmistakably developed throughout the entire melee
and, in this his last precious demolisher, he clings tenac-
iously to it, showing how closely it is allied with his
moral constitution."

"He now states that all the reeves and deputy-reeves
of Addington, but one, had signed the petition to which so
much notoriety is given. This is not the case if Mr. Win.
H. Gordanier belongs to that body of officials ; and why
could not the Doctor own the corn at once, after he found
himself exposed, and not wait for further ventilation of his
fibbing tendencies. Again, to make some covering to his
retreat and to hide his moral delinquencies, he states that
on the next day the error was corrected, and, until he
shall show up to the letter that such was the case, we
shall hold him responsible for fib No. 2 in the matter.
Alas, poor Doctor, thy hoary head is coming down dis-
honored, and be sure that thy sins will find thee out."

"Now, as to the Doctor's characteristic compliments
to ourselves and paper, we cannot but smile it off as quite
a good attempt in its way, but rather an unfortunate
opening to his whereabouts and associated contingencies.
We shall let the good sense of a respectable and increasing
list of intelligent • subscribers to the Standard bear its own
testimony of appreciation of the 'One Horse Seven-by-nine.'
This is our thirteenth number, and without effort, we have
about 150 new subscribers, principally volunteers, and the
over-abundant original matter refutes the slander of 'paste
and scissors', an insinuation, the responsibility of which
no paper in the Province, of which we have knowledge, is
less prepared to assume than is the veritable Whig itself,
a starved abortion in the newspaper circle of Canada,
living upon the quack advertisements with which the
country is so abundantly flooded. The egregious gorman-
dizer of the Whig, in order to cater for the Whig family,
sallies out on his annual puffing walks, thus eliciting the
sympathies of those by whose compassion it is permitted to
subsist, and when his local perambulations are over we hear
of his country strides, and village puffing, and all, to secure
the same desirable object ; and it may be, aught we know,

THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY. 27

the railway and steamboat companies are bored out of
dead-head passes, so as to give greater velocity to the
Doctor's flight for pottage. Now, Dear Whig, take from
the entire amount of the real originals gracing your
columns these sketches of walks, trips, puffs, together with
the book and exchange notices and what have you left to
feast your readers upon, besides 'paste and scissors' and
quack advertisements ? Well, Doctor, this appears really
too bad, you have a little more, we think, than you bar-
gained for, but no one is to blame but yourself. Learn to
be civil in your old days and assume not the haughtiness
of the frog who never became an ox because of his failing
to discover the philosophy of expansion."

"We fear the Doctor may have been driven to this
frenzy, in view of the said consequences to his voracious
stomach, in the event of Lennox and Addington's separa-
tion, seeing, in it, a probable diminution of provender ;
which reminds us of an anecdote we lately heard of a Cali-
fornia adventurer, who upon turning up an unfortunate
card, found himself embedded in the diggings, with his
craving- stomach now and anon, giving notice of being five
meals behind hand."

"At a prospect like this, the Doctor, doubtless, would
shudder ; hence his demolisher at our heads. We take our
leave, for the present of our friend, by remarking that we
have much less consideration shown to us by him than even
the Pope showed to his intractable son, Emanuel, to whom
he gave some notification, before his final excommunication -
for the Doctor's blow was nearly before the word. He
closes by saying 'there is but one way to get rid of such
annoyances' and that way seeming more practicable than
any other, was our 'excommunication, which was as
promptly done as said, for we are cut off from the usual
exchange."

"We have hopes of surviving this calamity and the
Doctor, probably, may have an opportunity of testing his
remedy."

In this verbal altercation one does not need to seek far
to learn which contestant got the better of the exchange of
compliments. As usual, the man who loses his temper,
loses also the respect of his readers, and leaves himself
open to the jibes of his opponent. The Standard took full
advantage of the opportunity and gave a further illustra-
tion in the same issue of his coolness and good sense when
confronted with a reverse. After he had penned his reply
to the Whig' s ill-timed comments, word was received that
the Roblin Bill was defeated. He met the unwelcome news
with this brief editorial :—

29 LENNOX AND ADDINQTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

"SEPARATION LOST."

"We give it up. When the powers that be, say No, we
must succumb, until we gather strength to renew our
suit."

"The News can afford to be jubilant in the turn the Bill
has taken and we shall still maintain our good nature and
jog along as if all were right, looking forward to a future
day when enlarged views will obtain and personal aggrand-
izement will give place to general interests."

In the next issue appeared an extract from an article
contributed to the Spectator by its Quebec correspondent,
which tells the story of the fight put up for the county by
its member Mr. David Roblin. "I found the committee in
question (Private Bills) hard at work and Mr. Roblin on
one side of the chairman and the Hon. J. A. Macdonald
and the Speaker on the other. They were quarreling with
a vengeance and this is the occasion of the strife." He
then briefly outlines the issue and continues : "Mr. Roblin,
the member for Lennox and Addington, has this year
brought in, for the third time, a bill to this effect which is
of course strongly opposed by all the influence Kingston
can bear through Mr. Macdonald the member for the city,
Mr. Speaker Smith member for Frontenac, and Mr. Camp-
bell member for Cataraqui division. In the committee
therefore these three set upon poor Roblin, who fought, I
must say, manfully and brought in one or two members to
his aid. But the legal and tactical skill of his opponents
was too much for him and although what the preamble of
the Bill states 'a majority of the Councillors of the United
Counties have petitioned for joint separation' is unques
tionably the fact, the majority of the committee was
brought to disbelieve its own senses and reported 'preamble
not proved'. Mr. Roblin is raging mad and intends to move
to-morrow, that the committee be instructed to report the
evidence on which they came to their conclusion."

The Whig came to the rescue of its member and his
associates who had strangled the Roblin Bill in the com-
mittee :—

"The correspondent of the Spectator does not tell all
the truth, he omits the fact that Addington does not now
want separation, though it did two years ago ; that all
the Reeves and Deputy-Reeves of Lennox and Addington,
save one, petitioned against separation ; and that owing
to the large settlement in rear of the Counties, the separa-
tion when it does take place, must be North and South
not East and West. 'A little knowledge is a dangerous
thing."

The venerable editor of the Whisr was somewhat slow in

THE NEWSPAPERS OP THE COUNTY. 29

learning: his lesson and the Standard was quick in bringing
him again to task as it did in the following snappy
editorial.

"The incorrigible Whig is at it again. Surely, 'a little
dishonesty is a dangerous thing'. When one undertakes to
correct another he should be careful that he is correct him-
self. But the fibbing propensity is so effectually developed
in the venerable Doctor, that the kind reader must make
some allowance for the shortness of his memory, as con-
tinued habit assumes the form of a necessity ; such is the
danger of a little dishonesty."

"Instead of the -Doctor's improving upon the castigation
lately given him by us, he has gone farther and farther
astray ; and in hopes, though faint,' that he may be awak-
ened to see his folly before he goes hence, we beg to remind
him that he is grossly at fault in stating that 'all the
Reeves and Deputy-Reeves of Lennox and Addington, save
one, petitioned against separation'. A man that has any
remaining sense of honor, character or reputation, ought
to consider well the facts of the case which he publishes to
the world and be sure that figures cannot be produced in
refutation of his statements. It is enough simply for us to
declare that the Doctor's statement is far from being the
truth and the correction will be at his door."

"We would like that the Dr. give to the public some-
thing more tangible than his word and that miserable party
petition which he quacks so much about that Addington
does not want separation. Does he not know that it is as
patent as the glasses on his nose, that Addington is only
prevented in their official action towards separation by the
artful dodge of a political aspirant and a clique of locality
servers, in and around the village of Newburgh ?"

"If impatience ' be at any time, justifiable, we think
that it is we and not the splenetic Doctor, should feel
annoyed in view of the trickery, dodges and falsifying in
vogue, for the promotion of self interests at the sacrifice
of principle and general interests."

"We would like to see the one idea of the Doctor illus-
trated by diagram, for the information of those for whom
he writes, and we recommend the Doctor to describe his
East and West line of division, for it is not intelligible to
us, the form his creative genius may give to the proposed
county. On the whole it is plain to be seen 'that a little
knowledge is a dangerous thing."

"We wonder how the Doctor likes his remedy !"

As intimated in the quotation given from the Spectator
Mr. Roblin did give notice to refer the report upon separa-
tion back to the Private Bills Committee ; but the session
was too far advanced for him to accomplish anything

30 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

towards the desired end ; so he contented himself just be-
fore prorogation with making a speech in which he exposed
the motives underlying the opposition to the bill. The
following is from the Standard's Quebec correspondent's
comments upon Mr. Roblin's speech : —

"The amount collected in the United Counties for
County purposes was in 1859 $23880 of which was paid by
Lennox $5292)

Addington $9096) *
Frontenac $ 9492

Frontenac at the last census had 19150 inhabitants ;
Addington 15155 ; Lennox 7955 ; thus these Counties paid
per head : —

Frontenac $0.49i

Addington $0.59f

Lennox $0.65

"Taking Lennox and Addington together, they paid
$0.62.^ per head. All this while the city of Kingston paid
$1200 to the counties, with a population of 11399 or about
10^ cents per head. No wonder, then, said Mr. Roblin that
extraordinary means are used to prevent separation. Law-
yers stepped in to take advantage of their neighbors' differ-
ences— they took the oyster for themselves, giving a shell
each to Lennox and Addington (hear and laughter)".

The Standard did not whine over the defeat of separa-
tion and made little reference to the question again during
the year 1860. It had by no means given up the fight but
merely bided its time. In its editorials it adopted the
wholesome practice of enunciating a general doctrine and
getting the reader to subscribe to it, then applying it to
the case in hand. Naturally the Standard would support
Mr. Augustus Hooper in political matters, but it very
skillfully prepared the way for a break with him, in case
he presented himself as a candidate for parliamentary
honors and in so doing illustrated the practice to which I
refer. Where could you find more convincing arguments or
a more wholesome doctrine than in the following extracts
from an editorial of June 7th, 1860.

"Public men are public property and when men aspiring
for public position assume to be, ex officio, secured from
the criticism of the public, they claim to themselves an
exclusiveness which the world is in no wise prepared to
yield."

"If the public men from a sense of delicacy refuse to
canvas the merits of the claims of office seekers, wherein is
involved the public weal, a very sad delinquency is betrayed
and an injury may be thus inflicted which can only by much
patient endurance and vigorous effort, be counteracted.
This is a regimen through which all public men are liable

THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY. 3l

to pass and many have to submit to the rigid scrutiny
whether it be congenial to their sensitiveness or not and
the man who is not prepared for the like process, had
better forego the anticipated honors of public life."

"In the various departments of public life is this appli-
cable but perhaps in no department is it more so than in
the political sense."

Having carried the reader with him thus far the editor
proceeds to explain the folly of Mr. Hooper in taking
offence at the criticisms passed upon him by the Standard
in respect to his opposition to separation.

"The position which we assumed in the late discussion
of the county separation question brought us in contact
with the late action of Mr. Hooper therein ; and if we
thought our position was the correct one, why, of course,
we would not approve of the course adopted by Mr.
Hooper, to whom we look as the chief instrument in the
defeat of the bill and for which he himself may yet have

cause to regret. We think every man ought to have fair

play and upon this principle we wish to act."

"We take this opportunity of saying that upon political
grounds we have not been influenced in this controversy.
We profess very little political feeling and whether Mr.
Hooper be of the old Conservative school, or a Coalitionist
or a Reformer of the Baldwin school it is no matter of
ours ; he has just as good a right to political bias as our-
selves or anyone else and upon these premises he has no
opposition from us ; the opposition, if any, was upon
local grounds— county interests."

In the issue of April llth, 1861, the Standard again
summarizes the arguments in favor of separation, but
avoids all direct reference to the vexed question of the
County Town and touches very gingerly upon the local
jealousies that defeated the Roblin Dill. Its policy was to
get the municipalities committed to separation first and
settle the question of the County Town afterwards. By
a recent Act of Parliament Lennox and Addington had been
incorporated as one County, but the union with Frontenac
still existed. The question of separation was again to the
fore and the indications pointed towards it being before
the ratepayers at an early date. Although a plebiscite
was not necessary ; yet it was advocated as a means of
strengthening the hands of the petitioners for separation.
It was through no fault of the Standard if the electors of
this county did not fully understand the merits of the case.
It again summarized the case as follows,— "The question
heretofore seems to have been imperfectly understood and
crudely considered, whether arising from the misrepresenta-
tions of interested parties or from the foolish jealousy

32 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

formerly existing between different parts of the county, or
it may be from the facts of the case not being placed
before the people in a clear and intelligible shape. It is
quite clear that for many years the people of this county
have been deprived of privileges enjoyed and freely granted
to many counties in the Province less wealthy, smaller and
more thinly settled, viz., of having justice administered
to them at some convenient central place within their own
limits ; this is our simple right, and one which ought to
have been conceded long ago, agreeable to the wants and
requirements of our extensive territory and large and
increasing population. Instead of which we are wasting
more and more of our time and money every year for the
want of it. We think it can be conclusively demonstrated
to the dullest apprehension that the loss and expense to
the inhabitants of this county caused by having their
County Town forty miles from the average residences of
the people, quite equal to the utmost expense, if separated
to-morrow and Frontenac was presented with the whole of
our joint property."

"But there are other considerations ; Frontenac has
about the same number of inhabitants that we have, with
larger territory and an equal number of reeves ; yet in the
payment of expenses and taxes, we have to pay three
dollars to their two and within the last ten years have
actually deposited in the treasury at the city of Kingston
thirty thousand dollars more than the County of
Frontenac. There is some debt existing against the
United Counties, of which we are paying three-fifths and
will continue to do so, besides in the end are likely (if all
is even paid) to be turned out when the separation does
come (as it is only a question of time) with naked hands,
yielding the county's buildings and other improvements to
the Frontenac people, having paid three-fifths of all their
cost and after that, at our own expense, putting up our
own buildings. By separation now we can take such
portion of the county's debt as we ought to pay, if any,
and assume it at once, reserving our extra money which
we have been so long paying to Frontenac to scatter in
their new and poor townships and build our own county
buildings with it ; the surplus money in eight years will
do it all, if we assume half the county's debt and make
them over the whole of the present extravagant county
buildings at Kingston, without putting on one penny of
extra tax on the inhabitants of the county."

"In the event of a separation, our expenses would on
almost every point be reduced, the principal outlay would
be the county buildings and those may be erected at a
moderate cost, say three or four thousand pounds, if use

THE NEWSPAPERS OF TflE COTTNTY. 33

and not show was the object sought ; the whole cost of
which would be more than saved by the county at large in
a single year. The salaries of the Judge, Sheriff and other
officers of the court are paid by fees, so that there would
be no additional cost on that head."

"The benefit of having our county business transacted
at home among ourselves must be obvious to all. In
every well regulated community periodical Courts of
Justice are a necessity and it does not require the most
discriminating persons to see that Courts held in some
central locality in our own county, when jurors, witnesses
and suitors would be released in four days at most at any
one time, is quite preferable to travelling from twenty-five
to ninety miles to the city of Kingston and be detained
there from two to three weeks and until fifty cases have
been decided, not ten of which properly belong to us.
Consequently, while the expenditure in separating the
counties can be defrayed once and for all for the moderate
sum of three or four thousand pounds, we are wasting
much more than that every year we continue united."

"The principle of separation has been frequently
admitted and declared by both Lennox and Addington
while they were separate counties and that the question
has only been retarded by local jealousies, which have
heretofore existed, groundless as they have been, to some
considerable extent. We trust, however, that hereafter all
petty local feelings on the subject will be avoided and that
the question will be viewed, discussed and decided upon its
merits, only as affecting the whole county."

For the balance of the year of 1861 the Standard was
silent on its favorite subject. A general election was held
in July. The candidates who presented themselves at the
opening of the campaign were John Stevenson, Augustus
Hooper and David Roblin. Just before nomination Mr.
Stevenson withdrew from the contest leaving the field to
Hooper and Roblin. We expected to find the Standard
opposing Hooper owing to his having opposed separation,
but it managed to maintain a strictly independent position
and gave no support to either candidate. The editor
probably concluded that it would be unwise to mix
separation and politics. He saw the futility of dividing
the county on party lines upon a question which should be
supported by everyone in the county, in order to present
a solid front against the opposing forces in Frontenac and
Kingston. As Hooper was elected by a large majority the
wisdom of the policy of the Standard is quite manifest.
The question was not revived in the press until the issue
of August 28th, 1862, when the leading editorial showed
that the long continued silence of the writer was not to

34 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

be mistaken for indifference. He evidently had been chafing
for months biding his time to strike. As was his custom
he approached the question very gently saying among other
things :—

"Our county is not far behind the best and most
enterprising in this fair land, but it must not be forgotten
that there are difficulties which must be removed ere we
can fully enjoy the advantage of the facilities afforded it
for improvement."

"Look at our county geographically, or statistically,
look at it in the length of time it has been settled, or in
the wealth and intelligence of the inhabitants, or in what
view you please and compare it with other counties posses-
sing all the privileges and advantages of independent
counties and tell us, does it suffer in comparison with
them? We think not." He concludes his able editorial
with a strong series of arguments not heretofore advanced
by him. In its efforts to arouse the people of the county
to the necessity and importance of separation the Standard
certainly displayed great tact and enterprise.

"We must have our county set off from Frontenac.
We should be no longer compelled to feed the latter with
our business as we must do, so long as we remain in our
present situation."

"The effect of remaining as we now are is, that we
are stultified in our own estimation, as well as in the
estimation of others. Indeed, it appears that the King-
stonians are disposed almost to ignore our existence but
as a sort of trifling to their great county. Notwith-
standing a very large export and import business done
both at our port and railroad depot, some of the news-
papers of our indulgent mother city would have our port
closed, as a regular port of entry and would have us
trudge to Kingston to do our excise duty, as well as to
attend court and do other necessary business. The truth
is, although we are equally important and wealthy with
them, they have come to the conclusion that we think
little of ourselves and as a consequence they can use us
as they see fit. To stand up firmly for our position— to
ask for a separate existence and have it, is our plain
duty and must be done before Lennox and Addington can
attain to that lofty position of which it is capable."

"To speak of the expense to whi«h we would be driven
in the erection of buildings, support of a full staff of
county officials, etc., is to talk of refusing to take a step
which, whatever may be the present cost, will remunerate
before the county has time fully to organize. Remuneration
will arise in many ways but the actual increase of value
of property in the county alone will more than counter-

THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COTJNTY. 35

balance all the expenditure which would be necessitated at
the beginning of our separate existence. We go for
secession and are pleased to know that the constitution
does not deny it to us but has made provision for it."

"We trust that our citizens generally, and our munici-
palities in their corporate capacity, will take action in
this matter and that we shall soon see Lennox and Adding-
ton in some chosen and favorably situated centre, adorned
and beautified with such county buildings as may be
deemed requisite."

"The honor due to our ancestors and the interests of
this fine county demand it and we look soon to know that
the enterprise of our people expressed in a legitimate way
has secured it."

In 1863 the time was ripe for a renewal of the struggle
before the Governor-in-Couneil. Thanks largely to the
efforts of the Standard in keeping the question before the
public and discouraging local differences over the site of
the county town, all sections of the county had been
brought to a realization of the fact that Lennox and
Addington was sorely handicapped by the union with
Frontenac. At a meeting of all the reeves and deputy
reeves of the county held at Napanee on the 10th of
February, 1863, a resolution in favor of again petitioning
the Governor-in-Council, was carried unanimously, and the
petition was forwarded accordingly.

After the presentation of the petition it was the duty
of the Governor, if he deemed the circumstances such as to
call for a separate establishment of courts and county
institutions, to issue a proclamation constituting the reeves
and deputy-reeves a provisional council and to appoint a
time and place for the fist meeting of the council and to
name one of its members as the presiding officer and to
determine the place for and the name of the County Town.
Weeks passed and no proclamation issued. The air was
full of politics, the Government was tottering and the
Governor's advisers doubtless thought they had more
important business to transact than to settle the little
family quarrel that had arisen in the United Counties of
Frontenac, Lennox and Adding-ton. Then there was the
excuse that the County Town had not been agreed upon.
The Governor could, if he saw fit to do so, name any
place in the county ; but he would naturally prefer to
make a wise selection, and one that would meet with the
approval of a majority of the inhabitants. No procedure
was laid down by the statute for his guidance. To hasten
the issuing of the proclamation a meeting of the reeves
and deputy-reeves was again called to make a final effort
to agree upon a County Town. Two new contestants,

HG LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Bath and Tamworth, had entered the field. Bath in its
day had been the most important business centre in the
county, and not many years had passed since it prided
itself in being the commercial centre of Lennox and
Addington. The merchants from all the other villages
were wont to replenish their stocks from the well filled
warehouses at Bath. The village, however, had already
begun to live upon its past ; which is now but a faint
memory. Its courts, schools, shipyards and commercial
houses were once the objects of envy of the villages farther
inland, but the building of the Grand Trunk Railway
several miles distant had sounded the death knell of the
old village. But the pride of the Bathites had not
diminished and they still had hopes of regaining their lost
prestige and had visions of a beautiful Court House over-
looking the shores of the Bay of Quinte.

Tamworth had pretentions that were justified by its
geographical position if we took no account of the charac-
ter of the soil of the northern part of the county or the
number of the inhabitants upon it. No one but a visionary
enthusiast like Ebenezer Perry would have put forth such
a claim. He was responsible for the active measures
taken to introduce settlers into Denbigh and the neighbor-
ing townships, was the originator of the Addington
Colonization Road still spoken of as the Perry Road, and
had great hopes of some day seeing those northern
districts converted into rich agricultural settlements. He
was reeve oi Sheffield at the time, and may be pardoned
for having rather exaggerated views of the possibilities of
his pet project.

After much wire pulling and canvassing of the situation
from all points of view the representatives met in Napanee
on April 16th. At this meeting the supporters of Bath
concluded that their case was a hopeless one, and no
resolution in favor of selecting their village was presented.
Out of fifteen votes, Tamworth secured but five. Two of
these were of course the reeve and deputy-reeve of Sheffield,
one was the representative of the northern townships, and
strange to say one representative from Camden and the
reeve of Newburgh supported the motion. The motives
of these last two are clearly discernable even at this late
day. They did not vote according to their convictions or
with the least expectation that Tamworth would be chosen.
They knew it was impossible ; but they hoped to catch
the three northern votes when their resolution was put to
the meeting. Newburgh's reeve felt that he could not at
that meeting secure a majority of votes in favor of his
village, so, instead of moving that Newburgh be chosen,
he brought forward a resolution through the representative

THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY. 37

from Camden that the selection of the county seat be left
to the vote of the people. His policy was to gain time
in the hope that something might turn up to improve
Newburgh's chances of securing a majority of the votes.
The ruse, however, was not successful. The three northern
representatives voted against this resolution and it was
lost. Then the original motion that Napanee be chosen
was put to the meeting and carried by a majority of three,
the three northern men again refusing to be led into the
trap laid for them by the reeve of Newburgh.

The Standard in commenting upon the proceedings at
this meeting, after repeating the arguments in favor of
separation, endeavored to pour oil upon the troubled
waters. The article concluded with :—

"We have not paid much attention to the question of
the chances of Napanee being the county seat, because we
thought from the first that it was almost certain and did
not wish to raise discussion, which could answer no good
purpose. Our contemporary, the North American, has
pursued the same course, as, till last week we have not
noticed that he mentioned the matter. His reference to
the subject last week is mild but characteristic of the
village which he represents. There is a union of sentiment
and action amongst our neighbors in Newburgh ' and a
willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of their
village which we might well emulate."

"But it is a question to us after all whether the
Newburghers would like to have their village named as the
head of this large and important county. Its inaccessibil-
ity alone would be a sufficient reason, if, when reached, it
was equal in other respects to Napanee, to make the choice
a very bad one."

"No doubt their good sense and desire for the general
good will prevail over sectional considerations and bring
them to co-operate in the establishment of the County
Town where destiny appears to have fixed it."

"The resolutions of the reeves of the county passed on
Saturday were duly forwarded to Mr. Hooper, our worthy
member, with a request that he will urge the Government
to act upon the measure with as little delay as possible.
We hope that no counter-influence, or appearance of want
of concert on the part of leading parties in the county,
will prevent the consumation of an arrangement so vital
to the interests of the county."

Mr. Hooper, the member, was thus called upon to play
an entirely different role from that the Standard accused
Mr. Hooper, the Warden, of playing three years before.
We have no reason to doubt that he was true to his
constituents and presented the petition and urged the

38 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Government to act upon it, although it must have gone
somewhat against the grain to ask that Napanee be named
as the County Town. He can hardly be held responsible
lor the delay, when we remember that three weeks later
the Government was defeated upon a motion of want of
confidence introduced by the Hon. John A. Macdonald.

The Standard in a very sensible editorial summed up
the political crisis in f?eAA- words and fore-shadowed Federa-
tion which followed three years later.

"We have never taken sides with or against the present
Government. In many respects we thought them equal to
their predecessors and have not changed our opinion. But
either they or their too warm friends promised too much ;
more than they had energy to accomplish. The truth is,
as we are situated in connection with Lower Canada, it
is impossible to do much to mend matters. Form
any Government you please, and as the Brown-Dorion a
few years ago, and the Macdonald-Sicotte of the present
day, promise as they may, they cannot do as they would.
The elements are adverse and cannot coalesce. You never
can make an Upper Canada Protestant constituency to be
satisfied with the doings of its member, who must work in
harmony with a Lower Canada Romanist. It is out of
the question. Some arrangement must be entered into by
which each section can manage its own local affairs and by
which matters affecting the country as a whole, may be
settled by a general representative body from all parts
concerned."

"A Federation of the different parts of British North
America is the only cure for the miserable state of things
which exist."

The election which followed was a hot one. The
candidates in Lennox and Addington were Augustus Hooper
and R. J. Cartwright (Sir Richard). The Standard was
not at all satisfied with Mr. Hooper's record in the House,
particularly his absenting himself when the vote of want
of confidence was taken. It is not at all probable either
that the position he had taken on separation in 1860 had
been fully erased from the memory of the editor. It
accordingly supported Mr. Cartwright, with the result
that the candidate of its choice was elected by a majority
of 285.

During the long fight for separation there were many
side issues of more or less importance of which the press
appears to have taken little notice. Notably among these
was the desire of Amherst Island to secede from Lennox
and Addington in case separation was effected. The Island
township was the only one not represented at the meeting
in February when the resolution favoring separation was

THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY. 39

unanimously adopted. A great deal can be said in favor
of the position taken by the Islanders. Their business
relations had always been more closely allied with King-
ston than with any portion of Lennox and Addington.
Kingston was nearer and more easily reached than any
point in Lennox and Addington that was likely to be
chosen as the County Town, and it was quite natural in
the event of separation that they should desire to remain
associated with that part of the United Counties with
which they had been more intimately connected.

Another incident which may have had a tendency to
delay matters was the somewhat stubborn attitude of the
reeve of Newburgh after the meeting which fixed upon
Napanee as the County Town. He was a man not easily
moved when he had set his heart upon any particular
object and he was evidently ill at ease over his failure to
secure the votes of the northern townships with the aid of
which he had hoped to carry the day. Instead of sub-
mitting to the inevitable and taking his defeat gracefully,
he caused his village council to petition the Government
to defer the question. Mr. Stevenson met this with a
counter-petition executed on behalf of seven of the munici-
palities pointing out the many delays that had already
taken place, and submitting that any further delay would
be detrimental to the interests of all the localities
involved.

Finally on the 21st day of August, 1863, the long
wished for proclamation was issued and separation became
an accomplished fact. John Stevenson was then named
as the person to preside at the first meeting of the Pro-
visional Council and Napanee was fixed as the County
Town.

The Standard which had for years made separation the
pre-eminent local issue and might well have taken to itself
much of the credit for the victory, expressed its gratifica-
tion with the result and concluded its announcement
with :—

'''With regard to the County Town, there can be but
one opinion and that is, that the proper place has been
selected. We trust that all local jealousies will now cease
on this head and that the Provisional Council will enter
upon their new duties in a proper spirit and with a view
to the welfare of the whole county."

The timely advice in this editorial did not pass un-
heeded. On the 10th of September, the day named in the
proclamation for the first meeting, the Provisional Council
met and burying all former animosities proceeded at once
to organize and get ready for business. Mr. Stevenson was
elected Warden, and Mr. William V. Bettor Clerk. The

40 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

personel of this the first council was as follows : — J. J.
Watson, of Adolphustown ; J. McGinnis, Amherst Island ;
W. F. Peterson, Bath ; S. Warner, Ernesttown, Reeve ; C.
Fraser, Deputy Reeve ; D. Sills, South Fredericksburgh ;
M. Parks, North Fredericksburgh ; J. N. Lapum, Camden,
Reeve ; G. Paul, Deputy Reeve ; J. D. Ham, Newburgh ;
E. Perry, Sheffield, Reeve ; J. Murphy, Deputy Reeve ; C.
R. Flint, Kaladar & Anglcsea ; J. Sexsmith, Richmond,
Reeve ; R. Denison, Deputy Reeve ; J. Stevenson, Napanee.

It is quite possible that half a century has added
something- to the reputation of these men and that we give
them credit for having1 been bigger men than they really
were. Making all due allowance for an unconscious
exaggeration of their merits we are forced to the con-
clusion that the standard of municipal representatives was
higher sixty years ago than it is to-day. There are
notable exceptions to-day where good business men arc
prevailed upon to accept nomination for municipal honors ;
but as a rule such men as Sidney Warner, John D. Ham,
John Stevenson, J. J. Watson and Ebenezer Perry are
rarely found sitting at the council table. The wonder is
that our municipal affairs are not more muddled than they
are. The one year term is largely responsible for the
inefficiency in many cases. It is to be hoped that the time
is not far distant when the affairs of all municipalities
will be placed on a business basis and managed by a
competent and well paid business manager. It was fortun-
ate for our county that it started out upon its separate
career under the guidance of such shrewd practical men.
The erection of the county buildings was proceeded with at
once by the building committee, composed of the Warden
and Messrs. Warner, Sills, Denison, Perry, Ham, Lapum
and Watson. They were completed at a minimum of cost,
and stand to-day as a monument of the good taste of the
builders. The affairs of the new municipality moved along
smoothly, local jealousies were soon forgotten, and all
worked together for the general welfare of the entire
county.

The Standard content with its success did not gloat
over its victory, but pursued the even tenor of its way
and continued to grow in favor with its readers. From
the very beginning it was a very creditable sheet, but there
was a marked improvement when it passed into the Henry
family in 1858. The three brothers, Thomas S., Alexander
and Robert, were* interested in it more or less from the
time of the purchase until it ceased to exist in 1885. For
many years Mr. Thomas W. Casey was on the staff, and
was the author of the articles upon temperance. These
were so numerous and well written that the Standard

THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY. 41

became recognized as an authority upon all temperance
questions by the different organizations in the province
fighting the liquor traffic. It was quite natural therefore
that when the Sons of Temperance concluded to publish
an official organ, that Mr. Casey should be chosen as the
editor, and that it should be printed upon the press of
Henry & Bro., in the office of the Standard.

It was thus that the Casket first made its appearance
in 1869, and for fourteen years was the official mouth-
piece of the Sons of Temperance. It is difficult to
estimate the important part played by this temperance
organ in its intensive, educative campaign during the
fourteen years it was published. The files among the
archives of our Society are still sought after by the leading
temperance workers in Ontario. During the past few
months a prominent lecturer and writer asked for and was
given the privilege of making copious extracts from them.
The Standard did not, however, lose its character as a
temperance newspaper, but continued to publish much of
the matter that was printed in the columns of the Casket.

Mr. F. R. Yokome, for many years the managing
editor of the Peterborough Examiner, was responsible for
many of the leading editorials which contributed to the
high standing the Standard acquired among the provincial
newspapers of its time. Among the number who graduated
from its press-room were the late William Templeton and
George M. Beeman, the founders of the Napanee Beaver.

THE REFORMER

The Reformer, as its name indicated, was an out-and-
out Liberal newspaper. In a lengthy and well written
prospectus, the proprietors left no doubt as to their
leanings, but, as is usual with politicians and newspapers,
they reserved certain rights to act independently, which
rights, as is usual too, they rarely exercised. While no
mention of any contemporary is made in the prospectus,
yet its publication in Napanee was a direct challenge to
the Standard and was so interpreted by the editor of the
latter. The first number was issued in September, 1854,
and it was not many weeks before the rival sheets began
to pay their respects to each other. When they got into
a real controversy over any subject they did not hesitate
at times to use language that would not pass muster in
the drawing rooms of polite society. "Leather-headed con-
temporary across the street" was a quite modest reference
to the editor of one, who in equally expressive terms
replied to the '"Contemptible Rag". As a rule, however,
they refrained from using such abusive epithets, and pre-

42 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

seated their arguments in a proper but forceful manner.

Upon one subject they did agree and that was the
question of separation of the county, but even upon that
they found occasion to differ now and then in respect to
the manner of presenting the case. Both took special
delight in hammering away at the Index of NeWburgh if
it dared to say a word upon the subject not in harmony
with their views. As early as February, 1856, the Index
declared, "If Addington consents to the separation she
will see to it that she has the County Town situated
within her own limits". The Reformer was waiting for
such an opening and in its next issue thus replied to this
bold assertion : "We would ask in the name of wonder,
providing the separation be ratified, where would the
County Town be situated ? Certainly our contemporary
cannot imagine, for a moment, that the inhabitants of
these counties would consent that Rogues Hollow should
be thus honored ! And yet, from his language, that would
be inferred. Mighty Moses ! How some folks aspire !
It reminds us of a fable, how preposterous the idea !"

"In way of consolation to our friend of Newburgh, we
just remark that we cannot blame him in striving to
uphold the interests of his darling village, for it is natural
so to do, but, that must be considered a very poor pretext
indeed, for asserting it to be the proper place for the
County Town. Perhaps there is not an individual residing
three miles on this side of that place who has an occasion
to visit the ambitious village twice a year and probably
very many who live in the western part of Camden much
oftener visit Napanee than they do Newburgh— doing so
with greater ease. Newburgh's advantage as a market is
very inferior, which fact is easily substantiated. On the
contrary our advantages are, or soon will be, in that
respect all that can be desired, showing superabundant
advantages over our aspiring neighbors. This fact is so
well established that it needs no controversy, and all that
may be said by our contemporary, hereafter, cannot, in any
way, affect these verities. A thing once substantiated by
self evident truths cannot be refuted. Our neighbor,
therefore, may as well rest content with his present
position, for we predict he will never see the day when
Newburgh will be honored as a County Town."

The rising generation perhaps have never pictured to
themselves a Napanee without a railway or a Town Hall.
In the issue of the Reformer of November 28th, 1855, the
editor refers to both of these innovations. In commenting
upon a dinner at Brockville celebrating the completion of
the Grand Trunk from Montreal to that town the editor
concludes an article with : —

THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY. 43

"Our time is near at hand. The tide of trade will
soon be swept in this direction and we shall certainly
reap many advantages by a more convenient mode of
transport. Shall we be benefited as a village ? Answer,
that, those who can. We say, yes ! but not by nor
through our present selfish tight fisted old fogeyism which
reigns and rules ; but by the rise and influx of enterprise.
Napanee has advantages which must be available and
somebody will find it out first, who will it be?"

The Standard in dealing with the same subject passed
a very timely criticism upon the bridge in Napanee :—
"The splendid and massive masonry of the piers and
arches elevated a great height above the river, will be an
ornament to the place. The only visible objection, that
I am aware of in its construction, is a pier in the centre
of the macadamized road, endangering the lives of those
who may happen to come in contact with it on a dark
night, or whose horses may run away down the hill. A
few years ago the stage drawn by four horses and loaded
with passengers, ran from the top of the hill, passed
over the bridge and in turning the curve of the road the
stage upset, injuring several of the passengers and nearly
killing one of them. Similar accidents have frequently
occurred, and will again happen only with more fatal
effects, unless this pier be removed."

In referring to the work upon the Town Hall, the
Reformer said, "The contractors of the new Town Hall and
market building, have, within the last few days, made a
commencement by breaking ground for the foundation. The
building, however, will not be commenced until next spring,
when it will be proceeded with rapidly, the principal part
of the joiner work, etc., being done through the winter.
The principal front is, at present, intended to be towards
John St.

The ratepayers were by no means unanimous as to the
wisdom of erecting such a building. In one issue a
correspondent writes : "Is it expedient to involve our
infant municipality in a heavy debt, requiring for its
liquidation, an annual average tax for ten years of eight
and three-fourths pence in the pound in addition to the
regular and ordinary taxes ?"

"Will such an annual payment not have a tendency to
depreciate the value of real estate, to that extent, unless a
corresponding advantage can be obtained, from the works to
be erected with the money."

As originally constructed the upper storey was as at
present, an auditorium, but the lower storey was divided
up into a number of butcher stalls, hence the reference to
the "Town Hall and market."

44 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Another heavy ratepayer attacks the Council through
the columns of the Reformer, as follows :—

"Look to your market, see the blunders committed
there, and that too in the face of a protest by the con-
tractors themselves. Do they dig a sufficient depth to
insure a solid foundation, have they specified that the part
designed as market shall be finished ? The beams that
project beyond the walls are they to be covered ? Have
they planned the roof sufficiently strong to insure safety ?
I tell you people of Napanee, nay, they have done nothing
of the kind ; and I predict, if put up according to the plan
and specifications, in less than five years it will tumble in
ruins."

The old building has outlived the writer of that article
by many years, and is still far from the ruins he predicted.
The concluding paragraph of his letter of criticism is not
without interest : —

"I am told that the contract is left open, that altera-
tions and additions may be made and for these alterations
and additions I have no doubt we shall, at least, have to
pay a thousand dollars, which added to the debt already
incurred will be a serious burden upon the village, but in
my opinion this is not their greatest blunder. Seventeen
licenses and a bowling alley ? People of Napanee think
of it ? Think of the amount of drunkeness visible at all
times by means of this system. Tell us, has there been
an arrest made when the offenders were not half-seas over
and then tell us by your vote at the coming election
whether you approve of the conduct of the men that have
brought all these things upon us ?"

The population of Napanee at the time was under
eleven hundred. Let us picture to ourselves, if we can,
seventeen bar-rooms in a village of a little over one
thousand inhabitants, and we will scarcely find room for
wonder that the temperance advocates were loud in their
denunciation of the liquor traffic. In this connection
another correspondent in a later issue enquires from the
editor "whether the habit of drunkness does not stigmatize
men with immorality •? If so, how are drunken school
teachers permitted to continue in an office of such res-
ponsibility ? This state of affairs is annoying and morally
pestilential and should not be tolerated, at least, such is
my opinion."

There was scarcely an issue of any of the early papers
that did not contain one or more articles on the temper-
ance question. The Reformer was no exception to the
rule. It also had its poetry column and a contributor to
that column who did not hesitate to style himself a poet.

THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY. 4f>

In the first issue of 1855 he thus eulogizes the Good
Templars : —

My friends accept a poet's praise,

Nor it unworthy deem,

'Tis all a grateful heart can raise,

Though humble it may seem ;

It is the sentiment of one,

Who loves your noble cause,

Who views the work that you have done

And grants you his applause.

Your object is benign and pure,
Designed to bless our race,
Their highest interests to secure,
And save them from disgrace,
'Tis to remove the maddening cup
That leads to misery,
To raise the fettered drunkard up
And set the captive free.

<•,'••! ; -,;••••• >r

Your labour is a work of love

Where words and deeds unite,

The rules of Temperance to prove

And guide mankind aright,

To break the drunkards' poisoned bowl,

The moderate drunker stay,

To rescue him 'ere past control,

And take the curse away.

Ye are a band of noble hearts

With noble deeds in view

Who gladly would to all impart

The joys that dwell with you,

Ye would most gladly wipe the tears,

From every weeping eye

Remove the anxious mother's fears

And stay the orphan's cry.

The drunkard's midnight orgies cease,

At your supreme command ;

The swearer's voice is hushed to peace

Calmed by your magic hand,

The beast departs, the man returns

When brought to own your sway.

His baser pleasures then he spurns

And turns from them away.

Press onward ye heroic throng

Proclaim the drunkard free,

And push your glorious cause along

40 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY'

Till all its worth may see,

Respected stand throughout our land ;

The advocate of right,

And when at last your work is past,

In glory all unite.

The Reformer was not a financial success. In fact
there was not room at that time for two newspapers in
Napanee. The Standard was' first in the field and had
secured a goodly number of subscribers. It was never
offensively partisan in its views and was thus able to hold
its subscribers even if its views differed at times from
theirs. It was published by natives of Napanee which
counted for something. The Reformer was ably edited and
under more favorable conditions might have weathered the
storm. The proprietors, Messrs. Carman & Bro., were
not local men, and after struggling hard for several years
to place the paper on a paying basis the plant was removed
and they sought their fortune in more promising sur-
roundings.

THE BANTLING

M. E. H.

When on Christmas Day, 1858, a Mr. F. M. Blakely
offered to the people of Napanee specimen copies of a new
paper, the promise conveyed in the title was to amuse
rather than to instruct. From a Bantling, nothing of a
very serious nature could be expected, and Mr. Blakely
evidently had that saving sense of humor that can enjoy a
joke even at one's own expense ; for his paper began with
a jest, jested through its brief career and died like Mercutio
with the bravest jest of all.

In conformity too with its name the Bantling is an
unusually small paper of » four three-column pages, just
one-quarter the dimensions of an ordinary news sheet.
The prospectus announces that it "will present, every week,
an agreeable melange of the notable events and literature
of the day, its columns will always contain a goodly
selection of the cream of domestic and foreign news, so
condensed as to present the largest possible amount of
intelligence in the smallest space— the whole, well spiced
with wit ' and humour. In politics and upon all sectarian
questions it will be strictly impartial." In a later issue,
the editor points out to correspondents that there are some
lines to be drawn even by the strictly impartial ; "We
would inform our party correspondents, however, that we
are not particularly fond of communications which are
filled with abuse, calling their opponents thieves, rogues,
liars, etc., as it only creates a hard feeling."

THE NEWSPAPERS OP THE COUNTY. 47

The front page of the ' Bantling was devoted to. two
departments, and that there might be no confusion the
departments were headed by appropriate woodcuts, clearly
labelled "Poetry" and "Literature" respectively. Most
of the literature belongs to ' the Sam Slick school of
dialect humor, varied occasionally by a highly moral tale
about poor virtuous little Jemmie or the "R. R. Con-
ductor's lesson— an admonition to incivility"— items that
must have made pious Aunt Mehitabel beam with gracious
approval. Only, once, in the issue of Feb. 26th, has this
page anything of local interest. Like every other Napanee
paper, the Bantling takes a fling at Newburgh, in a fanciful
set of "Rules and Regulations of the Napanee and New-
burgh Railroad". Newburgh at this time was smarting
under the disappointment of having failed to persuade the
Grand Trunk Railway to run its line through that village,
and the following suggestions would not tend to soothe the
disgruntled population.

"A through train will leave the log barn, used as
station house, at Slab City, at 7 a.m. and arrive at
Newburgh at 10 p.m., leaving Newburgh next morning and
arrive at Slab City when it gets there."

"A local train will leave Mink's Bridge for Bowers'
Mills every morning at 9 a.m. and return the same evening;
thus giving the people a chance to do business and return
by daylight. Thus parties can go the same distance, in
the same length of time as they formerly could on foot
without the trouble of walking, except up the heavy
grades."

"Passengers taking live stock, such as pigs, sheep or
other tender animals on the passenger train, must take
two days' provisions (in case of accident) as the company
will not be responsible nor pay for any animals that may
starve to death on the journey."

"Passengers are strictly forbid getting out of the cars
when in full motion or running ahead, as the cars will not
stop for any such when it catches up."

"Persons driving teams (either oxen or horses) are
strictly forbid running by the train while in full motion
without first asking leave of the engineer to pass."

"Farmers' wives wishing to trade, with the conductor,
butter, eggs, rags, vegetables, or anything else for grocer-
ies, patent medicines or tinware, must signify their wish
,to do so by displaying a red flag, and it shall be the duty
of the engineer to stop the train."

"Women are requested not to hang clothes lines across
the road nor in any way to stop the train."

"in consequence of the Grand Trunk Railway Company
not having built a branch road to Newburgh, the directors

48 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

of the Napanee and Newburgh Railroad will have no
connection with the Grand Trunk whatever."

The second and third pages contain the "Cream of the
Domestic and Foreign News", correspondence and what few
advertisements were inserted, while the fourth page dis-
played the "Wit and Humor" under the title "Mirth's
Melange" with an occasional generous repetition of the
third page advertisements to fill up space. The domestic
news was skimmed with a very sparing • hand, for except
the municipal elections and an occasional fire, there is very
little of local interest. The election results also called
forth a display of local talent. The issue of Jan. 15th
contains a melancholy ode, "On the downfall of the
Radicals", in the following strain :—

Oh bloodiest picture in the book, of time,

Dill Miller fell unwept, without a crime,

Hope for a season bade the world farewell,

And Forward shrieked as Wm. Detlor fell,

Departed spirits of the mighty dead,

Ye that at Napanee elections bled,

Oh once again your freedom's cause fulfill,

And put in William, Dave, Bob, Hank and Bill.

In the space devoted to foreign news, we have gossip
about the Empress Eugenie's crinoline, the contemplated
tour of the Prince of Wales, P. T. Barnum's lectures on
money making and the birth and christening of the Kaiser.
Later this is superseded by news of Italy's war of libera-
tion against Austria. On' this subject, there are some
rather able editorials, parts of which are strangely
applicable to-day. In the issue of May 28th we find,
"and who that ever read of the demoniac doings of
Austria in these classic lands— who that can believe that
high minded and earnest lovers of their country are
enraptured and snared into the utterance of their yearn-
ings, only that they may be made the victims of Austrian
bullets or Austrian ropes ! — but we must wish those who
are the seeming champions of a better order of things
"God speed". Let no needless complications arise, let
the issue be based fairly and truly on the regeneration of
Italy, and liberty cannot be but more fully assured", and
in the number for .July 9th, "Peace must be restored ere
long or the whole of Europe will be drawn in the great
struggle, and then, alas, where will it end ?"

The Bantling itself did not survive to see the restora-
tion of peace. In the next issue, that of July 16th, there
appeared in the editorial column, surrounded by heavy
black lines, the following pathetically witty notice :—

THB NEWSPAPERS OP THE COUNTY. 49

"Obituary— It is our painful duty to record the last week
of a Mr. Bantling, who breathed its last on the IGth of
July, 1859, after a lingering sickness of 6 months and 21
days. The remains of Mr. Bantling will be removed from
this office — followed by its numerous mourners — to its final
rest. It is to be hoped the shops will be closed when the
procession is moving and a general mourning be observed
by all our citizens. It is lamentable that one so young,
just blooming into life, should be cut off from the world ;
but disease seized him with an iron grasp and held on till
the last 'breath of wind' reluctantly departed from his
body."

THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN

Many a man with a fairly good business reputation has
failed in the newspaper business, and this was never better
illustrated than in the case of Mr. Geo. W. McMullen, who
was foolish enough to believe that the village of New-
burgh could support a second paper. It was just before
the separation of the counties was effected that he ventured
forth in the journalistic world as the proprietor and
editor of the British North American. He surely must
have seen visions of the rapid expansion of the village
when it was to become the county seat. It was no fault
of his paper that it did not attain that distinction. He
entered the . arena when the fight was fiercest and sup-
ported the claims of the village and the final efforts of its
reeve to side-track- the question until some new means
could be devised for bettering Newburgh's prospects. The
formidable title of his paper and his over-zealous efforts
could not stay the trend of public opinion. Newburgh
lost the day and the British North American's visions of
a populous county town springing up in Rogues Hollow
quickly faded away, and Mr. McMullen's cherished weakling
soon departed this life from the want of sufficient nourish-
ment.

THE LENNOX AND ADDINGTON LEDGER

The Lennox and Addington Ledger advertised itself to
be the largest county newspaper in Central Canada. It
was a large four page, eight column paper first published
in Napanee in 1864, by two young men who committed the
initial blunder of launching it as an independent paper in
the belief that the people of this county could possibly
forget their political leanings. Their conception of what
a newspaper should be was all right, but their measure of
the electors of Lennox and Addington was all wrong.

The editorials were well written and their summaries
of parsing events were concise and readable. In one

50 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

number before the writer, appears a report of the first
assizes in the county. The Court House was not built
so the court was held in the Town Hall. The presiding
judge was the Hon. Adam Wilson, who congratulated the
county upon taking its place among the separate and
independent municipalities of the Province. The first
criminal case disposed of was The Queen against John
Hoolighan, in which the prisoner was charged with
robbery and attempted stabbing. His victim was none
other than our respected octogenarian, John B. Blanchard,
still a resident of Napanee. The accused was found guilty
and sentenced to be hanged, but upon the recommendation
of the grand jury his mental condition was afterwards
inquired into, and he was found to be insane, so the
sentence of the court was not put into effect. There was
a large docket which in itself justified one of the strongest
arguments in support of separation. That was the great
waste of time and money in attending court at Kingston.

In a leading editorial in the issue of March 25th, 1805,
the editor sounded a note of warning which if heeded
might have resulted in forestalling the Fenian Raid of the
following year : —

"Notwithstanding the oft repeated assertion that such
a thing as Fenianism does not exist in Canada, it is quite
evident that there are those residing in the country who
would not flinch from any act, which according to their
ideas, would free Ireland from the chains of her oppressor
—England ! On the evening of St. Patrick's Day this
was fully exemplified by a meeting in the Music Hall,
Toronto, where a young yankee blow-hard named Mc-
Dermott, from New York, delivered an address before the
Hibernian Society. During two hours and a half he
dealt out to them liberal potations of such treasonable
ravings as "The Fenians were organized for the express
purpose of achieving the independence of Ireland, and they
are as confident of being able to do so as they are that
the sun will rise to-morrow. They are also certain that
a war will take place before long between England and
the United States and then they would strike for the
liberty of .Ireland." He also advised his hearers to do all
in their power to form a republic in this country and
then be annexed to the United States."

"It is very much to be regretted that we have in our
midst men who have so little respect for truth that they
will for two hours and a half endure the affliction of an
itinerant Yankee lecturer's bombastic productions and
nonsensical treason."

From the want of that financial support, without which

THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY. 51

no enterprise can long exist, the Ledger was obliged to
suspend publication after a brief but very respectable
career of only a few months.

THE ADDINGTON REPORTER

The Addington Reporter which later on changed its
name to The Newburgh Reporter, demonstrated that it is
possible to maintain a newspaper in a small village for a
number of years. The first number was published in May,
1875, by W. J. Pappa & Bro., two Newburgh young men
who had received some experience in the office of the
Beaver.

In glancing over the few numbers upon our files it is
quite apparent that the secret of its success, assuming that
existence for a number of years, implies success, was in
the local news. There were columns of items telling all
about what was going on in the village, just the sort of
news that people talk about on the street corners, so that
a perusal of the Reporter was to the ordinary housewife
as good ' as an hour's chat with her neighbor over the
backyard fence. That particular part of the paper from
which it was most difficult to withdraw the writer's
attention was the market reports. In these meatless,
heatless, wheatless days with war prices, how we long for
the good old days when a dollar would go so far. The
following are samples of the prices we shall never see
again.

Ham, 12c. to 15c. per Ib.

Mutton, 6c. per Ib.

Lamb, 7c. per Ib.

Butter, 18c. to 22c. per Ib.

Eggs, 4c. per doz.

Chickens, 25c. to 30c. per pair.

New Potatoes, 50c. per bag.

Apples, $1.00 to $1.50 per barrel.

The Reporter ventured now and then to deal through
its editorial column with the leading public questions of
the day, but as a rule the editor confined himself to local
issues. Of the twenty eight columns only eight were
advertising matter, and a large percentage of that was not
the profitable kind. The Pappa Bros., however, managed
to keep it going for over five years, when the plant was
leased to an employee of the office. A few months were
sufficient to convince him that the Reporter was dying a
natural death. It finally succumbed, and no one has been
brave enough to attempt to publish a paper in Newburgh
since its demise.

52 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

THE ECHO

The Echo could hardly be classed among the early
newspapers of the county, yet it was a pioneer in its own
territory, being the first and only newspaper ever published
in Tamworth. If others take warning from its fate, it
is likely to be able to claim the distinction for a long
time to come of being the last to be published in that
part of the county. It first made its bow to the public
in Mill Point (Deseronto) in 1877, as the Mill Point Echo,
but as the Mill Pointers did not give it the support its
proprietor seemed to think it merited, it suddenly depart-
ed one September morning in 1879, and made its appear-
ance in Tamworth under the shorter title "The Echo".

In the first issue appeared the notice of a by-law to
be submitted to the ratepayers of Sheffield, providing for
the granting of a bonus of $10,000 to the Napanee, Tam-
worth and Quebec Railway Company. In his first editorial
the editor who had been provided with his arguments from
the Mill Point end of the railway scheme said : —

"The importance of the rear townships to the front
towns has been long well understood by the frontier, but
just how the towns and cities of the front may be made
a great source of benefit and wealth to the rear villages
and townships, is only lately taken practical shape and
becoming a matter of vast interest." If the ratepayers of
the front towns and rear townships, who voted away their
money, to bring the extremes of the county in closer
touch, could have forseen how it has worked out, I fear
the majorities would have been against these by-laws that
were submitted in the various municipalities along the line
of the railway.

To-day there is a daily regular passenger service
connecting the rear of our county with the city of
Kingston ; but no practicable timetable for those v.'ho wish
to visit their own county town.

In glancing over the advertisements, we were forcibly
struck by the many changes that have taken place since
that first number was issued ; but none was more striking
than the modest little card, "M. J. Butler, Provincial
Land Surveyor, Mill Point, Ontario."

The proprietor, as he told his readers in his first
number, aimed at securing 1500 subscribers. Just how or
where he intended to get them he did not say. The
villagers and the people in the immediate neighborhood
gave him all the patronage he could reasonably expect, but
it fell far short of the number he set out to get. He,
upon his part, did the best he could and furnished a
gossipy little sheet, which for the first few months was

T1TE NEWSPAPERS OP TOE COUNTY. .Ml

eagerly sought after by a certain class, who delighted to
see their names in print. The novelty soon WOK- off, the
editor's supply of jokes and local hits became exhausted,
and the Echo, before it had passed its first half year, had
become what most village papers are, a cheap patented
outside lined with local advertisements and inferior sum-
maries of the week's news as gathered from the daily
press. It managed to survive for throe years when the
editor-proprietor concluded that the people of Tamworth
and vicinity were not siiMionii l\ appreciative of his talents
to justify him in striving longer to maintain a newspaper
in their midst. lie. however, departed with a smile after
publishing as his final effort a neat little valedictory
addressed to his patrons.

THE NAPANHK STAR

During the federal election campaign of ISIMJ Mr. t'riah
Wilson was the straight Conservative candidate for
Lennox. The Liberals were none too sanguine about
carrying the riding with a straight party man and thought
to better their chances by joining forces with the Patrons
of Industry, a fanners' organization, which was acquiring
some influence throughout the country. Accordingly a
Patron-Liberal candidate was agreed upon in the person of
Mr. ECdmund Switzer, an old time Mrnesttown Liberal, but
a prominent member of the Patrons. The Beaver support
ed Mr. Wilson and the Kxpress championed the cause of
Mr. Swit/cr. There were a number of Patrons not
entirely satisfied with the choice of Mr. Swit/.er. owing to
his former Liberal attachments, and there were a number
of Liberals equally dissatisfied because he was a Patr-.n.
These murmurings of dissatisfaction were interpreted by
some as indicating a general desire throughout the riding
for a real independent candidate. Doubtless many an
elector in bis quiet, moments was sick and tired of polities,
but as a rule they speedily rccovcicd as polling day drew
near. Mr. Charles Stevens, of Napance, who had just
completed two terms as Mayor, beard the mnrmni ings,
and aspiring to higher honors, offered himself as an inde
pendent candidate. He had no local organ to lay his
views before the electors, and without such help his cause
was hopeless. Never did a newspaper come into being so

quickly. Presses, type and other equipment were rushed
t.t Napam-c, a real live editor secured and early <"ie morn
ing, almost before any one rcali/cd that a. new weekly was
even contemplated, thousands of copies of The Napaneo
Star and Lennox and Addin,".!oii Independent were di in
Imled in cvcrv home in I lie ridiii-r. The lirst few issues

54 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

were devoted almost exclusively to election matters. The
entry of a third candidate in the field improved Mr.
Wilson's chances, and he was elected by an increased
majority.

Mr. Stevens lost the election but he still had The Star.
It had announced in its "Salutory" that it had come to
stay, and stay it did and proved to be a newsy, spicey
little paper. It was quite fearless in its comments and
criticisms upon local events and public questions and set a
good example for the two other papers of the town. Its
example has not, however, had a very lasting effect upon
them. Our editors are altogether too considerate for the
feelings of their patrons. Some people may take offence
if uncomplimentary comments upon their conduct appear
in the newspapers. But the men who really count are not
so thin-skinned as they may appear. There should be no
room in any paper for petty personalities or social scan-
dals ; but any man or woman, who comes before the
public in any capacity, has no ground for complaint if the
press comments upon his or her stand upon matters of
public interest. This was the policy adopted in the
sanctum of The Star and it worked out successfully and
was appreciated by its readers.

It was no easy task to compete with the other two
papers with their long established lists of subscribers.
Outside of Napanee few people in the county subscribe for
two local papers, and to gain admission in the home for
The Star meant crowding out one of the other papers,
which was perhaps looked upon as an old friend. To many
readers the political complexion of his newspaper means
a good deal, and there are precious few really independent
electors in Lennox and Addington. Many think they are,
but when the testing time comes they are generally found
lined up in the old party ranks. The Star continued to
be a really independent paper and for four years en-
deavored to win over the people of the county to its way
of thinking, but met with very little success. They
preferred to remain Grits and Tories as their fathers had
been before them. It finally gave up the task, and its
proprietor thereafter devoted his entire energies to his
other business enterprises.

THE NEWSPAPERS OF THE COUNTY, 55

THE NAPANEE EXPRESS

AND

THE NAPANEE BEAVER

The Napanee Express and The Napanee Beaver are the
two remaining papers to be touched upon in order to
bring our record up to date. As both are still published
in Napanee, we need give them but a passing notice. If
the readers of fifty years ago were to return to-day and
peruse the local press, the first comments they would make
would be in respect to the entire absence of anything
approaching the scraps of their boyhood days, when the
rival sheets never lost an opportunity of exposing each
other's weak points.

The Express is the senior of the two by nine years.
It had its origin as most newspapers do as a political
organ to advocate the candidacy of the Hon. Richard
Cartwright in the general election of 1863. The first
proprietor and editor was Mr. T. S. Carman, who publish-
ed it under the name of the Weekly Express. For about
ten years he continued to fight the battles of the Reform
party, and then sold out to Mr. T. W. Casey, who changed
the name to the Napanee Express. It passed through
several hands, barely escaping at • times those of the
sheriff, until it reached the present proprietor.

The files have not been preserved, and we have no
means of forming an opinion of its merits in its early
days except what can be gathered from an odd copy here
and there. Mr. Carman could write a good editorial, but
appears to have devoted most of his time in canvassing
for advertisements, in which branch of the business he
must have been eminently successful. In the issue of
October 16th, 1868, now before the writer, there are no
less than twenty-three columns of advertisements and
practically all of them were local. Everyone in business
of any kind seemed anxious to reach the public through the
columns of the newspapers. There were in all 135 adver-
tisements, and of all that number there was only one name
that will be found in the business directory of Napanee
to-day, and that was the legal card of D. H.
Preston, LL.B. Such a complete change have all the
businesses in Napanee undergone during the past fifty
years that the only family names preserved in the firms
of to-day are found in the advertisements of Boyle &
Wright, Gibbard & Son, and D. J. Hogan. The paper
underwent a radical change when it passed into the hands
of Mr. Casey. It then was teeming with temperance pro-
paganda. ID the issue of February 24th, 1876, is a report

r,G LENNOX AND. ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

of a series of addresses given by the famous lecturer, Mrs.
Youmans. The C. M. Church at Odessa is said to have
greeted her with an audience of 600. Anyone familiar
with the dimensions of the edifice would, naturally enquire
where they stowed them away. As the correspondent
subscribed himself "A worker in the cause", we could
hardly expect him to see double ; yet we have a suspicion
that he did.

We gather from the few copies we have been able to
examine that the Express would compare favorably with
the ordinary small town newspaper. The local reporter
was a busy man and gathered in many items of news and
the editorials though not numerous were well written and
to the point.

The Beaver was first published in Newburgh in 1870 by
Cephas I. Beeman, under the title of The Addington
Beaver. It was well received and had just begun to take
its place among the permanent institutions of the county
when two Napanee journeymen, Mr. Wm. Templeton and
Mr. Geo. M. Beeman, who had served their time in the
office of the Standard, thought they saw an opening for a
third newspaper in Napanee. , Undeterred by the
misfortunes of so many of their predecessors in Newburgh
and Napanee, they purchased the plant, moved it to
Napanee, and continued the publication, but changed the
name to the Ontario Beaver. A few years later it came
out in a new dress, was enlarged to eight pages, and was
thereafter known as the Napanee Beaver. While the
Standard continued to be a popular family paper and
leaned towards the Conservative party, yet it was not an
out and out party organ and prided itself upon its inde-
pendence. The Express left no doubt where it stood upon
matters political. It could always be relied upon to
support the Reform party. Here was an opportunity for
the Beaver, and it was not slow in taking advantage of
it. The time had arrived in the realm of politics when
each party felt that a local party organ was an indispcn-
sible part of the election machinery and the Conservatives
accordingly welcomed the Beaver as their champion. While
as a rule, it has been comparatively mild in its handling
of political matters, yet there has never been any room for
doubt as to which party it supported. Nearly half a
century ago the Beaver and Express stood respectively for
Conservative and Reform, Tory and Grit, and from that
day to this they have marched side by side, carrying their
party banners, proclaiming the virtues of their respective
leaders and deploring the frailties of their opponents.

For many years Mr. T. W. Casey, who, in turn, had
written much for the Standard, had edited the Casket, and

THE NEWSPAPERS OP THE COUNTY. 57

owned and published the Express, contributed liberally to
the columns of the Beaver. His "Old Time Records",
dealing with the early history of this district, were eagerly
sought after by everyone taking an interest in such
matters. He took great pains in tracing the history of
many of the first settlers, and there are scores of families
in the county to-day whose knowledge of their ancestors is
limited to the information they gathered from the "Old
Time Records" published in the Beaver.

All this had a tendency to improve the tone of the
paper and the old families, whose genealogy had been
traced through the energy of a member of its staff and
published in its columns, felt grateful for the attention
shown them. The result has been more far-reaching than
was ever anticipated by the editor, and we venture to
assert that the subscription list to-day contains hundreds
of names of people who have moved away, but still keep
up their connection with the county through the weekly
visits of the Beaver. It had penetrated the family circle
through its "Old Time Records" and the attachment thus
created is not to be lightly broken off.

Only once in its long and respectable career has the
Beaver departed from the course mapped out for it by its
founder. In 1890 it ventured forth in a new dress as a
tri-weekly ; but the experiment was not a success, and after
a few months it reverted to the weekly issue, and resumed
its old dress.

There was a time in the history of both the Express
and the Beaver when they were conducted upon lines
calculated to serve the interests of the public better than
the policy adopted by both papers to-day. In their early
days the editorial column was an important feature in
both papers. All local matters of interest to the public
were freely discussed. To-day the local press rarely
comments editorially upon events and conditions that ought
to be brought to the attention of their readers. It is a
notarious fact that there is no, means of correcting an evil,
quite so potent as the press. Most people will endure a
certain amount of criticism in private or even from the
public platform, but few need to be reminded of their
errors a second time through the local newspaper. A case
in point will illustrate the force of my argument. For
years the streets of Napanee have been overgrown with
weeds and presented a very untidy appearance. Everyone
knew it, many were the complaints, but no effort was
made to remedy the evil. During the past season the same
conditions existed. An enterprising "Critic" took up the
question through the Beaver, and by good natured banter
"jollied" the Town Council into getting out a gang of

58 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

workmen to remove the weeds. In like manner many
private citizens were induced to tidy up their premises.

Our Town Council and School Board are frequently
criticized in private for something- done by them or left
undone, when, if matters had been fully understood, they
would have been praised instead. A few timely remarks
from the editors would have cleared matters up ; but the
remarks as a rule are not forthcoming1.

Many important measures have come before our County
Council and the councils of the local municipalities through-
out the county and their decisions have not always been for
the best interests of their constituents ; not because the
representatives did not want to do what was right, but
because the public was not educated up to the modern
point of view. Here, too, the local press fails to take
advantage of its opportunities for doing- good. If the press
of Napanee had energetically taken up the good roads
question and kept at it, our public hig-hways to-day would
not be in such a disgraceful condition. There are many
fields in which the "Critic" could do useful work and it is
to be hoped that the Beaver will maintain that department.
It is precisely what has been sorely needed for years.

Each local paper has a score or more of news gatherers
throughout the county who send in their weekly budgets^ It
is quite apparent that these amateur correspondents have
never attended a School of Journalism, and the prominence
given to certain individuals in the petty personals simplifies
the task of guessing the source of the items. These contri-
butions to the papers do little, if any, harm, and if the
personals tickle the fancy of those who look with favor
upon such references to themselves the subscribers who do
not enjoy that sort of reading have no serious grounds for
complaint.

The absence of criticism in the Napanee papers leaves
them free from the charge of circulating scandals of any
kind, and to their credit it may be said that neither one
has, so; far as the memory of the writer extends, ever been
called upon to answer the charge of libel.

It is not necessary for newspapers to indulge in criti-
cism in order to receive their due share of it ; for there is
no one engaged in a business catering for public support
who is so freely and generally criticized as the man who
publishes a newspaper, and if he is a keen critic himself he
must be prepared for all sorts of criticism in return. The
very nature of his calling invites it, and he is not very
often neg-lected in this respect. He is just as likely to get
into difficulty when he is trying1 his very best to be agree-
able ; for when paying compliments some one is sure to be
overlooked. He has a very extensive and varied list of

THE NEWSPAPERS OP THE COUNTY. 59

customers, and to please them all is out of the question.
There are innumerable religious, literary, patriotic and
social organizations, each one of which claims special con-
sideration from the publisher and insists upon presenting
advertisements disguised as items of news. To publish
them means the loss of so much time and space, to refuse
to do so brings down upon his head the anathemas of the
unreasoning members of the society.

The Napanee papers' have at all times been extremely
generous in this respect, and particularly so since the out-
break of war. Hundreds of columns of notices and adver-
tisements, although not classed by the writers as such, have
been published free, at a time when most papers could ill
afford to do it. This commendable generosity will cover
a multitude of shortcomings and dispose the writer to
wish them both God Speed in their sometimes unenviable
vocations.

INDEX

Amherst Island 38

American War.. , 5

Bantling, The 46

Barker, Dr. Edward John 24, 27

Bath 36

Beeman, Geo. M 41, 56

Beeman, Cephas 1 56

Beaver, The Addington .. 56

Beaver, The Ontario 56

Beaver, The Napanee 55

Bee, The Napanee fc 7

Blakely, F. M 46

Blanchard, John B 50

Bogart, Mrs. M. C 4

Bowers' Mills 47

Boyle & Wright 55

British North American, The 49

Butler, M. J 52

Campbell, Alex 18, 21, 28

Carman, T. S * 55

Carman & Bro 46

Cartwright, Sir Richard 18, 38, 55

Casket, The 41, 56

Casey, Thos. W 40, 41, 55, 56

Checkley, E. R 4

Chronology 4

Colebrook Bard 16

Coleman, Rev. J. H. H., M.A 4

Confederation 5

County Town 21, 22, 23, 31, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 42

County Buildings 32, 40, 50

Critic, The 57, 58

Davy, B. C 18

Denison, R 40

Detlor, Wm. V 39

Eakins, Mrs. J. E 7. 4

Ernest town.... .. 9, 10, 11

INDEX. 61

Echo, The 52, 53

Emporium, The „ 16

Esson, Robert 18

Express, The Napanee 55

Fenianism... 50

Flint, C. R fc ".' 40

Fugitive Slave Law 7

Fraser, C fc 40

Frontenac, Lennox and Addington 35

Frontenac, Lennox and Addington, Area of 20

Frontenac, Lennox and Addington, Population of 30

Gibbard & Son fc 55

Good Templars 45

Grand Trunk Railway 36, 42, 48

Greenleaf, Rev. G. D 7, 15, 16

Henry Bros 40

Herrington, W. S 1, 4, 5

Hogan, D. J 55

Hooper, Augustus 18, 30, 31, 33, 36, 37, 38

Index, The 16

Jumper, Josh 10, 11, 12

Lapum, J. N 40

Lennox and Addington Ledger 49

Leonard, Dr. R. A 4

Liquor Traffic, The 9

Lowry, C 16

Macdonald, Sir John A 18, 21, 28, 38

MacPherson, Allen ~ 18

Market Quotations 51

M. E. H 46

Mill Creek 14

Mill Point Echo 52

Mink's Bridge 47

Murphy, J -. 40

Murphy, Rev. Daniel 8

McMullen, Geo. W 49

McGinnis, J 40

Napanee and Newburgh Railroad 47

Napanee, Tamworth and Quebec Railroad 52

Newbnrgh 29, 42, 56

62 LENNOX AND ADDINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

Odessa 56

Old Time Records 57

Pappa, W. J., & Bro 51

Patrons of Industry 53

Paul, W. J., M.P 4

Perry, Ebenezer 36, 40

Peterson, W. F 40

Preston, D. H., LL.B .. 55

Reformer, The 17, 41

Reporter, The Addington 50

Rhymes . 8, 14, 17, 45. 48

Richmond Township 12, 13

Robinson, J. W 4

Roblin, David 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, 33

Rogues Hollow 17, 42

Separation of Lennox and Addington 5, 18, 23, 28, 31

Seymour, Benj .. 18, 20

Sills, D 40

Slab City 47

Smith, Henry 18, 21, 28

Sons of Temperance .. 9, 11, 41

Standard, The 5, 17, 18, 43

Star, The Napanee 53

Stevens, Chas... 52, 54

Stevenson, John . 33, 39, 40

Tamworth 36, 52

Taverns , . 13, 44

Templeton, Wm 41, 56

Town Hall,- Napanee... 42, 43

Trenouth, E. R 4

Warner, Clarance M 4

Warner, S '. 40

Watson, J. J 40.

Whig, The... 8, 24, 25, 26, 29

Wilson, Rev. A. J 4

Wilson, Hon. Adam 50

Wilson, Uriah 53

Yokome, F. R 41

Youmans, Mrs .... 56

5545
L5L5
v.5-10

Lennox and Addington
Historical Society, Napanee,
Ont.

Papers and records

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CARDS OR SLIPS FROM THIS POCKET

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