History of the settlement of Upper Canada (Ontario,): with special reference to the Bay QuintéCanniff, William
History
History of the settlement of Upper Canada (Ontario,): with special reference to the Bay Quinté
Canniff, William
Ontario -- History; Quinte, Bay of (Ont.)
Whether Simcoe was right in his opinion, that many loyalists remained in
the States, ready to avail themselves of a judicious opportunity of
becoming citizens of British territory, may be questioned; that there
were some, cannot be doubted. Not a few responded to his invitation, and
entered the new province. The recall of Simcoe led to the abrogation of
the terms specified in the aforementioned proclamation, and some of the
new comers were doomed to disappointment. As may naturally be supposed,
these later comers were not altogether regarded with favor by the first
settlers, who now regarded themselves as lords of the soil. The old
staunch loyalists were disposed to look upon them as Yankees, who came
only to get the land. And it seems that such was often the case. We have
the impartial statement of Rochefoucault, that there were some who
“falsely profess an attachment to the British monarch, and curse the
Government of the Union for the mere purpose of getting possession of
lands.” Even at this early day, they set about taking possession of
Canada! Indeed, it was a cause of grievance in Walford township,
Johnstown district, that persons from the States entered the country,
petitioned for land, took the necessary oaths—perjured themselves, and
having obtained possession of the land resold it, pocketed the money,
and left to build up the glorious Union.
But, while so much has to be said of some Americans, who took land in
Canada for mercenary motives, and committed fraud, it is pleasing to say
likewise, that a large number of settlers from the States, who came in
between 1794 and 1812, became worthy and loyal subjects of the Crown.
How far all of them were at first Britons in heart, may be questioned.
But the fact that the first settlers regarded them with doubtful eye,
and often charged them with being Yankees, led many, for very
peace-sake, to display their loyalty. But at last, when the war of 1812
broke out, they exhibited unmistakeable attachment to the British Crown.
To their honor be it said, they were as active in defending their homes
as any class. The number who deserted from Canada, was quite
insignificant. As would be expected, the war of 1812 arrested the stream
of emigration from the States. The Government of Canada thereafter
discountenanced it, and instead, made some efforts to draw British
European emigrants.
DIVISION IV.
THE FIRST YEARS OF UPPER CANADA.
CHAPTER XVIII.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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