Peregrine Maitland, were permitted to retain their places in the Council, notwithstanding that they did not possess the confidence of a majority in the Assembly. Against such a state of things the Reformers of Upper Canada vainly struggled for many years. Mr. Perry was one of the "fighting men," and hurled his anathemas broadcast during the Administrations of Sir Peregrine Maitland and Sir John Colborne. His speeches were like himself, bold and impetuous, and, notwithstanding the strict party lines of the period, votes were frequently won by the sheer force of his oratory. He continued to sit in the Assembly as one of the representatives of Lennox and Addington for twelve years, when, in consequence of Sir Francis Bond Head's machinations, all the most prominent Reformers of Upper Canada were beaten at the polls. Mr. Perry shared the fate of his colleagues, and before the close of the year (1836) he abandoned the life of a farmer, and removed to the present site of the town of Whitby, which was thenceforward known as "Perry's Corners." He opened a general store there, and rapidly built up a large and profitable business. Notwithstanding his extreme political opinions he took no part in Mackenzie's Rebellion, and for some years after that event he remained out of Parliament. He devoted himself to building up his business, and was identified with every important improvement in the district wherein he resided. He took an active interest in municipal affairs, contributed liberally to the construction and improvement of the public highways, and was justly regarded as a public benefactor. He continued to fight the battles of Reform at all the local contests, but, though frequently importuned to reënter Parliament, preferred to remain in private life, until 1849. The constituency in which he resided, which is now South Ontario, was then the East Riding of York. The sitting member, up to the month of September, 1849, was the Hon. William Hume Blake, of whom Mr. Perry was of course a vigorous supporter. Mr. Blake was Solicitor-General in the Government, but at this juncture resigned his portfolio to accept the Chancellorship of Upper Canada. Mr. Perry consented to once more enter public life in the interest of his constituents, and was returned by acclamation as Mr. Blake's successor.