To the lieutenant governor Finlay explained[154] that a large part of the debt arose in 1794 from the disallowance for a number of years past, of certain items of credit, which had been accepted and passed at the general post office. The death in bankruptcy of the postmaster at Three Rivers increased considerably the amount of Finlay's obligations to the postmaster general. Finlay pointed out, with truth, that he had not only successfully maintained the post office in Canada under very trying circumstances, but that through the relations he had established with the _maitres de poste_, he had saved to the postmaster general not less than L12,000. He pleaded, therefore, that as large an allowance as possible be made, on account of these considerations, and that he might be given time to pay any balance which might thereafter be found due. Finlay's plea was strongly supported by the leading merchants in the colony, and by the lieutenant governor, who represented that he was the oldest servant of the crown in Canada, being senior executive and legislative councillor. When the land committee was formed he was made chairman, and on him fell practically all the onerous duties devolving on the committee during that period. He was seventy years of age, forty of which had been spent in the service of the colony, and was suffering from an incurable disease, from which he died not long after his dismissal. Notwithstanding these pleas, judgment was obtained for the amount of the debt, and some land which had been granted to him in Stanstead county as a special recognition of his services, was attached by the orders of the postmaster general. Either the claim was not pressed rigorously, or the land did not suffice to cover the debt, for after standing on the departmental books as uncollectable for many years, Finlay's debt was finally wiped off in 1830. FOOTNOTES: [119] Notice in _Quebec Gazette_, February 16, 1767. [120] _Can. Arch._, B. series, CC. 2. [121] Finlay "Papers," _Can. Arch._, M. 412. [122] _C. O._ 5, vol. 136. [123] _Can. Arch._, B., CC. 114. [124] _Ibid._, LXII. 164. [125] _Can. Arch._, B., CC. _passim_. [126] G.P.O., _Commission Book_, 1759-1854. [127] _Quebec Gazette_, November 18, 1783. [128] Finlay's _Report to Legislative Council_, July 9, 1785. [129] Peter Kalm, _Travels into North America_, 1771, vols. 2 and 3. [130] _Can. Arch._, B., LXXI 72. [131] _Can. Arch._, B., CL. 187 and 204. [132] Finlay Papers, _Can. Arch._, M. 411. [133] P. Campbell, _Travels in North America_ (Edinburgh, 1793). [134] Finlay's "Report," _Can. Arch._, M. 412. [135] _Can. Arch._, Q. 28, p. 28. [136] Finlay's "Report," _Can. Arch._, M. 412. [137] _Can. Arch._, Q. 28, p. 152. [138] Record Office, _Admiralty-Secretary In Letters_, Bundle 4072. [139] Record Office, _Admiralty-Secretary In Letters_, Bundle 4073. [140] _Extra Official State Papers_ (Knox), London and Dublin, 1789. [141] _Freer Papers_, I. 47.