All improvements were now stopped in the township. The people were awaiting the action of the Executive. Until their affairs were decided, all systematic labor was paralyzed. The spirit of enterprise was chilled, and the stupor and numbness of despair seem to be fast settling over them. They had petitioned over and over again. Favorable replies were transmitted. A commissioner was sent to investigate their complaints. He had espoused their cause warmly; yet no definite decision had been made. Lord Sydenham was absorbed in constitutional changes. The union of Upper and Lower Canada was occupying all his attention, and towards the close of this year (1840) he had effected his object. The Union was proclaimed. The Chief pressed for a settlement of his claims. The settlers urged for their final emancipation. At length in May, 1841, they sent another petition, praying for a decision; and the reason of the delay is fully explained in the following letter to Mr. Allan Stewart:-- [COPY.] SECRETARY'S OFFICE, KINGSTON,} 24th June, 1841. } SIR,--I am commanded by the Governor General to acknowledge the receipt of a petition signed by you on behalf of the inhabitants of the township of McNab, praying for a decision on their petition of June, 1840, preferring complaints against Mr. Archibald McNab, the Township Agent. In reply, I am to inform you that the petition alluded to was referred, by command of Sir George Arthur, for the consideration of the late Council of Upper Canada; but it appears that no decision had been come to on the subject previously to the re-union of the provinces. I have, however, been directed by His Excellency to refer your present petition to the Hon., the Executive Council, with a request that the matter may receive their early and attentive consideration. I have the honor to be, etc., (Signed) S. B. HARRISON. ALLAN STEWART, Esq., } Township of McNab. } CHAPTER XVII. FINAL DECISION OF THE GOVERNMENT--BURNING OF DUNCAN M'NAB'S (ISLA) HOUSE, BARN, AND PROVISIONS--WATER STOPPED ON MR. JOHN PARIS.