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extracted from the Quebec Gazette, December 9th 1830

Emigration & New Settlements - 1830
" At the close of the season of 1830, it is most gratifying to find that the result has been such as to verify the most sanguine expectations, both as regards the number of emigrants arriving in this port — the ultimate settlement of the majority in these provinces — their present means, and their prospects for the future. In our notice of the results of the former year, 1829, we calculated the expected emigration into Quebec for 1830, in round numbers, at about 30,000 souls. We have now the pleasure of submitting to our readers several facts, and calculations obtained from the best authority ; which we conscientiously believe to be rather under than over rated. They will prove that the views of those who looked to the influx of British population and capital into these provinces, as conducive to the best interests of the country, have not been visionary ; while they lead us to expect further good effects from the same cause, under the improved system, and the precautionary arrangements, which we have reason to hope and believe will, ere long, be taken up and completed under the highest legislative authority of the empire.
The total number of emigrants from the United Kingdom in 1830, amounted to 28,100.
Viz: From Ireland 17,596    
  From England 6,895    
  From Scotland 2,600    
  From Wales 204    
  Irish & Scottish from Nova Scotia & Newfoundland 260    
  Reported at Montreal 500    
    _______    
  Total emigrants in 1830     28,075
  The amount of emigrants in 1828 was     12,000
  The amount of emigrants in 1829 was     15,945
        ______
  Total during the last three years     56,020
        ______

According to the best calculation that can be made, it is observable, that in the year 1823, about one-twelfth part of the emigrants landing in Quebec remained in Lower Canada.
In 1828, more than one fifth remained in Lower Canada.
In 1830, considerably exceeding one third part have taken up their habitations in this province, and are now in active progress of settlement.

So much for the real increase of British settlers in Lower Canada. Again, in the year 1828, fully one half of all the emigrants who arrived in Quebec, proceeded to some part of the United States. The proportion of persons of the latter description in 1829, was considerably smaller, while in the present year, 1830, out of an emigration exceeding 28,000, it is pretty nearly ascertained that not more than 6,500 passed through the Canadas, and finally settled in the United States. Upon information derived from Upper Canada, and other places, it is fair to presume that a reflux of British settlers from the United States has entered these provinces, amounting to but few short of the number admitted to have passed through the Canadas, in their way to settle among our Republication neighbours.

A very considerable number of emigrants, who arrived this season at New York, are known to have found their way into the Canadas, by way of Oswego ; and a large portion of valuable settlers from the United Kingdom came to Montreal through St. John's [now St. Jean sur Richelieu, Quebec]. Among these latter were many Highlanders, and farmers from Sutherlandshire, now principally located, as the phrase is, in Chateauguay, and its vicinity. In addition, we have great pleasure in mentioning, that several respectable Scottish families from Perthshire, who landed last June in the port of New York, are actually at this moment settled in the rising township of Leeds.
In the district of Quebec, upwards of 4,300 persons, of this year's emigration, have obtained settlement, and full employment.
Every attention has been paid to a very important line of settlement on Craig's Road, and the result has been, that 300 families, or about 1,500 persons, have been located on that road, principally in the townships of Inverness, Leeds, Ireland, and in the Seignieries of St. Giles, St. Croix, &c.
In the township of Frampton, the increase of population this year has been found to exceed 350 persons, giving this year a total of 900 souls, whereas in 1823, the population did not exceed 160.
Nearer the city of Quebec, the settlements of Stoneham and Tewksbury have been greatly improved within the past year ; and generally, many industrious families have been added to the population of the neighbouring country.
We have said above, that in this district 4,300 persons have obtained locations. But the whole number which has remained in the Lower Province may be fairly estimated at 11,000. Upper Canada has found employment and lands for 19,000, and these two sums, added to the 7,000 who have proceeded to the United States, make up, as nearly as a calculation can be at, the gross amount of the emigration of 1830, nearly 28,000.—
In again alluding to the 7,000 gone to the United States, the reflux mentioned above must be taken into account, amounting, as there is good grounds for belief, to nearly an equal number.

The increase of the township of Inverness, in the new county of Megantick, is worthy of particular notice. In May, 1829, when Mr. Buchanan, the resident agent for settlers and emigrants, first visited that township, its popluation did not exceed 120 souls, with 220 acres of land cleared and under crop. On the 1st of September, 1830, or sixteen months afterwards, it is within our own knowledge, that the population was found to reach 800 souls, with 1,040 acres of land cleared and under crop. The Highland settlement of Hamilton on the same township as Inverness, was commenced in July 1829, at a spot nine miles from any habitation. On the 1st of September, 1830, it possessed 25 dwelling houses, 17 stables, 9 barns, 40 head of cattle, and 134 acres of cleared land under crop. It is worthy of mention and praise, that many of the settlers in Hamilton, last Spring, made large quantities of maple sugar, of a quality which, when shown in Quebec, excited general surprise and admiration, considering the very short existence of the settlement.

The number of unemployed poor has in former years been a great annoyance to the inhabitants both of town and country. Humanity has been grievously put to the proof, and public sympathy was generally and successfully excited. In 1827 and 1828 when emigration to Quebec amounted to 12,000 souls, not one-half of that of the present year, the number of unemployed, and threrefore distressed strangers, was very considerable. The calls upon private charity were loud and frequent — benevolent institutions were formed — and the crying evil was but in part removed. In 1829, when emigration had advanced to near 16,000, the number of unemployed poor at the close of the season was much reduced, in proportion to that of the preceding year ; at the present time, the 9th December, 1830, at the close of immigration on our shores amounting to 28,000, and exceeding all that has been before experienced in the history of British or any other emigration ; to one port — it is a fact, that the number of unemployed poor strangers, in this city, was never known to be so trifling, and consequently so little burthensome on the inhabitants.

These are facts that speak loudly in favour of the general state of the province as regards emigration. We think they are conclusive of very great improvement, arising, in great measure, from the judicious policy of the government at home, in placing the interests of the strange and inexperienced emigrant, who arrives in this vast country, at once in the charge of of a responsible officer, to whom may be safely confided his hopes, his means, his present employment and future advancement in life.

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