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. |
