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91.
The best class of emigrants were those who
formed the original settlement of Upper Canada, and which
took place in 1783 at the close of the American war.
At that time not only a large body of troops were disbanded,
but many inhabitatns of the United States, who had
adhered to great Britain during the unfortunate contest
sought refuge within her colonies, and as these last were
well acquainted and accustomed to a forest life, government
became desirous to encourage them to settle in
Canada. For this purpose the government treated
them with great liberality and as they had suffered
much on account of their fidelity to the crown, and
were in the greatest state of destitution, the utmost
possible compensation for their losses and sufferings
was taken into consideration.
With this view the whole land along the
St. Lawrence above the French settlements and also
on Lake Ontario to and round the Bay of Quinte
for the space of 150 miles was formed into Townships
originally entitled, first, second, third, but to which
regular names were afterwards attached.
These settlers were termed the United
Empire Loyalists, and not only received an ample supply
but farming utensils, building materials and subsistence
for two years, a farther engagement was
made that every member of their families on attaining
the age of twenty one should have a fresh donation
200 acres, a promise which has been strictly fulfilled.
These new occupants most of whom had
been accustomed to agricultural labour, particularly
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