PLAN OF THE ORGANIZED PART OF THE PROVINCE OF UPPER CANADA. AS DIVIDED INTO DISTRICTS From the Original by D. W. Smith, in the possession of James Bain, D.C. L., Toronto. CESSIONS From the Indians on the North shore of Lake Ontario 1784, 1787 and 1788. LAKE From Original in Ontario Bureau of Archives. Toronto. MISSISAGUES The Eastern Waterfront. The following letter from Major Holland to General Haldimand gives an interesting description of the route from Montreal to Kingston:QUEBEC, 26th June, 1783. SIR,-Agreeably to the commands contained in your Excellency's letter to me dated the 26th of last month, I immediately set off for Montreal, with the two Mohawks, Captain Brant and Johan; there I left them, Captain Brant being unable to proceed from sickness. On the 3rd of June Captain LaForce joined me at LeChine, and we proceeded, with two batteaux, for Carleton Island. As the time limited by your Excellency for my return would not permit me to make an actual survey of the ungranted lands on the north side of the River St. Lawrence, I examined them with attention, and collected all the information I could as to the facility of establishing settlements there, and I found that from the supposed bounds of the Seigneurie of Soulange the property of Monsieur de Longueille on the Lake St. Francis the lands are low towards the water side and fit for meadows, but at the same distance the soil is exceedingly good tillage. From the upper part of Lake St. Francis to the Long Sault no land can be more promising, covered with fine timber fit for building vessels, and in some places pineries fit for masts. The shore along the Long Sault has not an inviting aspect, but the soil, 'tis said at no great distance back is equal to that on Lake St. Francis. There are fine pineries two or three miles from the water's edge where large masts may be procured. From the head of the Long Sault to the top of the uppermost rapid, where the navigation begins, the country has a most favorable appearance. From hence to Cataraqui the shore is high and rocky, but opening here and there into beautiful coves and bays, where the view extends a great way into fine natural meadows, and though the shore appears rough and uninviting the soil is rich at some distance-fit for all purposes of agriculture, as I have been informed. I arrived at Carleton Island on the 10th, late at night, and applied to Major Harris to despatch your orders for Major Ross and Mr. Tinling, the assistant engineer. On the 12th I reached Cataraqui, and began the survey of the Fort and entrenchments made there by the French troops. On the following day my assistant proceeded to survey the harbor and Captain La Force to take the soundings. Lieut. Tingling joined me on the 17th, when I examined the fort, and made arrangements for the re-establishment of this important post, which in every part surpassed the favorable idea I had formed of it. Your Excellency will perceive its advantageous situation by the plans and drawings which accompany this letter. The vaults still remain entire, with part of the walls of the fort, barracks, etc., etc., and are in such a state as will contribute to lessen the expense of its re-establishment. The works or lines began by the French on the commanding grounds near the fort will cover a sufficient space for a town. The harbor is in every respect good, and most conveniently situated to command Lake Ontario. The batteaux men prefer keeping over on this side, as they can follow the shore without crossing to the islands in their course. Captain Joseph Brant, with several Indians of the Six Nations, went "n to Cataraqui Falls and made excursions into the woods. They seemed. to be well satisfied with the country. At their return they declined saying anything concerning the lands; but told me that as soon as they have examined the north side of the lake they will inform your Excellency of the spot where they'll choose to fix their abode. For this purpose they have sent Captain Isaac with six men of their number to accompany the surveying party. On the 19th we returned to Carleton Island, where I arranged matters with Major Harris, and wrote to Major Ross for fifty men from each post, and to transport materials to Cataraqui to prosecute the works carrying on there under Mr. Tinling, with whom I left Lieut. Holland as an assistant, who was despatched to forward materials from Oswego. * Captain La Force, Mr. Cotte, and Mr. Peachy proceeded to survey the north shore of the Lake Ontario all the way to Niagara, having received my instructions for that purpose. On the 20th I set out from Carleton Island for Quebec, where I arrived yesterday. I have the honor to be, etc., SAMUEL HOLLAND. Following are the official descriptions of the townships of Cataraqui and west of it which were outlined by the Deputy Surveyor-General (Collins) during the fall of 1783, and subdivided during the following year: TOWNSHIP No. 1 (Kingston),-A township or tract of land six miles square, lying and being in the Province of Quebec, situate on the north side of Lake Ontario, near the ancient Fort Frontenac, beginning at a stone boundary standing south 49 degrees, west two hundred and twenty perches from the west angle of the said fort, and six perches from the bank of the lake, runs due west, crossing the mouth of the Little Cataraqui six miles to a stone boundary standing six perches from the bank of the Bay Tonegeyon; and from thence due north, crossing the head of the Bay Tonegeyon, and a small creek that discharges itself into the said bay, six miles to a stone boundary; and from thence a due east course, passing through a low country six miles to a stone boundary standing on a hill twenty-eight perches from the main bank of the little River Cataraqui; and from thence due south, crossing the main branch of the little River Cataraqui and two other branches that discharge into the said river, terminates on the north bank of Lake Ontario at the first station, including twenty-three thousand and forty superficial acres of land, the greater part of which appears to be of an excellent quality, fit for the production of wheat, oats, Indian corn, hemp, flax, timothy and clover. The woods in general are maple, bass, hickory, ash, elm, pine and white oak, etc.-the two latter in many parts from two and a half to three feet diameter. This township hath a great many advantages on account of its situation, having Lake Ontario on its front. All the small bays afford good harbor for boats, and the lake abounds with a great variety of fish and wild fowl. The little River Cataraqui is navigable for batteaux from its entrance into the lake to the upper boundary of the township, in which space are many proper places for erecting saw-mills. TOWNSHIP No. 2 (Ernesttown, so called after Prince Ernest, eighth child of George III),-Surveyed according to the above scheme or plot hereunto annexed, a township or tract of land six miles square, situate on the north side of Lake Ontario, bounded in front by the said lake, and in depth by the ungranted lands belonging to the King; on the east by the ungranted lands as aforesaid, and on the west by a township marked on the plan No. 3, beginning at a stone boundary, and runs up the lake so |