[Notes from Editor: As page numbers in electronic editions do not correspond to those in original printed versions, they are omitted from any Tables of Contents or Illustration Lists in works that we transcribe. Spellings are left as they were in the original work. Sentence & punctuation anomalies are also (mostly) left intact. Footnotes follow the paragraph in which they are referenced, enclosed by square brackets. Richard MacNeil]

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HISTORY

OF

THE COUNTY OF PICTOU
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CHAPTER IX.

FROM THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE TOWN TILL THE BEGINNING
OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTIONARY WAR, 1789-1793.

We must now, however, give some account of the origin of the town. We have already mentioned that on the arrival of the first settlers, a town was laid out above the Town Gut, and another afterward at Fishers Gant; but at neither of these places was one ever built. Its being located on its present site, was owing to old John Patterson. We have already mentioned that at the time of the issue of the first grants, the block on which the town stands, embracing the shore from Browns Point round to Carriboo, had been reserved out of the Philadelphia Company's Grant, and given to Col. McNutt and his associates. The grant of the latter, however, was escheated in the year 1770, and an order of survey issued in favor of Richard Williams, described as "late lieutenant in the 80th Regiment," and said to have served at the taking of Louisburg and Quebec, for this block and another on the Middle River, extending from Middle River Point up to Kerrs, a distance of ten miles along its banks, and one mile back, the rear line to run parallel with the river, the first said to contain 5,000 acres, but in reality containing 10,000; the second estimated at the same amount, but also considerably in excess.

The grant is dated 21st January, 1776. The conditions as to pine trees, fisheries, quit rents, and reserves of minerals, are the same as in the 82nd Grant, and the conditions as to working are the same as in Camerons. But it contains the following additional clause, that the grantee shall "settle one person upon it for every hundred acres, and the settlers to be introduced to be Protestants, from such parts of Europe as are not in His Majesty's Dominions, or such persons as have resided within His Majesty's Dominions in America for two years, antecedent to the date of the grant." This exhibits an idea that was prevalent at this time, of the danger of the British Isles being depopulated by emigration, in consequence of which parties were bound to settle their grants with Protestants from abroad.

This grant was transferred to Walter Patterson, Esq., who came out in 1770 as Governor of Prince Edward Island, but who had previously been a judge in the province of Maryland, and was, we believe, originally from the North of Ireland. According to tradition, which there is every reason to believe well founded, the title passed to him in the following manner: Riding one day he accidentally met Williams, with whom he entered into conversation, when the latter said, "I have a lot of land in Pictou; what will you give me for it?" "I'll give you this horse," was the half joking reply. "Will you give saddle and bridle?" was the next enquiry. "Yes." "Then jump off." He did so, when the other mounted, and thus the bargain was completed. At all events, Governor Patterson became the possessor, as it was found afterward, without any proper conveyance, and at the date of our history began selling portions of his land. He also laid out a town, which he called Coleraine, to the eastward of what is still known as Coleraine Street. According to his plan, it was to contain various public conveniences, the ground at the foot of that street being reserved for a public landing, and a lot near set apart for a market. Hence, the wharf there has been till recently, as we suppose is by some yet, known as the Market Slip. This, however, like previous efforts, was for some time at least a town only on paper.*

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[* We may here give the subsequent history of this grant: Patterson, while on the island, sold portions both of the part on the Middle River and at the town, by his agent, Lieutenant Gordon, already referred to; but his title being doubtful, persons squatted on various portions of his land, particularly on the Middle River, and some who purchased one lot took possession of another. We have seen deeds running in something like the following strain: "Whereas I have made improvements on the land of Governor Patterson, at such a place, I hereby give all my right, title and interest in the said lot of land," & c.
Patterson became involved in debt to Messrs. Cochrane, then leading merchants in Halifax, doing business at what has since been known as Cochrane's Corner, where the Dominion public offices now stand. In consequence, after he left the Province, they sold his property under a judgment, and one of them became the purchaser, and hence this grant has since been usually known as the Cochrane Grant. But there was, for some time, a difficulty about the title, partly in consequence of want of proof of a transfer from Williams to Patterson, but partly also, we believe, from some irregularity in the legal proceedings of Cochrane against the latter, and squatters resisted attempts to eject them. One of Patterson's heirs came some years after, claiming the land, with whom Cochrane compromised. After this his title was generally conceded, and he sold the rest of the land, but a good deal having previously been occupied, the parties held it by possession.]

On the 10th September, 1787, for the sum of 62 pounds 10s., he deeds to John Patterson 150 acres, afterward purchased and occupied by Mortimer, at the Point; and another lot on 100 acres, described as follows: "Beginning at a stake and stones at the west corner of a town lot, thence running north 320 perches, from thence west 50 perches, thence south 320 perches, thence east the different courses of the harbour to the place of beginning." The front of this lot embraced the central portions of the town, extending from Coleraine street westwardly to the market. A settler named, we believe, Kennedy, had previously squatted on a portion of this, having made a small chopping, and erected a shanty on the face of the hill, below Dr. Johnston's house, so that the deacon had to buy out his claim.

By the terms of the deed, the ground along the shore, to the width of forty feet, was reserved for a highway, and this became the front or lower street of the town, from the west end as far as Glennies. This will explain it sinuous course. To this point the south side of the street was originally water lots, and all the buildings now upon it are upon made ground. The ground near Meagher's slip was regular bog, through which logs were laid to form a pathway. At Glennies the coast took a turn to the southward, with a somewhat high bank, forming a cove, which was long used for the reception of timber. From this point the deacon run a street in a straight line to Coleraine street, although there was a road round the shore to the Battery Point, within the memory of many still living.

In the previous winter (1787) the wood had been cut on a part of the ground where the town now stands, and Patterson removed from Mortimer's Point to where his grandson, A. J. Patterson, now resides. He next commenced dividing the front of his land into small building lots, which he sold at low rates. These, however, were conveyed upon the condition that the purchasers should build upon them, and under a penalty for every year in which this was not done. Thus, in his ledger we find, in 1805, one man charged, "To 7 ½ years' damages for not building one house;" and in another case we find the following entry, "To 5 years you did not build on the lot, at 5s., 1 pound 5s." These lots are described as in the town of New Paisley*, doubtless, so named after his native town. Among the first lots, of which the deed is recorded, is one to James Dunn, of the lot on which the Royal Oak Hotel lately stood, on which he erected the first tavern in the town, ** just behind where that building lately stood.
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[* We may here notice the variety of names selected for the town or district. Besides the deacon, we find in old documents, the township of Alexandria, the township of Donegall, Teignmouth, Southampton, Walmsley and Coleraine.]

[** We read, however, the name of Francis Hogg, tavern keeper, before this date, and, as we have seen, the grog shop was in full blast, before Dr. McGregor's arrival. The site, however, of these establishments we do not know.]

The Deacon having been originally a carpenter, commenced now the erection of small buildings to sell or let to tradesmen, and it is in this way that the town was fixed on its present site. We have been unable to ascertain where the first house was built, but believe that it was on the street leading down to Messrs. Yorston's wharf. At all events, one that still stands there was among the first. It was originally occupied by him as a store, afterward by his sons, John and Abraham, in the same way; again, for a length of time as a cooper's shop, and now as a sail makers. The timber was cut on the site of the lower part of the town. This is, without doubt, the oldest house in town. On repairing it lately, the carpenters found that the frame was entirely of hard wood, oak, ash, or beech. The date of erection of the first house was either 1789 or 1790. Dr. McGregor says in one place, "There was not a single house for years after I came here. The town was for some years without a single inhabitant; then there was a shed with one family; then another with it, and so on, till it became what we see it now." In his narrative he says:--"I think it was in this year (1790) that the first house in Pictou was built. It was some years without a second." Philo Antiquarius, speaking of the year 1789, says:---"Two or three house were also erected about this period on the spot which was cleared the preceeding year. Families were soon attracted, buildings were run up, and, ere the lapse of much time, a respectable hamlet rose into view."

He also built a wharf, the first in the town, on the site of what, afterward coming into possession of his son, also an Elder in the Church, long continued to be known as the Deacons Wharf, now Yorstons. It was described as consisting at first of three logs, but afterward a more respectable structure was erected. We may add, that he always showed an earnest and hopeful interest in the progress of the place, and a most enterprising spirit in undertaking measures for this end.

Thus it was to the sagacity and public spirit of John Patterson that the town rose upon its present site. The question has been raised where it ought to have been. Richard Smith maintained that it should have been on the south side of the harbor, at Abercrombie or Frasers Point. With the knowledge we now have of the mineral wealth of the East River, much may be said in favor of that locality. But the fact that after attempts to build a town elsewhere, the deacons site held its own, even though opposed by Mortimer, shows that something may be said in its favor. Under any circumstances, its nearness to the entrance of the harbour would have almost necessitated the erection of a town somewhere in that neighborhood. One unfortunate mistake he committed, though a natural one in the circumstances; that is, in taking the road originally laid out round the shore as the basis from which to lay off lots and other streets. The side lines of the original lots run from the harbor on a due north and south course, and had the cross streets been laid off at right angles to these, the inconvenience which the subsequent inhabitants have suffered from the want of square corners, would have been avoided.

We may add, that the first teacher in town, so far as we have been able to ascertain, was Peter Grant. When his father, Alpin Grant, settled in Pictou in 1784, he remained with a friend in Halifax, where he was educated; and on coming to Pictou, about the year 1793, he opened a school and continued to teach for six years. In the year 1800 he took up land at Scotch Hill and removed thither the following season, where he resided till his death. In the year 1802 we find S. L. Newcomb teaching, though probably for a short time.* Then, for some time, George Glennie occupied his place. He was a graduate of Aberdeen College, a superior scholar, and did much to form the minds of the youth of that generation.
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[* Mr. Newcomb married a daughter of Matthew Harris, and had a family, several of whom were once well known in Pictou and Cumberland. One son, Simon, after long sailing out of Pictou to the West Indies and elsewhere, as a captain, served in the Texan war of independence, and obtained a large grant of land there. He persuaded his brother Thomas, then a promising lawyer in Cumberland, to remove thither, where he died, and his son was lately Secretary of that State.]

Philo Antiquarius says, "a vessel was launched from the point above the Gut in the year 1788," he does not say by whom, but the manner in which he speaks seems to imply, that it was the first built in the harbour, was built by Thomas Copeland, on the site of what is now Dr. Johnstons wharf--that she was what was called a snow, that is a two-masted vessel, with another small mast abaft the mainmast, to which a trysail was attached, and that the first built in the county, a schooner called the Ann, was built previously at Merigomish, for John Patterson. The date we cannot ascertain, but it must have been about this time. In a ledger of his in our possession, which however was not his first, we have "an account of things sent to the vessel, November 21st, 1789," so that it must have been built before that time, though probably not long. Farther on she is called "the schooner" and Jerry Palmer appears to have been the name of her first commander. Small vessels however were owned previously. In the year 1784, we find recorded a bill of sale to Hugh Dunoon from Barnabas McGee, of "the good shallop Nancy," and by the returns already quoted, Dr. Harris appears as owning a schooner or sloop in 1769, and Squire Patterson another in 1774.

About the same time arrived a number of persons, who occupied prominent places in connection with the early progress of Pictou, the most important of whom was Edward Mortimer, who is said to have arrived in 1788, but to whom we shall have occasion to refer fully in a subsequent chapter. Captain Lowden also at this time removed with his family to this country.

At this time also came the Copelands. Alexander and Thomas were brothers, natives of Castle Douglass, in the County of Dumfries, and for some time did business in Halifax. They brought out two cousins, Samuel and Nathaniel, also cousins of each other, whom they had in their employment. A story has been commonly told of their making money by purchasing at the sale of an American prize some kegs of nails, which, however, were found to contain dollars in the centre. Their descendants discredit this, and tell a story of an opposite character, viz., that during the American war, Halifax being menaced by some American armed vessels, which had plundered other places, they had buried their money in their garden, but afterward could not find it, and circumstances led them to suspect a neighboring family of having discovered their secret and stolen their treasure. This, and some other losses, led them to remove to Pictou, where they obtained the farm lot west of John Patterson's, including what has since been the western part of Abraham Patterson's farm and the lot of Matthew Patterson. They built a wharf at what has since been known as Smiths Wharf, the second in the town, and commenced business there. Alexander and Samuel (father of Robert S.) died in Pictou, the latter being the first buried in the Pictou cemetery, about the year 1807, the cemetery at Durham being previously used by all on the north side of the harbour. Their families removed to Merigomish, as did also Thomas and Nathaniel. They all settled on lands, which they had purchased from 82nd men, in most instances for a mere trifle.

About the same time came Robert Pagan. He was a son of John Pagan, already mentioned as one of the proprietors of the Philadelphia grant, and owner of the Hector. He was in Pictou as early as 1789. In that year we find a deed to himself and his brother Thomas, described as merchants, from Walter Patterson, Governor of P. E. Island, of "Lots 2, 3, 4 and 5 in the town of Coleraine," described as "beginning at a stake and pile of stones upon the shore or bank of the harbour of Pictou aforesaid, at the south-east corner of lot No. 1, in said town, and 117 feet east from the boundary line between lands granted to John Patterson, senr. of Pictou aforesaid, and the said town of Coleraine." This was at the head of the Mining Companys wharf and extending westerly to Chrichton's wharf, and his house was on the site of that recently occupied by Mr. Boggs. He married a daughter of Squire Patterson and engaged in business, but was not very successful. He was a man of excellent education, and filled several offices with credit, the highest being that of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He died 3rd December, 1812. None of his descendants are in the county.

Hugh Dunoon, after doing business in Halifax, removed to Pictou about the same time. He was a native of the parish of Killearnan, in the county of Inverness, of which parish his father and brother were successively ministers. He took up land on the East River, as early as 1784, and we find him soon living in Merigomish, where he had bought out the rights of some of the 82nd men. He built a mill on Hogans brook, the first in that part of the county, and carried on business there. He afterward removed to Pictou, where he lived about a mile below the town, where Mr. Fogo now resides. Subsequently he occupied a prominent place in the public affairs of the County, filling a number of offices. He was for many years a Judge of the Inferior Court, Deputy Registrar of Deeds, Collector of Customs and Custos of the District. He died the 24th March, 1836, aged 74.

John Dawson was here as early as 1791, his marriage having taken place in that year, but he will be more appropriately noticed elsewhere.

We give a plan of the town at this time, copied from one in the possession of the late Peter Crerar, Esq., which will exhibit at a glance its progress to this period.*
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[* For this plan we are indebted to the kindness of J. S. Arnison, Esq., Sandyford House, Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The date of it is not given, but it is before 1794 and after 1790.]

[*** Plan of Pictou Town About 1793 - illustration in book, not duplicated here ***]

In the meantime the rural settlements were receiving settlers, especially from the Highlands of Scotland, among whom we may mention Martin McDonald, who arrived in 1787, and settled at Knoydart, to which he gave the name from his native place; and Alex. McKenzie from near Inverness, who, after serving eight years in the army, settled with Archibald Cameron, on Irish Mountain, where they had been preceded by Patrick Finner, an Irishman.

In the year 1788 or 1789 came a number of Lowland Scotch, principally from Dumfries, who settled in various parts of the country. Among these may be mentioned John Cassidy, who settled on McLennan's Brook; William Munsie, who was the first settler on Green Hill, on the farm still occupied by his descendants; Robert Sturgeon, who settled on the south side of the hill; William Porter, who settled on the Middle River; John McGill, afterward of West River, and David McCoull, of Green Hill.

We may here give a notice of a visit to Pictou in the summer of 1787, of Sir John Wentworth, afterward Governor of the Province, and at that time Surveyor General of Woods and Forests in British America, as given in a letter of his, dated 19th January, 1788:

"Continued toward Miramichi, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Being overtaken with a hard gale of wind, and my boat, under 13 tons, unable to live in such cross-combing seas, we attempted Merigomish harbour in the night, and were soon on the sands; the tide rising we got off and rode out the night in a little pool between two reefs. The next day, at high water, we went over all into the harbour, which is very safe, and, with a pilot, of easy access for a ship of four or five hundred tons. Contrary winds detained me here and at Pictou (which is still a deeper harbour) for fourteen days, during which time I travelled into the woods from ten to twelve miles round, surveyed timber for the settlers and that proper to be reserved for His Majesty's service. In this district is some good pine timber, but the longest and best has been cut away by the Acadians and first English settlers, to whom that part of the country has been granted for some time. On the harbours and rivers of Merigomish and Pictou there was, formerly, the best growth of oak and pine; some still remains, and I have taken every measure to preserve the best of the latter, and have no doubt it will come into His Majesty's service, should any contract be extended to these Provinces.

"We sailed from Pictou the first possible moment, and met a very heavy sea, with which we contended until sunset, when the wind arose suddenly at southeast and obliged us to take shelter in Johns Harbour, to leeward of a rocky reef. We rode out the night, but at daylight were obliged to slip our cable, and run up the river, where the tide suddenly neaped on the change of the wind, and we were five days unloading provisions and ballast, perching out a channel, near five miles, and recovering the anchor. In this time I explored the adjacent woods, and found some good pine timber. Those unfit for the King's service I have granted license for to the settlers, who have promised to preserve those marked for reservation."

We have given the above for the purpose specially of noticing the claims, which it had long been attempted to maintain, of reserving the large timber for the use of the British Government. Wentworth had been Surveyor General of Woods for all the British Dominions in America, and till the commencement of the American Revolutionary War, residing in New Hampshire; after that he retained the same office in the remaining British Provinces. The attempts to enforce this claim had produced great disturbance in the old colonies, and was one of the causes of the discontent, which led to their separation from the mother country. In this Province it had been a hindrance to its settlement, as it had been necessary to communicate with him in New Hampshire, as Governor Legge complained, before grants were issued to settlers. Yet, notwithstanding these things, and the utter absurdity of expecting settlers to clear their land and leave the big trees standing, Wentworth came to Nova Scotia, seeming to regard it almost as the chief end of his creation, to enforce this and every other arbitrary claim, that had ever been set up on behalf of the crown. As late as the year 1804, we find timber seized as cut in violation of this claim, and only released on the parties paying a certain sum as damages, and instructions issued that "the timber be surveyed on their lots, and such as are fit for masts, yards or bowsprits marked 'I. A W.,' also some of the best to cut into planks for the King's service. These to be faithfully preserved, then the rest to be free to the party."

Again, in the year 1806, we find timber seized, which, however, Wentworth instructed his agents to release on the party paying the sum of 12 pounds, "which sum is to be applied, under your care and direction, toward building a bridge at the head of Carriboo River, on the new road now to be made leading from Pictou to Carriboo Harbor."

We do not know that this claim was ever directly abandoned. To a very late period surveyors, in making their return of the survey of Crown lands, were accustomed to report that there was no timber upon it fit for the use of His Majesty's navy. But no such old fossil as Wentworth ever governed us again, and it died a natural death.

In the summer of 1791 arrived two vessels loaded with emigrants, mostly Roman Catholics, from the Western Islands of Scotland. They arrived so late in the season that few could provide houses for their families before winter. The old settlers, at the solicitation of their pastor, received them with the most open-hearted hospitality. Hundreds of them received the best shelter that the inhabitants could afford--such as could pay, at a very moderate price, and they that could not, for nothing. For a time they commenced settling in Pictou, and a number of them went to hear Dr. McGregor preach, but Priest McEachran came over from Prince Edward Island and persuaded them to go beyond the reach of Protestant influence. They accordingly left their settlements in Pictou, some of them with great reluctance, and took up land along the Gulf shore, a few in Pictou county, but the majority in Antigonish county. Some, however, went to Cape Breton. Among this class there is cherished to this day a fervent and grateful recollection of the kindness of Dr. McGregor and his people. But the Dr. complained that they proved dangerous guests, by foolish and profane conversation, and particularly by their tales of superstition, and that the evil influence of such close intercourse with them was felt upon his congregation long after.

A few of these, however, were Protestants, or became so, and settled permanently in the county. Among these may be mentioned John McKinnon, Lauchlan McLean, Angus McQuarrie, and Alexander McMillan, and others, who settled on the east branch of East River. All was woods above what is now Samuel Camerons place, except where Charles McIntosh, who had settled where David McIntosh now lives, and on the west side, where John Fraser, who had come from Strathspey in 1788, had commenced. There was only a blaze to the lower settlement. The salmon in the river were still exceedingly plentiful, and gaspereaux so abundant that as many as fifteen barrels were taken in a single night, which they often were not able to use for want of salt. Such was the difficulty of obtaining other conveniences, that they were obliged in summer to carry their produce on their backs to New Glasgow, and thence transport it by means of canoes to Pictou; or, in winter, drag it on hand sleds the whole distance. There they sometimes had to give a bushel of wheat in exchange for a bushel of salt. They adopted another plan, however, of getting their pork to market. They drove the animals to Fishers Grant, where they obtained the use of a slaughter house, and then butchering them, they disposed of the meat to the merchants for such goods as they required.

James Grant, who had originally settled at what is now called Grahams Pond, Carriboo, was induced by the settlers, who wanted a grist mill, to move up. He erected the first grist mill in the settlement, a little below the site of the mills, since occupied by his sons and grandsons, near Springville. The first mill above Springville was erected at Sunny Brae, by Hugh Fraser, about 1805, where the mill still is.

There was then no church, and preaching was, in winter time, in houses, particularly Charles McIntosh's, and in summer, when the weather was wet, in barns, but when fine, by the river side. The first church was built at Grants Lake, to accommodate both branches of the river, and was of logs.

Such was the progress of settlement that in that year the population of Pictou was estimated at 1,300 souls. In the first settlement every man was obliged to act as artizan for his own family. Now, however, mechanics were attracted, who attended to their own employments. The increased population created a demand for various articles which led to trade. Roads, as they were called, were opened, though as yet none of them was fit for a wheel carriage, being mere bridle paths. The price of land increased, and farms partially made brought what would now be considered fair prices.

In May 1792, Wentworth became Lieut.-Governor of the Province, and that summer visited various portions of the province. His visit to Pictou is thus noticed in Murdoch's history: "Friday, Sept. 21, Lieut.-Governor Wentworth sailed in the armed schooner Diligent, for Pictou, having gone on board under a salute of thirteen guns. He arrived at Pictou, on the evening of Wednesday, the 3rd of October, and landed on the 4th. He received an address, signed by 30 persons. They stated that 500 men there had agreed to work on the road to Halifax. He returned by land by way of Musquodoboit, and it was stated that the road from Pictou to Musquodoboit was now open for horses and cattle." William Fraser (surveyor) says of this visit, that he came to Pictou, bringing plenty of provisions, axes and hoes, bought with the proceeds of a Government lottery, and that the new settlers were called to meet at William McKay's, for the purpose of receiving them according to their need.

There seems to have been at this time much ado about this road. After His Excellency's return to Halifax he and his lady gave a ball and supper, described in the gazette of the day, as "altogether the most brilliant and sumptuous entertainment ever given in this country." The writer adds, "Among other ornaments, which were altogether superb, there were exact representations of Messrs. Hartshorne & Tremaine's new flour-mill and of the wind-mill on the common. The model of the new light-house, at Shelburne, was incomparable, and the tract of the new road from Pictou was delineated in the most ingenious and surprising manner, as was the representation of our fisheries," & c. Haliburton in his history also says, under the year 1792, "Great Pictou road opened," and has been followed by others.

The idea of a shorter route from Halifax to Pictou than by Truro has been often entertained. At a later period Sir James Kempt projected one by Stewiacke, Middle River, and Loch Broom. It seems that at this time the plan of a road by Musquodoboit had been so far carried out, that cattle and horses could pass over it. But, strange to say, for a length of time we could not find, even among our oldest inhabitants, any person who knew anything about this great road. It is, however, noticed in the early county records as the Governors Road. The fact is, that notwithstanding the great flourish of trumpets about the opening of it, nothing more was done to it, and the old route by Truro continued to be the one generally used.

Hitherto Pictou formed a part of the district of Colchester or Cobyquid, as it was commonly called, and all its municipal business was transacted at Onslow, where the Court of Sessions met. There was also the place of holding the poll, for the election of representatives. The increase of population, and the inconvenience of attending such a distance, led the inhabitants of Pictou, to petition to be relieved from attendance there. Accordingly in this year an act of the Legislature was passed, forming Pictou into a separate district, defining its boundaries as we have already given them, and appointing the Court of General Sessions of the Peace and Inferior Court of ComPleas, to bmon e held at Walmsley, on the 3rd Tuesday of January and 3rd Tuesday of July. It was also ordered, that a poll should be opened here, on the occasion of the election of representatives for the County of Halifax.

The changes which this introduced we shall notice hereafter. In the meantime we give a copy of Deacon Patterson's account of charges and receipts for the poor of the district at this period:

The spelling of our worthy grandfather is not always in accordance with Johnston or Webster, but as we like originality, we have given it in its primitive form. The logs of timber used in payment of poor tax would seem rather a cumbrous currency. When the poor asked for bread, to give them a stick of wood, scarcely seemed Christian charity. It does not appear that the district was very prompt in meeting his expenditures, but he has left a name behind him, especially for kindness to the poor.