I conversed on the subject, rejected my insinuations with disdain, and would hear nothing against this "great public benefactor." He was in truth, the idol of the people; and I do not doubt, that any imputation upon the character of our blessed Saviour would have been much more favourably received, by several of them, than the slightest objection to that political madman. The consequence of this universal infatuation was, that many of the most respectable persons in the province cultivated an intimate acquaintance with Gourlay; in which, I am convinced, they were not under the influence of any disloyal or disaffected views. When, therefore, he was banished from the country, in a very unconstitutional manner, his acquaintance, most of whom were officers in the militia and justices of the peace, were to a man deprived of their commissions, for the simple crime of having associated with Mr. Gourlay. All these men, as it is generally allowed, were before this event as faithful subjects of his Majesty as any in the country, and had given ample proof of their loyalty in the recent combat with the United States: This, however, is a character, which, I venture to predict, they will not continue to maintain. Oppressive treatment will alienate even the affections of a child from its parent; and the arbitrary measures of a government professing to be free, especially when such measures are directed against innocent and unoffending individuals, must infallibly weaken the loyalty of a spirited and independent subject.

If another war were to break out between Great Britain and the United States, I greatly fear that these discarded officers, with many thousands of the people in Upper Canada, would warmly resent the indignity which they have suffered, by "shewing a pair of fair heels" to the British Government, and enlisting under the banner of the hostile power. Among other very unpopular acts of the present Lieutenant Governor, this is one which is the most revolting to the Canadians.

END OF VOLUME THE FIRST.

James Nichols, Printer, 22, Warwick-Square, London.