The work done by his Department from 1780 to 1801 is on record in Quebec , Ottawa and Toronto , but the record is not complete. Descendants of Major Holland have contributed many of the old documents that appear in this sketch, also the portraits. Other documents have been obtained from the government offices at Quebec , Ottawa, Charlottetown and Toronto . The reports and letters have been arranged chronologically as a rule, and have been given in full, as they give an insight into the life of the men themselves, and the manners and politics of the times. There are many blanks in the sketch, which some future historians may supply, but it will require the pen of a Parkman to do justice to the romantic career of Major Holland . It is regrettable that a complete statement could not be given of Major Holland 's children and grandchildren. Many of his descendants are now on Prince Edward Island , but the majority have scattered over the continent. The portraits of the Major and of his three sons are vouched for by three of their descendants. The portrait in the Reference Library , Toronto , pur¬ porting to be that of Major Samuel Holland , is unquestionably that of his son Frederick Braham . The view of " Holland House " was taken after the Major had added the cupola to the old French manor house. The Dominion Archives, Ottawa, fur¬ nished this drawing. Willis Chipman . Toronto , October 8th, 1923. MAJOR SAMUEL HOLLAND , Our First Surveyor- General. Life in the Low Countries, 1728-1755. To escape persecution for their religious convictions, thousands of dissenters left the shores of England during the reigns of James I and Charles I. Many of these emigrants took up their abode in Holland, only a day's sail distant across the , where freedom of worship could be enjoyed. Those of more adventurous spirit made their way to the plantations in America. During the Commonwealth many of the refugees on the Continent returned to England , and their former persecutors became another stream of emigrants to and Spain. At the Restoration the tables were again turned and the patriots of yesterday became the traitors of to-day. Among those who took an active part in the deposition of Charles I was Cornelius Holland , but for some reason his signature was not affixed to the writ of execution. Upon the return of Charles II in 1660, he retired to Holland never to return. Samuel Jan Hollandt was born in 17281 at or near Nimwegan (or Nymegen), 'Descendants of Major Holland have records to show that he was born in 1717, but they are not confirmed by any evidence. His burial at Quebec in 1801 is recorded at the English Church Cathedral, his age being given as 73 years. As his widow and several children were then living, there can be little doubt as to the correctness of his age as given. Upon receiving a copy of this record, however, the church authorities were written to again for confirmation, which was given after careful scrutiny of the original church record.