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which you will perceive that it is my intention to have the lands distributed in townships contain- ing lots of 120 acres, which will be useful to you as a general answer to applications which may probably be made for particular spots or quantities of land.

Capt. Laforce, Capt. Sherwood and others skilled in land, and the principles of colonization accompany Mr. Collins. They have also a number of men in order to cut down and square timber to make a beginning; and it is very probable that some of them may choose to winter there Should that be the case, I wish them to set down upon the ground intended for the town, and small lots to be given to tliem on the common in order to clear it as soon as possible. Any person so settling may obtain leases for thirty \ears (as expressed in the instructions) but if they should not choose to take leases upon those terms, and notwithstanding to hut themselves for thei winter, they must sign agreements to relinquish their lots whenever they shall be required so to 0.

You will give the necessary directions for victualling the Loyalists that accompany Mr. Collins, and as they are chiefly artificers, such of them as shall not he. wanted on the survey, you will employ as you shall see necessary in forwarding the establishment of the post. Any tools, nails, etc., that they may want you will supply, if you have them, or otherwise by requisition to Carleton Island, from any department where they are to be found.

I am, sir, etc., F. I'IALDIMAND.

Quebec, the 11th September, 1783. JOHX COLLINS, Esq, Sir:—

It being my intention to establish the settlements for the provision of part of the distressed Loyalists resorting to this Province at or in the neighborhood of Cataraqui upon Lake Ontario, you are hereby required and directed to proceed to that place, without loss of time, for the purpose of surveying and laying out the several lands in townships and lots agreeable to the following instructions:

lst. You will make an exact survey of the neck intended for the town plot describing and expressing the nature of the ground and soil and if Point Frede1itk is not commanded from Point Henry, on both which places sufficient spaces for a justification must. be 1eserv ed

2nd. As the west side of Cataraq ui Harbor, the ground near the I01t and within the lines (as marked in the plan A B C) must remain to the Crown for the use of the Garrison and as a place of resort for the Indians, where some of the most noted might be allowed to build, reserving sufficient space round the ships (where vessels were formerly constructed) unincumbered with buildings.

3rd. Tho’ a common containing about 400 acres, must be reserved for the use of the town, leases may be given for a term of years not exceeding thirty years, to settle there, as the people for the present will be glad to be as near the town as possible and the common will be clear by the time the town will be in want of it.

4th. The method of laying out the townships of six miles square, I consider the best to be followed, as the people to be settled there, are most used to it, and will best answer the proportion of lands. I propose to grant to each family, \‘iz.: 120 acres of which six are to be in front which will make 19 chains in front and ()3 chains and 25 links in depth, so that every township will have 25 lots in front, and 4 chains 75 links will remain for roads, with seven concessions in depth, 58 links will remain for a road by which distribution each township will contain 175 lots of 120 acres.

For your assistance in the execution of this business you will be joined at Montreal by Captain Reuben Sherwood, and Lieut. Kotte, and also by Mr. Grass, Captain of one of the com- panies of Militia intended for that settlement, and these gentlemen will be attended with axemen, etc. , proper for the occasion.

You will begin your survey by a township on each side of the bay and transmit it to me tog ether with your remarks, reporting to me in the like manner from time to time the progress you shall make

As it is not improbable that in exploring these lands, some of the persons emplm ed may make choice of palticular situations, and make preparations accordingly to prevent which, you are to signify to them that my intehtions are to distribute the lots impartially by drawing for them and that all timber cut down this fall on any loghouses they may choose to make and reside 1n until the settlements shall be regularly granted, will not be considered as any right of such persons but entirely as a temporary beginning and should any of them prefer remaining there this winter to returning to Sorel, may have lots of 4 acres marked out for them in the Common which they will enjoy for 30 years as beforementioned, by which means whatever work is done will forward the clearing of the Common and before the public good.