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// MISSION OF ST, PATRICK GRAND RIVER WEST

mission was first settled in 1790 by twenty eight Highland families from Barra

the Hebrides or Western Islands of Scotland. These men were tenants of McNeil of Barre a Cdlonist who after vainly endeavouring toinoculata> his tenantry with the tenets of his new religion, becamecso arbitrary and despotic that he forbade their erecting a new church notwithstanding the fact that their old one was insufficient to accomodate the congregation. Four men who were delegated to choose a site for the proposed church. whilst proceeding with their duty met

the laird going his rounds. An argument ensued which terminated in a decided quarrel. this was on the 9th March 1790, and on the following day all McNeils Catholic tenants gave him notice that they had decided to give up their holdings and leave the country. They went to Tobermory in the Island of Mull and laid their case before Bishop McDonald who happened to be there at the time and who gave them a letter to Colonel Frazer in Edinburgh. This officer was much inter- ested in promoting emigration to Nova Scotia and promised them a ship to convey them to that country if they could muster three hundred and fifty emigrants.

The required number was made up by the addition of some families from Uistt

and from the Mainlands. They sailed from Tobermory in the “Queen of Greenock“ early in July 1799. Their charter was for Louisburg, Cape Beeton. but a violent storm overtaking them at Cape North. they were obliged to change their course. After being out eight weeks, the passengers became disheatted and, takingwcouneel among themselves, drew up a petition which was signed by all the heads of families on board. begging the Captain to put them ashore on the first land he caught sight. This happened to be Pointe de Roche near Savage Harbour in Prince

Edward Island Opposite which the "Queen of Greenock' anchored.

Alexander McKinnon of Barra who had been the man to do battle with the laird

for the rights of his fellow countrymen, and who had taken a leading part in

the imigration. was. almost the only man of the band who spoke English. he and