The difference between the French and British in Canada, as to religion, language and laws, was so great that, although efforts were earnestly made to unite the two races, the divergence of views continued to increase. And the result was, that a Bill was introduced into the Imperial Parliament, by the Government, which duly became law.

On Friday, 4th March, 1791 Mr. Chancellor Pitt moved, “that His Majesty’s message concerning the New Constitution for Quebec might be read. It was read accordingly.”

“George R.—​His Majesty thinks it proper to acquaint the Commons, that it appears to His Majesty, that it would be for the benefit of His Majesty’s subjects in the Province of Quebec, that the same should be divided into separate provinces, to be called the Province of Upper Canada and the Province of Lower Canada; and that it is accordingly his Majesty’s intention so to divide the same, whenever His Majesty shall be enabled by Act of Parliament to establish the necessary regulations for the government of the said Provinces. His Majesty therefore recommends this object to the consideration of this House,” &c., &c. The discussion which arose in connection with the passage of this Bill was of unusual interest, and produced that historic scene between Burke and Fox, during which “tears trickled down the cheeks” of the latter, as “he strove in vain to give utterance to feelings that dignified and exalted his nature.” The Bill passed its third reading on the 18th May.

At this time there were distributed along the St. Lawrence, the Bay of Quinté, Niagara frontier, Amherstburgh, with the French settlement on the Thames, and the Indians at Grand River, about 20,000 souls, or double the number, who came at the first as refugees, and disbanded soldiers.

For a list of the Governors of Upper Canada see Appendix.

CHAPTER LVIII.

Contents—​Simcoe—​His arrival in Canada—​Up the St. Lawrence—​An old house—​“Old Breeches’ River”—​Simcoe’s attendants—​The old veterans—​“Good old cause”—​“Content”—​Toasting—​Old officers—​Executive Council of Upper Canada—​First entry—​Simcoe inducted to office—​Religious ceremony—​“The proceedings”—​Those present—​Oath of office—​Organization of Legislative Council—​Assembly—​Issuing writs for elections—​Members of Council—​Simcoe’s difficulty—​At Kingston—​Division of Province—​The Governor’s officers—​Rochfoucault upon Simcoe—​Simcoe’s surroundings—​His wife—​Opening Parliament in 1795—​Those present—​Retinue—​Dress—​The nineteen counties—​Simcoe’s designs—​Visit of the Queen’s father—​At Kingston—​Niagara—​A war dance.

ORGANIZATION OF THE UPPER CANADA GOVERNMENT BY SIMCOE, 1792.

Colonel John Graves Simcoe, the pioneer Governor of Upper Canada, and the Lieutenant-Governor under Lord Dorchester, entered upon the duties of his office, July 8, 1792.

His arrival in Canada was signalled by much rejoicing, as he passed along in a fleet of bark canoes from Lower Canada, by the St. Lawrence. A writer, in 1846, relates some interesting facts respecting this passage. He speaks of one house then remaining in Johnstown, which remained in all its original proportions. “It is built in the Dutch style, with sharp-pointed roof, and curious gables.” This house was framed of oak of the finest growth; and, considering that it has been drawn from lot to lot, until it has traveled almost the entire extent of the bay, (at Johnston) within the last half century, it certainly is a remarkable edifice. It is now a hostelrié, as it has always been, and no sign of repentance can be yet seen in its huge sign-board, exhibited at the top of a taper pine, on which some cunning disciple of Michael Angelo, hath depicted a tolerably sized square, and a pair of exquisitely expansive compass, striding classically, in imitation of the Collosus of Rhodes, with the staring capitals of “Live and let live—​St. John’s Hall—​Peace and plenty to all mankind”—​thrown in as a sort of relief to the compass, and as a sweet inducement to the weary and dust-begrimmed traveler to walk in, and make himself as comfortable as the little peculiarities of the lazy-eyed landlord, and the singular temperament of the land-lady, will allow.