[coyNe] THE TALBOT PAPERS); Al 
Watson had been authorized by the Governor-in-Council to lay out 
a road in Westminster and place on each side of it settlers he was to 
bring from Lower Canada. Watson, however, maintained that no lim- 
itation had been imposed as to the origin of his settlers, until Colonel 
Talbot, who was to certify to their character and fitness, notified him 
that none from the United States should be admitted. Watson further 
asserted that he had travelled 700 miles through the States collecting his 
immigrants, 300 of whom he claimed were ready to come in and pay him 
$100 each when settled, or the difference between $100 and the Govern- 
ment fees of $37.50. Talbot’s prohibition meant ruin to him. He charged 
Colonel Talbot with duplicity in having intimated that no objection 
would be raised to the right class from the States. The Colonel 
admitted that he had spoken loosely, inconsiderately and without author- 
ity, but was determined to exclude all settlers from the United States. 
In this he was supported by the Executive. The result was a series 
of stormy interviews, letters and urgent and emphatic memorials. Tal- 
bot ordered Watson out of his house, and threatened to deliver his 
answer by the constable, if Watson intruded again. Watson, whose 
reason would appear to have been quite unsettled by brooding over his 
grievance, answered by threats against the Colonel’s life. The Execu- 
tive took action forthwith to put him under bonds to keep the peace. 
His grant was rescinded, except as Lo settlers from Lower Canada who 
might come in during 1811. When the war broke out, Watson, with 
some other settlers in Delaware and Westminster, including one West- 
brook, joined the enemy. A detachment of Hull’s army of invasion 
penetrated to Westminster in July, 1812, and threatened the Talbot 
settlement. Watson and Westbrook were with them, assisting with 
their local knowledge. About the beginning of August, Watson. nar- 
rowly escaped capture at Allan’s house in Westminster at the hands of 
Col. Bostwick and Wm. Hamilton Merritt with a few militia under their 
charge. 
Colonel Talbot commanded the militia of the London and Western 
Districts during the war. With them he was at the battle of Lundy’s 
Lane and Fort Erie. He was energetic in forwarding, and to some 
extent, in furnishing supplies. As commanding officer he was in con- 
stant correspondence with the civil and military authorities, and many 
of his letters are preserved. He directed for a time the patrol service 
near Port Dover, but can hardly be called a conspicuous figure in the 
war. It is significant that while there was doubt about the loyalty of 
many parts of the province, there was none respecting the loyalty of 
Talbot’s settlers. 
