BO ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 
XXIX.—Pustic DUTIEs. 
The Colonel was not enthusiastic in his devotion to his somewhat 
numerous public duties. He was Lieutenant for the County of Middle- 
sex in 1804. A member of the Legislative Council of the Province 
since the year 1809, it is doubtful if he ever took his seat. A Justice of 
the Peace, he took his place at the Quarter Sessions at Charlotteville for 
one day in 1806, but there is no record of his doing so afterwards. In the 
following year he was appointed one of the four members of the Court 
of Request for the County of Middlesex; but there is no record of his 
having officiated, as far as published accounts go. It was doubtless 
on his advice that during this year Ebenezer Green was named Constable 
for Dunwich and Aldborough; in 1808, John Quick, Constable of Dun- 
wich, and Samuel Guarnsey, collector; and in 1809, Joseph Smith, 
Constable for Dunwich. As magistrate, Talbot never issued a summons 
or warrant. His admirer, Colonel George Munro,’ accounts for the fact 
partly by the conspicuous morality of the settlers, and partly by the 
Colonel’s kindness of heart. An additional cause is probably to be 
found in less laudable idiosyncrasies, and especially in his indifference 
and aloofness. 
In 1826 Talbot, Burwell, Hamilton, Charles Ingersoll and John 
Matthews were appointed by statute Commissioners for the purpose of 
erecting the London Gaol and Court House, and to levy a rate therefor. 
The Court House is still used for its original purpose. In its original 
construction its general outlines conformed to those of the Castle of 
Malahide. 
An ardent Tory of the old school, before the days of responsible 
government, he did not condescend to vote personally at elections. This 
may have been owing to his position as a Legislative Councillor, but 
it was more likely owing to his peculiar temperament. The intensity 
of his views on political questions was, however, well known and tended 
to produce in his pugnacious Highland neighbours an equal if not 
greater fervoun of opinion in the opposite direction. It is significant, 
but not perhaps to be wondered at, that the Scotch township of Dun- 
wich in which he lived is to-day the most strongly Liberal township 
in the county. There are streets in which for miles every voter, until 
a recent period at all events, cast his ballot on that side. On the other 
hand, it is equally significant that the southern portion, including Port 
Talbot, is to this day strongly Conservative. This section contains 
descendants of the original immigrants from Pennsylvania who came 
in 1809 and 1810, and who experienced special kindness and hospitality 
at his hands. 
1]n letters to the press of St. Thomas, several years ago. 


