68 THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



was transferred from Detroit to Niagara. John Smith was Major of 

 this Regiment, and his son, David William Smith, was Lieutenant. 

 Smith appointed his old friend, John Askin, of Detroit, as his election 

 agent, and it is to him that the three letters are addressed. The letter 

 of 14th August contains this sentence, which seems to state that the 

 Detroit election came first and that he did not decide to stand for 

 that riding. 



" Perhaps I should have done better to have set up for one of the 

 seats in Detroit, as I hear only of Mr, Macomb, who is to be proposed; 

 but I did not then know they would be entitled to vote; besides, were 

 I thrown out on the 20th I might have had a chance on the 28th." 



Hei-e follow the letters: — 



Niagara, 26 July, 1792. 



My Dear Sir: — The governor's proclamations are arrived, divid- 

 ing the upper country. The N. county is called Essex, and is bounded 

 on the east by the carrying place from Point au Pins to the river La 

 Tranche (Thames) ; bounded on the south by Lake Erie, and on the 

 west by the River Detroit to Maisonville's mill; from thence by a line 

 running parallel to the River Detroit and Lake St. Clair, at the distance 

 of four miles, until it reaches the River La Tranche, thence up the said 

 river to where the carrying place from Point au Pins strikes that river. 

 This said county of Essex, with the adjoining county of Suffolk (in 

 which there are no inhabitants) sends one member. Those who have 

 certificates (for lands) only, I understand, can vote. This tract com- 

 prehends the new settlers on lake Erie who have generally certificates, 

 Monforton's, company who have none, except they have received 

 them since my departure, and Maisonville's company to the mill; in 

 this last space, there are inhabitants on 12 acres front just above the 

 church, who will vote by reason of their having French deeds "en 

 roture," and those settled on the south side of River La Tranche, a 

 few of whom have certificates, and where I, myself, am a freeholder. 



This damned election business seems to bind me to the county, 

 for you know I am not fond of deserting any cause I undertake, and 

 that of the public is most dear to me. Should I be returned without 

 an undue election or the appearance of party or bribery, I shall be 

 most happy, and in that case, I beg an ox be roasted whole on the 

 common, and a barrel of rum to be given to the mob, to wash down the 

 beef. You will draw on me for the amount. I should have great 

 pleasure in helping to frame laws for lands which I have had so much 

 pleasure in laying out. Mr. Pollard, who was appointed sheriff, is 

 returning officer. The writs are issued this day and i-eturnable the 

 12th September. I depend a good deal on your goodness, favor and 

 affection in this business, and hope I need not make many apologies 



