SECTION II,, 1912. | [11] Trans. R. S.C. 
A Study of Disaffection in Upper Canada in 1812-5. 
By Coronet E. A. CRUIKSHANK. 
(Read May 15, 1912). 
Travellers from the United States who visited Upper Canada 
during the first decade of the nineteenth century generally agreed in 
reporting that they had observed among the inhabitants “a determined 
partiality to the United States and a decided and almost avowed 
hostility to the British Government.” One of these, Christian Schultz, 
related that while he was in a tavern at Niagara in 1807, he heard a 
man say in the presence of ten or twelve others who gave no sign of 
disapproval that “if Congress will only send us a flag and a proclama- 
tion declaring that whoever is found in arms against the United States 
shall forfeit his lands, we will fight ourselves free without any expense 
to them.” 
War was then believed to be almost inevitable in consequence of 
the collision between the frigates Leopard and Chesapeake. 
Indeed, Lieutenant Governor Gore wrote officially to Sir James 
Craig about the same time :— 
“I think I may venture to state that the generality of the inhabi- 
tants from Kingston to the borders of the lower province may be 
depended upon, but I cannot venture to assert from the industry that 
has been used by certain characters now and lately in the province 
that the inhabitants about the seat of this government, Niagara and 
Long Point are equally to be relied on. I have also to observe that 
excepting the inhabitants of Glengarry and those persons who served 
in the American War and their descendants, which form a considerable 
body of men, the residue of the inhabitants of this colony consist 
chiefly of persons who have emigrated from the States of America, 
and of consequence retain those ideas of equality and insubordination 
much to the prejudice of this government so prevalent in that country.” 
Of these immigrants a majority had certainly been allured by the 
promise of free grants of fertile lands, but no small number had fled to 
escape punishment for their crimes or to evade the pursuit of their 
creditors. Among the latter were at least two politicians of some 
note, Barnabas Bidwell and Garnett.’ It was also estimated that more 
1 “Barnabas Bidwell was made member of Congress, Attorney General and 
Treasurer of Berkshire and at the time of his exit was heir presumptive to Gerry’s 
governorship and if he had not chosen to change relations, he would undoubtedly 
have received the judgeship Judge Story now enjoys.’’—Salem Gazette, March 3, 1814. 
