[m'lachlan] FLEUFIY MESPLET, FIRST PRINTER AT MONTREAL 20l 



be siiiïicicnt. for his encoiiragement. No doubt the old English, as well 

 f.s colonial, antipathy for the French remained and so stood in his 

 way that he was unable to secure a remunerative run of customers. 

 Therefore, early in 1T75, perhaps in January, l)ut in any case not later 

 than February, he started hurriedly on a prospecting journey to Quebec, 

 leaving his wife behind and his aiïairs in Philadelphia in a most un- 

 satisfactory state. Through exposure to the cold during the tedious 

 winter's journey he fell sick which, together with his embarrassed finan- 

 cial condition and the suspicion with which he, as a Frenchman, was 

 looked upon by the British authorities, caused him much pain and 

 uneasiness. 



On the 29th of j\Iarcli Charles Berger wrote from Philadelphia a 

 most friendly letter ^ expressing the greatest interest in his welfare, 

 while at the same time upbraiding him for not at least saying good-by 

 before leaving, and also for not having settled with his former partner. 

 He had found it necessary to secure the type at Miller's by paying 'the 

 amount due him, and to secrete it, together with his other effects ; so 

 that they should be safe from threatened seizure by the partner. Berger 

 also paid a quarter's rent due by ]\[esplet which, with the amount paid 

 to Miller and other debts, came to a total of $350. In this letter he 

 expressed a hope that Mesplet might be able to make arrangements with 

 seme one at Quebec to supply sufficient capital to set up a successful 

 printing office there, promising in a most friendly spirit, to forward 

 his printing plant as well as his wife to Quebec, or to honour his draft 

 for funds necessary for his return trip. Further, he asked Mesplet 

 to learn all he could regarding the sentiments of the Canadians towards 

 the separation movement from Great Britain, for which, as the letter 

 claims, his superior intelligence rendered him well fitted. It will thus 

 be seen that ]\re3plet had deeper ends in view than setting up a press 

 in Quebec. 



It seems he was not successful in his efforts to find a capitalist 

 ready to set him up, and no doubt found the people either ignorant of 

 or indifferent to the benefits set forth in the republican propaganda to 

 the south. In any case he did not remain long in Quebec, for he had 

 again started printing in Philadelphia before the close of 1775,2 as it 

 would have been difficult for him to get through the lines after the 

 breaking out of hostilities, we may conclude that he had reached 

 Philadelphia not later than June or July. 



' See appendix C No. 1. 

 ' See appendix A Nos. 3-6. 



Sec. II., 190G. 14 



