SIR ALLAN MACNAB. 69 



ing man, his countenance strongly indicative 

 of that intelligence and resolution which he is 

 known in an eminent degree to possess. In 

 the shortest interview one discovers in him the 

 well-bred and accomplished gentleman. The 

 interest he has taken and the services he has 

 rendered in the affairs of Canada, have raised 

 his character so high, that any eulogium from 

 me might be deemed presumptuous. Suffice 

 it to allude to the presence of mind, promp 

 titude and energy with which, two years 

 ago, he led out the militia force which he 

 commands, and saved Toronto and its neigh 

 bourhood from being sacked and burnt by 

 a numerous body of rebels, when all the re 

 gular troops had been withdrawn to the lower 

 province. 



I was hospitably entertained at the house of 

 Sir Allan, and had the honour of an introduc 

 tion to Lady Macnab and his family. In 

 conversation with him on the objects of my in 

 quiry, he informed me that, eleven years ago, 

 Hamilton consisted of a single house, and the 

 country all around was a dense forest. It now 

 contains 2000 inhabitants, and cultivation has 



