Visit of Sir George Arthur to Galt in 1859—Rather a cool reception—First Durham Meeting said to have been held in Galt—Memorable Meeting in Dundas—Procession from Dumfries and Galt—Speeches by Messrs. Burnett and Benn—The struggle ends in the triumph of Responsible Government—Dinner to the Hon. Wm. Dickson in Galt—Full report of his speech—The other guests present—First Agricultural Society— Its Officers—1840—The Rev. Dean Boomer—Galt Society in a flutter over a dashing young Englishman—The Western Advertiser that never appeared—The Knights of the Round Table—A most heartless swindle.

The representatives of royalty who have visited Galt have been few and far between. During 1839, however, Sir George Arthur made a tour to certain parts of the Province. Among the places visited by him was Galt, Sir George and his suite came down from Guelph, and as the excitement of the Rebellion had not yet entirely passed away, it was desired by some of the leading villagers to make the reception of Her Majesty’s representative as cordial as possible.

The vice-regal party put up at the Queen’s Arms Hotel, then kept by Mr. Thomas G. Chapman. When the people from the surrounding country had assembled, which they did in large numbers, an address was presented to Sir George Arthur by Mr. Shade on behalf of the people of the locality, whilst an anvil and sundry pine logs, in the absence of cannon, were pressed into duty to fire an appropriate salute. His Excellency stood on the steps of the hotel, and Mr. Chapman held an umbrella over his head, during the reply to the address, which was of a gracious and ^conciliatory character. He expressed himself well pleased with the fertility of the country, and was very complimentary in his references to the village, the beauty of its situation having particularly attracted his attention.

It is said on reliable authority, that His Excellency was not received very cordially by the bulk of his auditors; so much, indeed, was this the case, that when the procession of farmers in their waggons accompanied him as far as the toll-gate on his way to Dundas, although some flags were flying, yet when Sir George stood up in his .carriage, with head uncovered, whilst the teams turned down the road towards Preston, not a cheer was uttered, nor scarcely a hat lifted in reply! This was hardly good manners, but is said to have been intended to show, that whilst the people honoured Her Majesty’s representative, they did not feel much respect for Sir George himself on account of his opposition to political reforms, and his unbending attitude towards Lount and Matthews, and others who had been concerned in the late rising.

The farmers of Dumfries and Waterloo gained one advantage by this visit. Sir George Arthur was greatly pleased with the large and powerful horses he saw them driving, and there being a very considerable force of British troops in the Province at the time, horses were very much in request for military service. On the recommendation of Sir George, army officers shortly afterwards arrived in Galt, and bought up quite a number of fine animals.

Lord Durham was appointed Her Majesty’s Lord High Commissioner to Canada in May, 1838, to inquire into its political grievances. Immediately on his arrival, he took every opportunity to ascertain the opinions of the people, and an era of petitions and public meetings, chiefly asking for Responsible Government, speedily ensued. Dumfries was one of the first localities in the Province to move. Petitions were soon drawn up and numerously signed in favour of the introduction of Responsible Government, the disconnection of Church and State, and the long agitated reform of abuses.

When the contents of Lord Durham’s famous report became known, it is claimed that the first Durham meeting (the name which all these meetings went by), was held in Galt. It is believed it took place on the April fair day, 1839, and was called, in the not unusual way for those times, by sending a bellman round the y streets to make the announcement. It took place in the Township Hall, Mr. David Thornton being chairman. The speech of the occasion was made by Mr. Burnett, and all the resolutions, which had been drafted in “Liberty Cottage,” already referred to, were declared carried. Indeed, there was no open opposition, but political opponents were ready enough to declare that sufficient notice had not been given, and that it was, in fact, a hole-and-corner affair.

The greatest of all the Durham meetings held in this part of Upper Canada, came off during the summer at Dundas. There was an immense attendance, many persons being present from distant parts. Galt and Dumfries were largely represented, and the procession of teams which went down was over one mile long. The foremost waggon contained Messrs. David Potter, Thomas Dalgliesh, Alex. Burnett, Arthur Burnett, Thomas Veitch, James Oliver, Andrew Elliott and Duncan Shepherd. Paul Huffman painted the Galt flags, which were tastefully done. At Flamboro’ they were met by the Reformers of Dundas, with a fine band and splendid blue silk banner, who accompanied them to the place selected for the meeting.

The Hon. James Crooks was chairman, and when the" proceedings opened, the immense attendance, the numerous banners and devices, and the deep interest manifested in the proceedings, attested how much the people were in earnest in support of Lord Durham’s propositions. Among the mottoes were the following: “Down with the Family Compact,” “Lord Durham’s Report, the whole Report, and nothing but the Report,” and “The British Constitution and Responsible Government.” Dr. Thomas (the late Sheriff) of Hamilton, Mr. William Notman, Dundas, and Mr. Caleb Hopkins, were among the principal speakers. Messrs. Burnett and Benn, of Galt, also spoke in support of the resolutions adopted by the meeting.

Mr. Burnett’s speech at Dundas on this occasion, is described as one of his happiest efforts, and is remembered to this day by some who were present, as at once forcible eloquent, and impressive. Our genial friend, Benn, was more than himself on the occasion; but at one point in his remarks caused much merriment by describing himself as a native of Galt born amidst the green hills of old Ireland! This bull was heartily enjoyed by his friends.

When the cavalcade reached Flamboro’, on the way home, an impromptu meeting was held to decide whether they would not remain over night and attend the Durham meeting to be held in Hamilton next day. As it had been an excessively hot day, and every one was exceedingly tired, it was decided to continue their road homeward, which proved a wise decision, for the Hamilton meeting was the occasion of a riot, in which not a few heads were broken and eyes damaged.

The result of these long and bitter political struggles throughout the Province, in which Dumfries and Galt bore so honorable a part, was the triumph of Responsible Government, so long and earnestly advocated by the Reform party. Lord Durham’s recommendations were greatly strengthened by the meetings held in their favor, and at the union of Upper and Lower Canada in 1841, the old system of irresponsible rule passed away, and the blessings of Constitutional liberty so long struggled for, were at last obtained.

During the spring of 1839, it was rumoured that the Hon. William Dickson was about to come up from Niagara to visit Dumfries and Galt—possibly for the last time—and the settlers determined to avail themselves of the opportunity to give public expression to the feelings of respect which were entertained for him throughout the district. A public meeting was held in Galt, on the 22nd June, at which Mr. Shade presided, to consider the matter. It was well attended, and it was decided that the demonstration should take the form of a public dinner, to be held on such a day as would suit Mr. Dickson’s convenience. The feeling which pervaded the meeting is well exemplified in the following resolution, which was unanimously adopted:—

“That the Township of Dumfries has experienced a career of prosperity which will challenge competition with any in the Province, whether as regards the amount of its population, or the happiness independence, and comfort which they enjoy : That the settlers of this Township, generally, are under a heavy debt of gratitude to its original proprietor, the Hon. Wm. Dickson, not only for that indulgence and considerate lenity for which he has been always distinguished, but for the parental and effective aid and assistance with which he strengthened the hands of very many of the earliest of his settlers, and enabled them to contend with, and overcome, the manifold difficulties encompassing those who, without means, take up land and locate themselves in the woods: That this meeting having learned, with lively satisfaction, that it is the intention of that highly respected gentleman of shortly visiting this place, they feel desirous of availing themselves of that opportunity of showing him a public mark of respect, by soliciting the honour of his company at a dinner, to be given by the inhabitants of Dumfries: That the chairman do convey to the Hon. Wm. Dickson, a copy of this resolution, requesting to know if he would be pleased to accede to their wishes ; and if so, what day would suit his convenience: That thirty-four gentlemen of the Township do compose a committee for the purpose of carrying the object of the meeting into effect.”

Mr. Shade having communicated1 with Mr. Dickson, that gentleman decided upon the 13th July, as the day on which the dinner should come off, that being the occasion of his seventieth birth-day.

When the auspicious day arrived, there was a large attendance from Waterloo, Beverly, Puslinch, Guelph, as well as Galt and Dumfries, many persons coming from long distances to unite in this graceful compliment to the able body of the inhabitants of the Township of Dumfries, to offer, for my acceptance, the spontaneous expression of their approbation of the policy and principles that I have pursued in the settlement of that Township, to be testified by a public dinner, politely proposed to be given upon some day soon—when it will suit my convenience to receive this very flattering mark of their respect.

1 have, from age and from other considerations, withdrawn myself from all business or avocations for the last few years; but I entertain, and shall always continue to feel, a lively interest in all that relates to Dumfries; and I have especial pleasure in receiving the evidence of the satisfaction and prosperity which seems to prevail among its inhabitants.

I do not feel myself, perhaps, exactly prepared to undergo the excitement that usually ensues upon public occasions; but as I shall chiefly meet with old acquaintances and friends, I am dispoped to look upon it as an easy and agreeable undertaking; and you will therefore be pleased to convey to the gentlemen of the committee, my cordial acceptance of their kind invitation.

As it has been politely left to me to determine the time most convenient to receive this compliment, I would respectfully propose that the dinner should take place on the 13th proximo—the accidental association of that day, in preference to another, having the peculiar advantage of being the day of my birth, and the day upon which I shall have arrived at the age usually allotted to man.

And am, my dear sir,

Your very humble servant,

(Signed; WILLIAM DICKSON.

To Absalom Shade, Esq.

founder of the settlement. “When the dinner hour arrived,” said a writer at the time, “the assemblage was such as may be safely asserted never was surpassed in any of the rural districts of this province on any like occasion. It was truly gratifying to those whose hearts are susceptible to generous impulses, to see so many intelligent and worthy individuals meet together, all animated by one enthusiastic feeling of paying homage to the worth and virtues of their venerable and distinguished guest, on the seventieth anniversary of his natal day—a gentleman who may be truly designated as the father of this township, having, twenty-three years ago this month, first pitched his camp in a desolate and trackless wilderness, which, under his judicious management and fostering influence is now the abode of a large and industrious and a thriving population, and embracing within its limits the three prosperous villages of Galt, Paris, and St. George. Such a sincere and heartfelt demonstration of respect as was this day exhibited to this gentleman, will long be remembered by the inhabitants of this township, with feelings of the most lively satisfaction.”

The dinner was held in a spacious and handsomely decorated booth, which was erected on the west side of the Queen’s Square, the particular spot being now enclosed by a fence, in the form of a parallelogram, immediately west of the bandstand. A tasteful marquee was also erected for the ladies, from the top of which the British ensign proudly waved.

The chair was appropriately filled by Mr. Shade. The guest of the day, the Hon. Wm. Dickson, sat on his right hand, and next to him were Mr. William and Mr. Walter Dickson; on the chairman’s left sat the Hon. Adam Ferguson of Woodhill, and Mr. Robert Dickson. There were four vice-chairmen, Messrs. Hiram Capron, George Stanton, Robert McNaught and Thomas Rich. Dr. Hamilton of Flamboro’, Mr. Wm. Notman, of Dundas, and other prominent gentlemen, were also among the guests. The dinner was served by Mr. Chapman, of the Queen’s Arms, in an admirable manner.

After full justice had been done to the viands, and the Harmonic Society of Galt had favoured the company with music, the standard toasts were proceeded with. They were as follow:—The Queen; the Queen Dowager and the Royal Family; Sir George Arthur; Sir John Colborne, Commander of the Forces; Lord Hill and the Army; Lord Minto and the Navy ; the Duke of Wellington and the British Ministry. We have been unable to discover who the members of the Harmonic Society were, but they added much to the success of the dinner, singing, as they did, appropriate songs or glees between each toast.

The toast of the day—the Hon. William Dickson— was received with rapturous and long-continued applause. The song of “The Old English Gentleman” followed, and after the applause had subsided, the stout-hearted old gentleman, still active mentally, made a vigorous speech in reply to his health, the following report of which has been carefully preserved:

“Mr. President, and Gentlemen,—When your chairman communicated to me at Niagara, and I perused the resolutions of the public meeting of- the inhabitants of the Township of Dumfries, held at Galt, the 22nd of June last, my feelings may be easier imagined than described. It was a soothing and grateful consideration to receive such a mark of respect from a body of men with whom I have so long had intercourse in the various occupations incidental to the arduous and laborious undertaking of settling new lands. The Township of Dumfries, containing 94,305 acres of land, originally formed part of the Indian possessions on the Grand River. I made a purchase of the property as far back as the year 1811, and in the year 1816 I commenced the settlement. This tract, at the time, was actually a wilderness, as many now present may remember. Embarrassments and difficulties beset me—despondency sometimes showed her unwelcome visage. However, the interest on the debt due by me was regularly discharged, and the payments made by you enabled me to rub off all encumbrances and gradually to pursue a system of accommodation and benevolence. When a new comer presented himself with a family, I did not make the enquiry so much for money as I did to ascertain if the party was honest, industrious, and laborious. Assistance in cattle, provisions and other necessaries was given, and under a personal supervision the Township has become the residence and abode of a happy and wealthy population, seldom or never having recourse to the ruinous and compulsory process of law, during a period of 25 years. In recurring to many incidents during so long a period, and to a strict self-examination, I am afraid you may have overrated my merits; for, in rendering you assistance, and in advancing your views, I was not negligent or unmindful of my own, and now my most sanguine anticipations have been realized.

“In all my difficulties, a moral principle and a religious sentiment sustained me. Many of you have had your days and nights of gloom—you have encountered privations, toil, trouble and up-hill exertions, but many of you have attained the summit of your wishes, and others are in a progressive advance. Havel not reason to be proud of such a class of men, of generous mind and intelligence, who can feel such gratitude and express such sentiments as are embodied in your resolutions?

“Your chairman has equally contributed to the advancement of the Township, and I owe him this public acknowledgment for his active and intelligent co-operation. As your Representative, also, in the Provincial Parliament, he has been of signal benefit to your local interests, and has, 1 think, in his politics, pursued a consistent and satisfactory course.

“Perhaps it would be most advisable, in the present convivial meeting, to forbear the subject of politics, as you are all aware that Conservatism is my text—upon which, at another time, I could enlarge with advantage. However, I am of opinion that it would not be inappropriate upon the present occasion to inform you that in the year 1791, the Province of Quebec, conquered from the French, was divided into two provinces—Upper and Lower Canada —after which the English laws were introduced in Upper Canada, under our Constitutional Act. I was then at Niagara, when General Simcoe first addressed the assembled Legislature; and well do I remember the joy and enthusiasm which pervaded all classes and ranks, on such a boon being granted.

“The Constitution and form of Government that was at that time conferred on the Canadas has worked well in practice in Upper Canada, and would have worked equally well in Lower Canada, had not the malignant, ambitious, and selfish French demagogues poisoned the minds of an illiterate peasantry—inducing them at length to throw off the mask of moderation, and factiously to resort to insurrection, treason and rebellion. For this has their Constitution been suspended for a time, to give the mother country the best means of judging what form of government will be most suitable under all existing circumstances. The Imperial Parliament are now deliberating on this important subject, and the remedy proposed is by the junction of the two provinces, which, I think, ought never to have been divided. It will require practical statesmen, of large and comprehensive minds, to meet the difficulties that present themselves, in the application of a new system for two Provinces that have hitherto been governed by separate Legislatures. If a union does take place it cannot be concealed from reflecting minds that, in the amalgamation of the two races, much vituperation and agitation will exist for a time, and produce collision in the Chambers of Legislation. Yet I can devise no other alternative, if we are to remain subjects, and transmit to our children the principles of British rule unimpaired and inviolate.

“On the subject of the disposal of the wastelands of the Crown, I do not think that it would well comport with my place in society to throw reflections on any of the different ministers or officers who successively have had the control and direction of this department of the Government. It is enough that we know the system has been faulty. I am convinced the quantum of human happiness would have been enlarged had less exceptional measures been adopted. The lands acquired by conquest belong to the nation, and are not the peculium of the Sovereign, who is the gracious Trustee of her subjects, and through whom all honours and rewards flow in a benignant stream. Who, then, can be more properly objects of that bounty than the descendants of those men whose valour and prowess achieved the conquest of Quebec, and added another gem to the British diadem.

“I could, at some more convenient time, enlarge on this subject, and I might, perhaps, to assist in directing the attention of Her Majesty’s Government to the adoption of a system of emigration from home, on well-digested principles of local knowledge and benevolent views. In the meantime, I shall only offer a few observations. Many of you whom I now address are emigrants, who may remember the anxieties and privations you endured before you made a furrow in the soil you now cultivate. An emigrant should be forwarded on immediately to his location township, his little money carefully husbanded, and the lands sold to him at a much reduced rate to what has hitherto been exacted, and at such a price as the settlers may reasonably look forward to pay, and in many instances should be given as a gratuity, where a numerous family may warrant that measure.

“In maturing any contemplated plan, a divided or general responsibility should be guarded against, and care taken not to employ too many of the expensive and unproductive classes, such as Commissioners, Agents, Secretaries, Clerks and Attorneys. I managed without the aid of any of these functionaries. It would be painful at this time to comment on the disaffection of some worthless men during the disturbances that we have been recently exposed to.

I could give no information other than you already possess. All such are daily becoming victims of their own nefarious conduct and projects. As Upper Canadians, we looked upon the inhabitants of the United States as of the same Anglo-Saxon race, and most assuredly did not expect, in a time of any domestic difficulty or distress, to be attacked and worried by a people who claim Shakespeare, Milton and Newton as their ancestors, and who derive from the same source their literature, law, religion, language, and all manner of civilization, and 1 feel persuaded that if Washington, Hamilton, and the great men who acted with them in constructing the Constitution of the United States, could be permitted to revisit this earth during the present crisis of public affairs in that country, they would, in conformity with the great character they supported for honour and sincerity throughout their lives, naturally and indignantly expostulate with the President and Congress for their apathy and protracted forbearance in the passage of their Neutrality Bill, which has till lately been inoperative, and the punishment inadequate to the heinous nature of the offence. That affected sympathy, constantly bruited in our ears, is sheer cant, to mask the ulterior objects of the brigands ; and their halls of Justice, and the form of Legislation, are not exempt from that mawkish and puling phraseology. It has been said that Mr. Clay, a distinguished member of the Senate of the United States, has presumed to prophecy that the Canadas would fall into the Union, in the common course of events, to use his own language, 1 like the drop of a ripe pear.’ May it not be reasonably asked why the accomplishment of his vaticination should not be allowed naturally to fulfil itself, instead of thrusting upon us laws and institutions which we, as a people, are unwilling to receive, deeming our own worthy of far higher respect and veneration.

“When history shall faithfully pourtray the atrocious crimes committed by banditti on unoffending colonists, no time will blot out the record of these barbarities. Reflecting on the change in the national character of the descendants of British subjects, I am almost warranted in adopting an opinion that the elective principle, carried on to an extreme stretch, has changed the pulse of men and inocu-ated the people of the United States with principles destructive of liberty and good government, and that the time may yet arrive, when, on the revolving wheels of their government, the clog of despotism may be found not to be far distant from that of democracy, and when civil broils and a servile war may madden to a contest, which, for the sake of humanity, may kind Providence in his mercy avert. I have heard much in my time of grievances, but I can conscientiously declare that I think we have as few in Upper Canada as in any country under the sun. A residence of fifty-five years in the Province, and a seat in the Legislative Council for twenty-three, authorize me to claim some knowledge of our institutions, having in the course of my life in this Province both practised and administered the law, without at any time receiving any emolument from, or giving any pledge to His Majesty’s Government, beyond the duties of a good subject. I may, therefore, I think, not improperly claim to be considered an approved authority on such a subject. If the people of Upper Canada are not happy and contented, it must mainly be their own fault. Our Courts of Justice are open to the humblest individual, and our Judges are conspicuous for the honourable and conscientious discharge of their duties. I know of ^ nothing so important to liberty and the preservation of our rights, and I single this out to display the purity and uprightness of the Government under which we live.

“I have now done with public and general subjects. I shall take leave to speak merely for a few moments shortly of myself. I was born at Dumfries, Scotland, in the year 1769, and this day is the anniversary of my birth. I have attained the advanced age of 70 years; the future can only be a remnant, and should be devoted to high and solemn purposes. I trust when that remnant of time shall likewise be run out, that I may be found prepared for the great change that all men must sooner or later submit to. I have now only to announce to all my friends here assembled, the heartfelt expression of my gratitude to them for all their kindness, and my humble gratitude to God for permitting me, in the midst of my family, and at this late period of my life, to enjoy health and strength sufficient to receive and acknowledge the honour and approbation you have this day conferred upon me.”

This speech of Mr. Dickson, it need scarcely be said, was enthusiastically received—indeed, to use the language of one who was present on the occasion, it concluded amidst “thundering applause.” Speeches, in reply to the healths of the other guests present, were made by the Hon. Adam Ferguson, Messrs. Robert, William, and Walter Dickson, and Mr. Notman, who replied on behalf of the Hon. James Crooks, who had been unable to attend. Speeches were also made by Mr. Shade and other residents of the locality, during which many interesting and entertaining stories were related of the early days of settlement. These were listened to with rapt attention, and greatly added to the enjoyment of the occasion, the proceedings of which were prolonged to a late hour. The whole affair passed off most successfully, and was creditable alike to the settlers of Dumfries and Galt, and the honoured founder of the settlement to whom the compliment was paid.

Shortly after this dinner, steps were taken to form an Agricultural Society, which was successfully accomplished on the 24th August, 1839. It was called the Dumfries Agricultural Society, and on its organization, twenty-two rules were adopted. The ninth provided that “The Show shall be held the first year in Galt, the second in Paris, the third in Galt, and the fourth year in St. George, and so on, being held in Galt every alternate year, and in Paris and St. George successively in the intervening years.” The last rule which was adopted, would be deemed rather a strange one at the present day. It was as follows:—“Politics shall be entirely excluded at any meeting of the Society, whether general or of committee, on pain of expulsion of the member who shall attempt to introduce the same.” The first office-bearers of the Society were—

President...............Mr. William Dickson.
Vice-Presidents..... Mr. Absalom shade and Mr. David Buchan.
Treasurer..............Mr. AEneas B. Gordon.
Secretary...............Mr. John Miller.

Directors—Messrs. John Thomson, Allan Henderson, John Telfer, Hiram Capron, Robert Kirkwood, Daniel McPherson, Robert Christie, George Stanton, David Ellis, John Gowinlock, John McKenzie, Thomas Rich, Robert Ballingal, H. V. S. Maus, John McNaught, William Brittain, Janies Geddes, and William Batters.

During the year 1840, a notable addition was made to the clergy of Galt in the person of the Rev. Michael Boomer, now Dean of Huron. He was born at Hill Hall, County Down, Ireland, and was educated at Belfast and Trinity College, Dublin. He first preached in Galt in the old Township Hall, which was then unplastered, and Mr. Glennie supplied, with his violincello, tlie place of an organ. The following year the present Episcopalian church was commenced, and on its completion, Dean Boomer was placed in charge of it. Bishop Strachan visited Galt on this occasion, and consecrated the church and cemetery. The new church was deemed quite an ornament to the village.

Dr. Boomer, who received the degree of LL.D. from Trinity College, Dublin, continued to labour in Galt until the close of 1872—a period of thirty-two years—and built up a large and influential congregation. He removed to London on becoming Dean of Huron in that year. As he happily survives, and is so widely known, it is not necessary to say more than that Dean Boomer is a gentleman of acknowledged talent and culture, and that his long and early connection with Galt is pleasantly remembered by many of other denominations besides his own.

The first Methodist Church in Galt was begun about this period, by the zeal and liberality of Mr. Isaac Sours. Having purchased from Mr. Chapman the woollen factory on South Water Street, he determined to put up a frame building on the opposite side of the street, but a little further south, the lower story to be used for his workmen, and the upper for a meeting house. Prior to this, meetings had been held in the old school at the head of Main " Street, and it seems strange to learn at the present day, when the Methodist body has attained to such prominence in Canada, that at first the school-house was obtained with difficulty for these meetings. Mr. Sours frequently conducted the services himself in the meetinghouse erected on Water Street,—which is still standing — and none who ever heard him on these occasions, especially in prayer, will ever forget the extraordinary energy and zeal which characterized his utterances. Several years after this, Mr. Sours (chiefly) put up the New Connexion Chapel, on Diekson Street, the Wesleyans the chapel now used as the Collegiate Girls’ School, and the Primitive Methodists, the building now belonging to the Young Men’s Christian Association. All these bodies are now happily united.

The following year (1811) more than the proverbial ripple, indeed it may be said a wave of excitement, was caused in Galt society, by the arrival in the village of one John Philip Hayman, a dashing young Englishman, evidently well educated, and well versed in the ways of the world. He claimed to be related to a celebrated English Professor, was in the prime of youthful vigour, handsome in appearance, faultlessly dressed, and exceedingly suave in his manner. He immediately became the lion of the village.

Hearing that a newspaper had been talked of, Mr. Hayman declared it was the very thing for him, and he would start one as soon as materials could be obtained. This rendered Hayman a bigger lion than ever. Correspondence for a press and types was promptly opened with Montreal. In the meantime, whilst getting ready to issue The Western Advertiser, Mr. Hayman gave a grand dinner on his birthday, and followed it up with a lecture on , Elocution, in the Village Hall, which two circumstances tended still further to place him on the topmost wave of popularity.

Not wishing to wait till the winter was over, Mr. Hayman induced Mr. Chapman to undertake the long journey to Montreal, to bring up the press and types, giving him letters to certain persons in that city who were to supply them. Mr. Chapman’s departure for Montreal on this errand was a red-letter day in the history of the village. Whilst waiting for his return with the materials for the coming newspaper, Mr. Hayman was not idle. He had to get endorsers for his drafts on his wealthy “grandfather’s executor,” he ran up bills at the Queen’s Arms and elsewhere rapidly, and he borrowed freely until he could go to Hamilton and draw some of his funds. And, to make a long story short, one day he was suddenly called to Toronto by pressing business, took his departure abruptly, and that was the last ever seen in Galt of the talented, handsome, and suave John Philip Hayman.

There were a number of gentlemen in the village who were then known as “the Knights of the Round Table.” Among them were Messrs. Adam Ainslie, Geo. Watson* Dr. Miller, M. B. Gordon, William Kidd, Adam Ferrie, and others. They received the above soubriquet, as is learned from an interesting letter written by the gentleman first-named, in consequence of meeting almost nightly around a large round table in the Queen’s Arms sitting-room, where politics, local gossip, games and conviviality, were indulged in. These meetings, as described by Mr. Ainslie, were “indeed Nodes Ambrosiance,” but at no period were the “Knights of the Round Table” in higher feather than when Mr. Hayman joined the happy circle. When, therefore, the mask was thrown off, and that worthy stood forth as a brazen swindler and forger, the Knights felt most keenly the imposition practised Upon them and the villagers generally. This feeling was heightened, in some cases, by the recollection of endorsations given and money loaned. Those not among the sold, however, made much fun over the sudden exit of the gay and festive Hayman, and indulged in measureless banter about his dinners and lectures, and The Western Advertiser that never appeared!

To Mr. Chapman, unfortunately, as well as to some of the other victims, it was no laughing matter. When he got to Montreal, to which he drove all the way with his horses and sleigh, Mr. Chapman found that no presses and types could be obtained with the letters which he had. Not till then had a suspicion crossed his mind as to Hay-man’s bona fides, but he started on his long journey homewards full of disagreeable forebodings. His worst fears were confirmed. On reaching Galt, he found not only Hayman’s large bills unpaid, but that the heartless swindler had sent him on a fool’s errand of four hundred miles during the rio-ours of winter, and all at his own expense.