A letter from James Fitzgibbon in
Toronto, a significant figure in early Canadian colonial history, to his
brother Gerald in Dublin regarding a potential appointment to a projected “New
Land Company” which would offer land to migrant settlers. The brothers were
both self-made men; Gerald had a significant legal career and was also an author.
The subject of the letter, Francis Hewson, also has a recorded history: he was
the first settler at Big Bay Point who came from Ireland to Canada in 1817
to act as secretary to the Governor General, the Duke of Richmond. The Duke
died before Hewson could take up his post but Hewson chose to stay in Canada.
Transcription
Datelined: Toronto, Upper
Canada, 12th March ‘35
Addressed to: Gerald
Fitzgibbon Esqr 29 Upper Gloucester Street Dublin
Postmarks: Undated LIVERPOOL SHIP
LETTER and Dublin arrival cancel of April 20 1835
My dear Gerald
In a moment of great hurry Mr
Fras. Hewson of Lake Simcoe applies to me for a brief letter to you to state
that he is desirous of being appointed commissioner or Agent in the service of
the New Land Company now about to be established in Great Britain &
Ireland.
Mr H. has been 16 years resident
in U. Canada and has been employed by the Government in the distributing and
settling of Emigrants, in making Roads thro’ the Forest &c and he must now
have much experience in the duties which the New Company must assign to its
officers & servants in these Provinces.
Our Lt. Govr. has permitted Mr H.
to refer to him – he is permitted also to refer to our Mr Justice, and to the
Crown Commissioner for Lands in this Province, He is one of the Hewsons of
Kerry and has influential friends in Ireland, but he thinks that an active one
in Dublin may do more to forward his interests with the Company than could be
done elsewhere.
The Bishop of Dromore Dr Saurin is
his particular friend, and he intends writing to him and others.
I state these particulars briefly
that you may see best how to ally yourself with those who will interest
themselves in his favor and any service you may be able to render him will be
bestowed upon a Man who has manfully struggled with all the difficulties of a
new Settlement in the Forest under very trying circumstances, which however,
have eminently qualified him to render the company good service should they
employ him.
I remain, Dear Gerald, most
affectionately yours
James Fitz Gibbon
Gerald Fitz Gibbon Esqr
References
Wikipedia: James FitzGibbon
Wikipedia: Gerald Fitzgibbon (author)
Wikipedia: James Saurin
https://electriccanadian.com/pioneering/pioneerpapers.pdf