Introduction

Two hundred and twenty-five years ago, following the American Revolution, one of the earliest challenges facing the pioneer government of this province proved to be providing for and settling a flood of refugee immigrants arriving daily from the United States. The British parliament had made provision for grants of land to these families but only a small portion of the area west of Quebec had been initially surveyed.

Surveyors such as Augustus Jones, Thomas Welch, and Daniel Hazen were pushing ever westward in the Niagara Peninsula both summer and winter in a marathon effort to open up new lands for the thousands of applicants but failed to keep pace with the ever increasing demand. Settlers began to move out of the surveyed areas and simply squatted on their desired location in the hope that it would later be granted them when the surveys finally took place. The Long Point Settlement became a favourite destination of these pioneer families.

In November 1792 the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, John Graves Simcoe arrived at Quebec. During the winter following, he pored over maps of what was known of his new province. One of Simcoe's major goals set out the locating of a naval base, a fortress and a town site on Lake Erie to counter a similar objective of the Americans at Presqu'Ile across the lake. Quite apparently dissatisfied with the state of the mapping of that part of the province, Simcoe sent word to the Acting Surveyor General David W. Smith that a thorough charting of the Lake Erie shoreline from the Grand River to Long Point should be undertaken. On June 9, 1793 Deputy Surveyor William Chewett met with Smith and received the commission. The following is a transcript of William Chewett's diary describing this absorbing exploration. The diary and the map prepared later include the names of the first settlers as well as detailed descriptions of the lay of the land and the vegetation. A crucial item in this document is the mentions of those just arriving at the Long Point Settlement pinpointing their date of arrival and their circumstances.

Chewett's misspellings are repeated without comment. One in particular was his usage of the plural "batteaux" to describe one boat. There is considerable mapping detail which has been included here as locations and names of interest are intermixed. The surveying methods of the day revealingly indicate how prospective settlers ended up more confused than they started. Sometimes later surveys resulted in legal battles. The geography will have changed over the course of two hundred years. It is noted that in his surveys Chewett often uses a symbol "o" with a dot in its centre, apparently to indicate a place where a stake has been placed. These symbols are written "o" in this transcript. In the instances where two sentences were not separated by a period, I have inserted the period.

The Diary

The following is transcribed from the Archives of Ontario collection of the Surveyor General's Department, Series CB-1 Volume 42 and is presented in its entirety from June 9 to August 12, 1793.

Newark, Upper Canada

9th June Sent for by the Acting Surveyor General [David W. Smith] to receive my instructions but he was not at home. In the Afternoon about 6 P.M. received my instructions.

10th June Received from the Acting Surveyor General my Balance to the 10th April of £58.0.0 lacking the vantage of Grains for [which] he would speak to the Receiver General. Employed getting my Provisions & necessaries for the Expedition. McDonell came over this evening and informed me he had purchased a Batteaux for £7.0.0 cash.

11th June Employed Packing up my necessaries.

12th " All ready to get my necessaries on Board, but cannot get hands. Went to the Surveyor Gen^l but he is not at home.

13th About 11 A.M. left Niagara. The Boat purchased by Allan McDonell proved to be very leaky. Got some leads made about five miles from Niagara. Arrived at the landing [Queenston] at 3 1/2 P.M. Carried a letter to Mr Hamilton for Transport of my Batteaux & stores.

14th June Waited on Cap^t Schank and obtained my Party. Went off with them to the Chippaway Creek. My Batteaux arrived in the evening in a very Crazy Condition. Could get nobody to repair her. Attempted to do it ourselves but she was so rotten we could not put into the water and having put three or four Barrels she filled with water very fast. told Allan McDonell he must be answerable for the Batteaux as I would not pay him for it. he said he would take care of it for himself and get it repaired. sent a letter to Mr. Hamilton for another Batteaux.

15th June Waiting the return of Allan McDonell

16th " do do

17th This evening Allan McDonell returned with another Batteaux.

8th Left Chippaway Creek 5 A.M. and arrived Fort Erie at 4 P.M. the wind blew too hard from the Westward to proceed farther. sent a Barrel of flour to the Baker.

19th June The wind blew too hard to proceed.

Arrival at Sugar Loaf

20th left Fort Erie at 10 A.M. arrived at sugar loaf hill [now Port Colborne], Creek & Mill belonging to Mr Savage. he says that he has no certificate or ticket for his Lot and that fourteen or fifteen families are in the same predicament with him. From Pt. Abino to the Westward his Mill is fed by a Swamp consequently dry part of the Summer. he says the only probable place for a Harbour is the Grand River but there is a Bar without and he has attempted to ride horse across but could not. We with great difficulty got our Batteaux over the Bar of this Mill Creek and afterwards could proceed twenty yards for the rapids its breadth is no more than ten feet & a Wind from the south & a heavy rain during the night.

21st June At 5 A.M. went down to the Batteaux and found her aground a great quantity of water in her from the rain in the night. We were force to unload our Batteaux and with the assistance of the men at the Mill together with opening their waste gate we got her over the Bar. at 9 A.M. departed and made the Grand River where we found the Wiandot Sloop Commanded by Lieut Flemming who had passed the Bar having nine feet water on entering but having loaded with Indian Corn and the Wind from the S.W. abated could not get out. he was therefore obliged to unload part of her cargoe until he only drew 7F.2I water and about 6 P.M. he was towed out by his Boat. Set the people to make a hut for themselves and a Savage who blushed at their ignorance then lent them assistance. Rained all day.

Surveys at the Mouth of the Grand River

22nd June from the heavy rains we got all our Baggage wet and this day Employed in washing & drying it.

From 11 A.M. The wind blew a heavy gale from the S.W. and I am afraid the two Batteaux with a number of people who went off to Long Point will be in a disagreeable situation. The principal person is one Lucas Dederick, who says he has permission from His Excellency to settle there.

23rd June The wind continues to blow a heavy gale from the S.W. so that we cannnot proceed to business. After we had breakfasted took the Party, the Cook and a man who had lamed himself by a fall Excepted, and sounded the Grand River about four miles up in order to practice the person who is to have the lead, and he having been a Sailor I found him expert enough. Sent party to the woods to cut poles for camp Colors and sent about preparing paper to lay down the work. Found a base to intersect the opposite sides of the River to obtain the distance of the Mouth.

From our Camp S 54^oW & 7 chains to a point of Sand on the East side forming the entrance of the River S 14^o E to a point of Sand on the West side forming the entrance of the River S 20^o W.

Intersections from the South extremity of the Base or 7 chains "o". 2nd to the Point of Sand on the East side forming the Entrance of the River S.82^o E to the Easternmost headland S. 55^o E to the point of Sand on the West forming the entrance S. 47^o 30' E to the Westernmost headland S 60^o W. From the 2nd "o" S 73 W. 9 chains. Intersection to the Easternmost Head land S 46^o E from 3 o N. 67^o W. 12 c[hains].50 l[inks] Intersection to the Westernmost headland S 54 W. Intersection to the Easternmost headland S 56 E From 4 "o" N 78 W. 5 chains From 5 "o" N 89 W. 20 chains Intersection to the Westernmost head land S 53W.

Surveyed the Westernmost side of the Grand River Bay as per the foregoing stations and intersections and laid down the work in rough, the weather more moderate than in the morning the wind still continues to blow from the S.W.

24th June From the Sandy Point on the Easternmost side of the river, along the shore of Grand River Bay 1st "o" 58^o E 7.60. 2nd "o" S 66^o E 8 c. 66 l. 3rd "o" S 63 E 20 c. 40 l. Intersection to the Westernmost headland S 73^o W Do to the easternmost headland S 50^o E 4th "o" S 59^o E 4th "o" S 59^o E 25 c. 50 l. intersection to the Westernmost headland S 71^o W 5^th "o" S 55^o E 24 c. 77 l. intersection to the West S 73^o W. E 21 c. 25 l. 7th "o" S 44^o E. 13 c. 12 l. intersection to the West^rn headland S 81^o W. 8^th "o" S 38^o E 13 c. 00 l. to a rocky Point at the Easternmost headland. 9^th S 27^o W. 6 c. 60 l. to the Extremity of the point of Rocks jutting under water into the Lake which occasions a great surf. intersection to the Extremity of the Westernmost headland S 85^o W. Intersection to the Southern extremity of a small island to the Eastward from each end of which lays a ledge of Rocks and under their cover is a good 'Road' but the sea runs too high at present to attempt sounding it. S 69^o E. intersection to the Northern extremity of the Said Island S 73^o. E From the Easternmost Sandy Point forming the mouth of the Grand River, 1^st "o" N 55^o E 6^o. 20 L intersection to a camp colour on the West side of the river N. 35^o W. 2^nd "o" N 39^o E 5 c. 28 l 1st intersection to 2^nd Camp Color N 53^o W 3^rd "o" N. 38^o E c. 36 l. 1st intersection to 3rd Camp Color N 30^o W. 2^nd intersection to 3rd Camp Color N. 60 W. 4^th "o" N. 22 E 9c. 13 l. 1^st intersection to 4^th Camp Color N 23^o W 2^nd intersection to 4^th Camp Color N 79^o W 2^nd intersection to 4^th Camp Color N 79^o W. 5th "o" North 9 c. 50 l. 1st intersection to 5th Camp Color N 32^o W 2^nd intersection to 5^th Camp Color S.86^o W 6^th "o" N 3^o W. 9 c. 33 l. 1st intersection to the 6^th Camp Color N 31^o W. 2^nd intersection to the 6th Camp Color S 80^o W 7^th "o" N 4^o. 30' W 7 c. 50 l. 1st intersection to 7th Camp Color N 37^o W. 2^nd intersection to 7^th Camp Color N. 87^O. 30' W about half a chain from a Small Creek on the West side and the beginning of the meadows and swamps on the East Laid down the Work of the day which brought on the evening. I am induced to hope we shall be able to sound the River and Bay. The man continues still lame.

25th June Sounded out to the Bar from the mouth of the River and found from 2 fathoms to 1 fathom on the Bar.

Sent the Boat about a mile to get a hillock to take the course of the stream from our 1^st "o" where we intersected the point of Sand on the East side forming the mouth of the Grand River. Found the channel to be nearly N 4^o W and S 4^O E over the Bar. Intersections from 1st "o" East side the Grand River to the Boat on the Bar S 10 1/2 W 2^nd "o" to the Boat on the Bar S 4^o W. The Boat returned from where she anchored in order to ascertain the distance from the Bar to the East sandy Point in 7 feet water and just along the edge of the channel.

The distance to the middle of the Bar is about one Cable and a half from the mouth of the river this afternoon sounded the Bay from the Eastern Extremity to the Western Extremity about ten cables length from the shore and from the Extremity. all along the sandy Beach about 2 1/2 fathoms Water and forward from where the Rocky shore begins about three fathoms.

The Arrival at Long Point Bay

26th June Embarked at 6 A.M. and took the bearings of the several points extended their distances by the Eye and sketched in the shore to McDonells Creek having about three feet water over the Bar. He has a Clearing of about three acres with a Hut thereon over run with weeds and nothing surrounding it. He says he has a clearing of about twelve acres half a mile to the west of it which he has sown.

27th June Embarked at 6 A.M. and made Nautiwak Creek [Nanticoke Creek] the wind blowing hard from the S.W. being a tolerable good harbour for Batteaux having about 3 feet water over the Bar and from the wind still continuing to freshen I am afraid we shall be obliged to remain here the remaining part of the day and consequently all night. about 3 P.M. the wind abated and we with difficulty made Pattersons Creek [the Lynn River] about 8 P.M. so that we had but sufficient time to encamp consequently we could not win the Harbour.

28th June Pattersons creek is a good Harbour for Batteaux having from ten to three feet water over the Bar but none of the small creeks can be seen any distance from the shore. Embarked and having made about two miles we were forced to return the wind rising strong from the S.W. and Allen McDonell said it was impossible to get into Young's Creek six miles ahead. During the night it blew a heavy Gale from the N.E. with Thunder and lightning and heavy rain.

29th June At 6 A.M. left Pattersons Creek at noon made the place called Youngs Creek [now Ryerse's Creek] it was entirely blocked up with sand, and came to on a Sandy Beach to dine. Embarked and from the carrying place [a long travelled Indian and fur trade route near the jointure of Long Point with the mainland] but found it improper to remain all night we therefore proceeded Three Miles to the Westward within a mile and a half of John Triers [Troyer] and about five miles and got into a creek leading to the House of Timothy Murphy [Dedrick's Creek] but could not go up it the water being so low. We therefore obliged to row to the most eligible spot as we thought for we could not find the carrying place on account of the rushes and wild Rice that is all part along the shore from Turkey Point to this place. There we encamped and being much exposed to the Wind from the S.W. I thought we should have no mosquitoes but no sooner had we made fires and night approaching than myriads of mosquitoes attacked us from all quarters, and the soldiers mouthed out vollies of imprecations on their hard lot and I must say they were severely handled by them for they slept not half an hour all night.

30th June The people being very much fatigued for want of sleep during the last night gave them this day to repose, and employed myself putting in Ink the sketch of yesterday, and ruling paper for skethes to come and in taking the several Bearings from our Encampt. of the Work performed yesterday and found them to agree very well. This afternoon came over four men [the Cope party?] who are about to settle near Long Point. I told them previous to their making settlement they must make application to the Governor in Council. They said they would send their applications by Lucas Dedrick in about three weeks [the Conradt Cope party petition arrived at Niagara at that time].

1st July The weather from day Break to about 9 A.M.; very heavy and to 1 P.M. very much overcast so that we could not see 50 yards before us, soon after it began to rain. we were forced to remain in camp. about 6 P.M. the weather cleared up a little and a strong gale from the S.W.

2nd July The wind from the S.W. continued very violent during the night and it lowered the Lake much. 3^rd we set off for the carrying place about one mile distant up a River of very strong water [Big Creek] and we encamped and measured the carrying place which we found to be 8 chains over a flat sand. sketched in the River that leads to it and the main land. The heat of the sand from 2 to 5 P.M. is really so great that from description it is like unto the Deser[t]s of Arabia.

3 July This morning so hazy we could not see ten yards before us until 10 A.M. when we sket[c]hed the shore to where it joins the main land and examined deep water Creek.

Long Point from the Carrying Place to the Westward where it joins the main land is formed of sand and stones and is nowhere more than three or four chains across. from thence to the main land is a la[r]ge T[r]act of wild Rice and Rushes.

4^th July Sketched in the North Shore of Long Point for about six miles to a point of Rushes in a direct line to a remarkable point of Wood land and sounded across the Bay from the Point of Bushes to John Triers Farm and from thence to our first Encampmant the wind very strong from the S.W.

5^th At 6 A.M. embarked our Baggage and sketched in the Shore from where we left off to Pottohauk Point the wind blew so hard from the S.W. we could not proceed farther.

6^th July At 6 A.M. the weather being calm embarked our Baggage and sounded from a small Island of Rice about three miles to westward of Turkey Point and from thence back again to Pottohawk Point. We found sufficient depth of water within about a mile or a mile and a half of Turkey Point which induces me to believe we shall find a good Harbour for any vessels that can sail on this Lake. From noon the wind blew so hard from the S.W. that we found it impracticable to examine the Bar from Pottohawk Point to Crown Point it being about five or six miles in length. This day the man who was lame having been ill with a wound in his knee ever since we left Fort Erie.

7^th July Examined the Bar from Pottohawk Point to Turkey Point and the Rushy Islands within about a mile of Turkey Point forming the Entrance of the Harbour and found sufficient depth of water for any vessel to enter. Also sounded along the marsh on the North side leading to the Sand and Clay Hills for two miles and found sufficient depth of water for any vessel to enter the Channel.

8^th July Sounded from the Rushy Islands to [Silas] Secords Farm and from thence to Pottohawk Point. In the afternoon blew a violent storm from S.W. 9th. Sounded from the Rushy Islands to Triers Farm and from thence to Pottohawk Point the wind blowing too hard from the Westward to sound any more this day.

9^th July Sounded from a Point of Rushes to Turkey Point, and from thence attempted to sound the N.E. side of the Bar, that leads from Turkey Point to Pottohawk Point that forms the Harbour. We were blown off to more than the distance of two Leagues, and almost every hand expected to dine with the Fishes or the Fishes to Sup upon us.

11^th July The wind shifted during the night. Rained and blew so hard from the N.E. that it was impossible for us to continue the operation of Yesterday. Necessity obliged me to give the party this day for washing and repairing. Hugh Caffery, who is only just well of a wound in the knee is laid up with a Boil on his hand.

12^th The wind continuing hard from the N.E. we could not perform the operation of sounding the Bar on the N.E. side, which we attempted on the 10th inst. therefore sounded from a Point of Rushes to Seacords Farm and from thence returned to our encampment near the carrying place accross Long Point to Turkey Point and returned to our Encampment. George McKinder unwell with Flux.

14^th The wind continuing hard from the North East we could not leave our Encampment. Measured a Base about one mile and a half from the Encampment and intersected the Point to the Eastward which must be near the end of Long Point making about Eight Miles distance. Examined the shore and found not any part of it fit for Cultivation. It seems to have been formed by the violent agitations of the N.E. & S.W. winds which has and doth throw up sand continually, and the banks or Ridges by which it is formed are two three & four chains wide with intervals of Marsh and Rushes, but I do not think it fit for making any settlement and it is the general opinion of those who have seen it.

15^th July The wind blew too hard from the S.W. so that we could not attempt to sound the Bar which runs to the Westward of this Point. Early this morning two vessels appeared standing to the North shore but could not weather the Extremity of Long Point so came to anchor about one mile and a half or two miles from the shore where they remained the whole of the day and we were forced to remain on the very same acct.

16^th July The vessels remain in the very same position and we shall be obliged to remain on the very same account the wind being much stronger than Yesterday. A Boat from one of the vessels came on shore and a message was brought from Capt. Banbury requesting to see me. Supposing it to be some urgent business got the Batteaux ready to go to the Dunmore, Capt Ford, and while we were under the Point we did not feel the wind but when we got about a mile off from the shore the waves ran so high we with difficulty made ship and as we drove astern the man in the Bow caught hold of the Long Boat otherwise we should have been forced to run the Presque Isle. I asked Capt Ford whether he ever had been in the Bay beyond Turkey Point, and he said by a mistake of the man at the Helm who steered two points too much to the Westward he found himself there to his great surprise and mentioned the depth of water the same as I found there. He says there should always be two Boats employed on a similar service for a Boat would serve as a temporary object to form a chain of intersections also to have a Log Line half of a quarter Minute Glass and a good stop watch. I am perfectly of his opinion but everything that is necessary cannot be had but when the Surveyor Generals Office is properly fixed the Surveyor General or the Acting Surveyor General will have time to think on the necessary requisites. At sunset the Wind came round to the N.W. and the Chippaway and Dunmore got under way and doubled the Point.

17^th July The wind so strong from the S.W. that we cannot attempt to sound the Bar. 18th. Ran a Base and intersected Long Point, measured the part of the Bar that appears above water, and sounded the East and West End. Sounded to Long Point and there Encamped being entirely exposed to the Wind from the N.E. and S.W. I conjectured we should have no mosquitoes but they were equally troublesome as at any other place. During the night the wind changed to the N.E. so that I expected to be washed away but fortunately we were disappointed at 2 P.M. a very heavy Rain fell so that all our clothing got wet in spite of every exertion in our power.

19^th July The Wind blows too strong from the N.E. to attempt to sound the Point. I shall therefore make an excursion through the woods in order to form an idea of the possibility of finding a place for a Fortification. Having examined the Extremity of Long Point for two miles round about I find no eligible place for a Fortification. It is formed of sand ridges from ten to fifteen feet high and between these ridges are ponds of water and marshes & some of the Ridges more than from ten to sixty feet in breadth. The wood is chiefly small scrubby Cedar Juniper & Willow.

20^th July Examined the Point for two miles farther to the Westward and found the land and Woods of the same quality as Yesterday. The wind continues very strong from the N.E. so that it is impossible to sound off Long Point.

21^st The weather being calm sounded round Long Point and for four miles to the Westward. High Land on the South shore of Lake Erie which I suppose to be Presque Isle about fifteen or twenty miles distant.

22^nd July Embarked & after having proceeded two miles was forced to return to our encampment. The wind from the S.W. was so boisterous that we were forced to haul up our Batteaux. Returned to the Point and chained along the Sandy Beach as follows.

1st "o" Along the Sand Hills and Beach S 56^o W. 22 c. 00 l.

2nd "o" " " " " S 63^o W 34 c. 23 l.

3rd "o" " " " " S 68^o W 25.15

4th "o" " " " " S 85 W 32.85

5th "o" " " " " S 87 W 34.87

The whole of this part of the Point is small ridges of Sand and Ponds of water between them. The Timber Small Scrubby Cedar Juniper Willow and Balsam Fir.

23^rd July Embarked and after having proceeded about two miles the wind from the S.W. obliged us to haul up our Batteaux, and returned to our last nights encampment and chained along the sandy beach as follows

6th "o" West 45 c. 26 l.

7th " S85 W. 89.83

8th " West 63.00

The whole of this part of the Point is Sand Ridges with Ponds of water between them. The Timber is Small Scrubby Decar Juniper Willow Balsam Fir Scrubby Pine Small Basswood and innumerable quantities of Sand Cherry Some of which are very well tasted.

24^th July Embarked our Baggage and having proceeded about Eight Miles, the wind rising from the S.W. hauled up our Batteaux and returned to our last nights Encampment and chained along the Sandy Beach to our Batteaux as follows

9th "o" West 72 c. 00 l.

10th "o" N. 80 W 80.00

11th "o" West 110.00

12th "o" N. 75^o W 60.00

13th "o" N. 81 W 110.00

14th "o" N. 83 W 200.00

The whole of this part of the Point is high broken sand hills and Ridges with rushes & ponds of water between them. The Timber is small scrubby Cedar Juniper willow small Basswood small Pines and innumerable quantities of sand cherry and small ridges of a better sort of wood such as white Oak Elm Pine & Basswood. During the night the wind shifted to the N.E. and in [ ] blew from all points of the Compass, with a most tremendous storm of Thunder Lightning & Rain.

25^th July Embarked early this morning. A gentle breeze from the N.E. which soon after shifted to the S.E. and blew a very strong Gale. Hauled up our Batteaux and chained along the Beach from our last nights encampment to our first Encampment on Long Point being the end of the 17th station.

15^th "o" N. 77^o W 128 c. 00 l.

16^th "o" N. 83 W 120.00

17^th "o" N 80 W 300.00

I was greatly surprised to find the woods close within a furlong having been obliged to sketch the shore after having taken the Bearings, not being able to obtain a Base for intersections on account of the Rushes and wild Rice.

This makes me perfectly coincide with Mr. Smith the Acting Surveyor Generals opinion that in all Coasting Surveys, a Log line Half Minute Glass a good stop watch are the most essential requisites.

My Vertical Arc and Telescope Theodolite having got soiled and full of Verdigrease by the dampness of the weather so that the limbs would hardly move. Cleaned it and prepared to fix a Meridian in order to determine the Variation and Latitude of the Carrying Place. One of the observations being overcast, and only having the first corresponding observation I could not depend on them.

Morning Afternoon

Alt 33.09 33.09

Bear. 188.18 184.51

The Variation was found to be 1^o 43' 31" East to be verified by the Pole star and an observation next day.

During the course of the night not a star to be seen, and it rained before day break. The wind from the S W&S.

27^th July On Trial this forenoon previous to my taking the Suns Meridional Altitude, I found I could take no greater alt^d than 62^o.30' which was not sufficient. I therefore extended the receivers of the Telescope equivalent from 90^o on the limb and by the two holes by which the Telescope is fastened and the screen or dark Glass in a Line of direction and made to answer the purpose though not so easy to carry into execution as with the Telescope. I therefore propose to lengthen the stem 2 inches by which the Receivers are made fast and by that means I can take any altitude I may have occasion for. Found the Suns Meridional Altitude agreeable to the fixed meridian of yesterday 6^o.37. and by the mean of several observations of this day found the Variation 1^o 45' East and by the Observation of the Pole Star being 1^o 51' East of the Pole at 7.48 PM I found the Variation 1^o 30' East.

Waited until 1 H. 18 M. Am. to get a sight of the pole star above the pole but could not obtain it.

By the observation of the Pole Star I found the Latitude of the Carrying Place 41^o.39' North, and by the observation of the Sun as follows Altitude of the Suns Centre.

Altd 67^o.37' 00"

Correction for Parr^x & Ref. ­­ _ 21__

Alt^d Corrected 67^o.36' 3".9"

67^o.36' 3".9"

9 0 0 0 0

Zennith Dist. 22 23. 2 1

Declerat Corrected 19. 16. 0 0

Latitude 41. 39. 2 1 of the carrying place on Long Point L.E. finding the Latitude by the Sun & Pole Star to agree. I have no doubt of their being right.

28th July The wind from the N E. Having performed the operation of taking the level of the Carrying Place, I find the highest place within one chain & thirty nine Links of the Lake and only three feet six inches above the surface of the Lake and 2 f.9 in above the surface of the River that leads to the Carrying Place being 8 inches higher than the Lake.

29th July Sounded from the Carrying Place to Turkey Point and encamped below the Point about two miles.

30^th This morning examined the Point and found the land too low for a Town or Works of Defence. Sounded from Turkey Point to Pattersons Creek and fortunately got in safe a Gale beginning to blow hard from the S.W. and we shipped a great quantity of water going over the Bar.

Walpole and Rainham

31^st July Embarked and Sounded to Stoney Creek the weather being too rough to proceed farther. Being informed of two families having arrived and fixed themselves about six miles to the Eastward with permission from the Governor and they having a letter from the Surveyor Gen^l for me sent Allan McDonell for it. The wind began to blow hard from the South and was obliged to remain.

This afternoon McDonell arrived with a letter from his Excellency the Governor relative to the Walkers and Onstines.

1st August The wind from the South and blows too heavy a Gale to depart.

2nd Do Do

3rd The weather more calm so that if it continues I shall leave Stoney Creek.

At 7 A.M. left Stoney Creek and attempted to land where the Walkers had made Settlement but could not the Surf ran so high. I afterwards bore away for Twelve Mile Creek, but I was forced to keep so far out that I got some distance beyond it before I could perceive the Entrance. I then made for it & so soon as I came to the Bar I leaped out of the Boat and lead the Batteaux over the Bar pretty well washed before we got in. Walkers & Ontine appear perfectly well satisfied with their situation on account of a small marsh they have in their rear which is of great service to their cattle but were anxious fearing the situations they had pitched on might be all within the reserves for the Crown & Clergy*. I then told them if they did I had no reason to doubt that Government would permit them to remain until they could make Clearings and buildings on their own Lots. They said as for buildings they should erect for the present would be of no value and appeared perfectly satisfied but requested I would pray his Excellency that they might begin on a sure footing for they did not like the idea of working on land which did not belong to them and they were confidant a number of wealthy Pensilvania Farmers would come in and think themselves happy in so doing.

W Chewett

Senior Surveyor

Eastern District

* By order of the Executive Council of Upper Canada, one-seventh of all surveyed lands were set aside for leases rather than grants, the rents allocated to defray the costs of the government and the church.

3rd August The Walkers and Onstine informed me that the seventy five families of Dunkards who had petitioned the Governor last Year had given up all thoughts of coming to this Country they having purchased a Township on some one of the Branches of the Susquehanna River but would have preferred this Country had a Township been laid out for them.

4th August The wind still continues to blow hard from the S.W. so that it is impossible to leave this place with safety to ourselves.

5th The weather something calmer but not calm enough to leave this place.

Return to Niagara

6th This afternoon the wind shifted to the N.W. we made the Grand River and examined it up as far as Dockstraders it being deep enough for small vessels.

7th August Examined and Sounded the Channel between a small Island three miles to the Eastward of the Grand River but the wind rising from the E.S.E. and blew a hard Gale we were forced to return to the Grand River and during the night the wind from the S.E. blew very hard.

8th August This morning the wind continues to blow hard from the same quarter and therefore we cannot move.

9th Do Do Do

10th This morning the wind being from off the land we Embarked. It soon after changed and we were forced to put into the mill creek near the sugar loaf hill. When the wind abated we endeavoured to proceed but were forced to put back again.

11th August Embarked and the wind being moderate we proceeded to Fort Erie and arrived at 1 P.M. Received three Letters from the Acting Surveyor General. After Dinner proceeded to the Chippaway Creek and arrived at 6 P.M.

12th Early this morning got my Batteaux and Baggage on Board the waggons and they arrived at Niagara at 5 P.M.