Thornhill, near York, Oct. 8, 1832.
I DO not wish to raise your expectations in any improper way, but I still
think I ought in justice to say, that I think you will be tolerably
pleased with the situation in which I have been led to settle. There is,
indeed, no fixed salary, and perhaps nothing beyond £40 or £50—the sum
given by the congregation—may be obtained by me. But the Bishop and
Governor both expect that I shall receive from the clergy reserves £100
more, and, if so, this £150 will be very fair. As to the distance (only
thirteen miles from York) it has a decided preference over Hutton, and
the society is in my estimation far superior, and mostly English. The
church is small, but the attendance good, far more than the Hutton
average. They appear also quite pleased with my coming, as my
predecessor, though a learned man and a great orientalist, had no aptness
for parochial engagements. I forgot to mention that the spot and
neighbourhood is considered most healthy. If the young folks are
desirous of seeing their future location, they may look into a map of
Canada, and they will see a road leading from York to Simcoe Lake,
directly north; this is called, George Street Road, each side of which is
cleared for the space of two or three fields. It is on this road that
Thornhill is situated. I intimated in my last letter that I had some
thoughts of building a house to be ready to receive you on your arrival,
but you will be glad to hear, that I have entirely given up all idea of
it; it never will do, at least for me, and therefore I have made my
continuance here depend on the trustees of Thornhill Church, allowing me
£40 or £50 per annum, and their providing me at a moderate rate a house
suitable for my family, some time before the 10th of June next, 1833, at
which time, through God’s blessing, I hope to see you all here. And
surely he _will_ preserve you; not a box, or package, or anything has
been lost, everything brought safe over the perilous ocean and the
intervening space, and shall not the same faithful God of love preserve
my Mary and all her accompanying charge? I will, therefore, trust, and
not be afraid.
I received a message from the Governor last night, in which he tells me,
I may depend on having the £100 he mentioned to me. He is peculiarly
kind and a great blessing to the province. The people seem very desirous
of detaining me; Messrs. — assure me that some house sufficiently large
shall be provided.