John Simcoe

April 20, 1792

Dear Sir Guy Carelton,

I find that Upper Canada has a very unsafe capital city. It is on the border of the United States. Now we here are all loyalists to England so the American people hate us greatly. With the American revolution not a fading memory I would suggest to move the capital city.

My thoughts are upon York. This city would be ever so suitable for the job. It has a wide range of seeing birth so if the Americans were to attack it, York would see it a mile away. All it would really need is a military base and it is set. All I need is your consent and I shall be happy to move there immediately.

Yours truly,

                                John Graves Simcoe

Thayendanegea

Thayendanegea entry 1

                It was hard to get here to the haudenosaunee. They have agreement with white man Britain and is safe here. I am slowly learning English language from one of haudenosaunee men. They were taught by British just after agreement signed. White man British very nice. This American Revolution I no want part of. That is why I come here because is no part of revolution. British very understanding. I like English. It is different and is weird in spell, very fluent, but it is fun to learn.

Thayendanegea

The Black Loyalist

Dear Mrs. Norrington,

                Please, would you be ever so kind to read this to my ma and pa.

I want you and pa to know that I am better off with my new owner. He is teaching me to read and write so I can send messages like this to you. It is amazing the power of spoken and written words. I have seen the power of them. I am trying to convince the government to stop this war. The British have all of the right to put a tax on anything. They sacrificed their blood sweat and tears for this country. They fought and won against the French. That’s the thanks they get, contradiction.

I’ve been sent out of house and home because I believe this but I don’t care. You should believe it too.

Your son,

                Owafo Brown

Peter Van Alstine

Dear mother,

How are you doing back home? Has Mrs. Norrington Stopped cutting your flowers yet? That devil of a lady. How’s dad? Has he stopped drinking? My guess is no. And brother. Is he still thieving for money? I am sorry that I have not sent a letter in a while but money has been short and paper more expensive.

                My wife she is now dead, and I have been kicked off my land. I have been sent to one of the camps with my three children in Sorel. Money is still scarce but I am starting to settle. I have land given by the king and have finished my house. I don’t know if I am going to build a mill for my wheat because the local mill really isn’t so local to us. Although we have had to beg at times we are fine and can’t wait to finally be on our way in these god forsaken colonies. Wish me luck, in the days ahead of us.

                Your son,

                                Peter Van Alstine