The Sarnia Observer and Western Advertiser
April 13, 1854
☛ Grand Trunk of Canada
Extract from a private letter, from a merchant in Hull,to Wm. Radston,
Esq.
“You will perceive by the Hull newspaper, that we had a visit from Mr.
C.P. Roney, and Mr. Keefer who seem to be much interested in the
prosperity of Canada. A deputation of Gentlemen, consisting of some of
the most influential merchants and ship-owners,with the officers of
the Chamber of Commerce accompanied them during nearly the whole day,
in inspecting our docks, public buildings, &c.; they expressed
themselves much pleased with the appearance of our town and business
facilities..
From information derived from these gentlemen, I feel auite certain a
much better class of emigrants than heretofore will come out and
settle amongst you, for although Hull is now and has been for many
years doing extensive business in timber, &c,, sending yearly a large
number of vessels to Quebec, still we seem to have known but little
respecting the resources and prosperity of Canada.those gentlemen have
given us such an impression of what Canada is, and will be, that I
venture to assert men of worthand intelligence will begin to make
arrangements to settle amongst you, I mean respectable tradesmen,
mechanics, (and farmers who have means to purchase land,) for there is
no doubt Canada is a desirable place for the farmer and agricultural
laborer. Probably this year there will be no great increase of this
class of emigrants I have mentioned on account of war prospects. We in
Hull of course are deeply interested in this question, as you are
aware Hull has always done a large business with Russia. My own
opinion is that the great Grand Trunk Railway is to be of immense
advantage to you in a commercial point of view. We have been well
pleased with the gentlemen, and consider ourselves favored, for we
have got much useful, and no doubt beneficial information from their
visit. — Kingston Commercial Advertiser