| Title | John Longsdon at Halifax to his brother James Longsdon, junior, saying that he has had no post from him and imagines the Local Militia have taken all his time except that spent in buying cattle. John left Halifax on Wednesday 28th of last month. and arrived at Puton 110 miles away on Saturday. He was delayed one day by rain. The roads are very bad. he stayed in Puton with James Milnes from Ashbourne. He sailed in a small boat for the Island [Prince Edward Island] about 28 leagues, was becalmed, then in a storm. He walked 2 hours before breakfast, then a further 10 miles then rested because it was 90 in the shade, lying on the floor, all beds being occupied. He reached Charlotte-town next evening. Vessel only arrived 2 days later. He spent 12 days there very unpleasantly, getting business done as best he could. He returned to Halifax arriving on Wednesday 19th. He goes to Boston [United States of America] tomorrow and expects to arrive in 8 days time. If he returns in October he may visit New York. Prince Edward Island is wooded but the wood is of no value. The settlers clear and burn. He gives an account of meals of which the best is breakfast. There is great plenty of fish which is the principal dish. He hears James' Colonels' brother is here and one of the younger Gells but he has not met them. He has just had news from New York by way of Halland of the defeat of the French, in confirmation of accounts brought by the packets.
[22 July 1808] |