Originals were unfolded, flattened, given acid-free envelopes and returned to donor.
Acquisition Source
Mrs. Gail Manson of White Lake
Scope and Content
From a description of the letter in Peter Hessel's book, McNab: The Township: 'Laird to his son Allan at White Lake, from caledonia Springs (near Hawkesbury) where he stayed to "take the water". He was suffering from a severe cold and a hand disabled with rheumatism. He was afraid that he would never be able to use his hand again. "The doctor informs me I was too long of coming, had I only come a month or six weeks sooner, I would have had a much better chance, but I was so Anxious about the roads that I stayed too long for my benefit..." He mentioned seeing Thomas Keefer in Bytown regarding a proposed road that would affect the prperty at White Lake. The Laird sold Allan's pony to The Hon. Captain Stanley, A.D.C. and planned to make arrangements about the farm. "You will now have nothing to do but attend to the little Wheat and Potatoes, tis therefore Needless keeping any more Servants". There are references to financial difficulties concerning timber duties, to several people owing him money, and to the expenses he faced at Caledonia Springs, where he intended to stay for some time.'
Notes
The originals were returned after scanning.
Related Material
See Peter Hessel's book, McNab: The Township for a broader history of the Laird's settlement and occupation of the area.