A Narrative

simplicity of mind, ill-naturedly called ignorance, with which I approached the city of Toronto. With Mr. M'Kenzie's heavy book of lamentations in my portmanteau, and with my remedial instructions in my writing-case, I considered myself as a political physician, who, whether regularly educated or not, was about to effect a surprising cure: for, as I never doubted for a moment either the existence of the 553 pages of grievances, nor that I would mercilessly destroy them root and branch, I felt perfectly confident that I should very soon be able proudly to report that the grievances of Upper Canada were defunct?in fact, that I had veni-ed, vidi-ed, and vici-ed them. As, however, I was no more connected with human politics than the horses that were drawing me?as I had never joined any political party, had never attended a political discussion, and had nevereven voted at an election, or taken any part in one? it was with no little surprise that, as I drove into Toronto, I observed the walls placarded iii large letters which designated me as " Sir Francis Head, A Tried Reformer." I could soon see that the loyalists looked upon me in this light, and, acccordingly, on the very first appointment, that of Surveyor-General, which they themselves forced me to make, they almost one and all joined in a very improper petition to the King, which I am sure they have all since deeply regretted. Exposed as I knew I must be to the political storm, it was to me a matter of t...