of the interior, it must of course be
likewise the only place fit for the Seat of Government, and every thing
else of consequence in the Province. But when a person whose mind is
above these mercenary considerations, and enlarged to see the general
good of the country, casts his eye on the map of the Province, he will
find that if the situation was as good a few miles farther up, it would
still be more central. For Fredericton is only eighty-five miles from
the sea; at the lower extremity of the County of York, which extends
upwards to the Canada line about two hundred miles. The large County of
Northumberland joins York on the North and Northeastward, and comprises
all the land from Westmorland, along the Gulf and river of St.
Lawrence, till it likewise joins Canada. These two Counties form more
than two thirds of the whole Province; and will no doubt each require
to be divided into two or more Counties, when they become more fully
settled. Consequently the seat of Government is at present in the most
eligible place for the general convenience of the inhabitants of the
Province at large, than any other situation that possibly could be
selected. Diverging as from a common centre, the distance of the routes
from Fredericton to the most important parts of the Province are nearly
equal, viz. to St. John is about eighty-five miles, passing four
counties in the distance; to St. Andrews, the frontier town, about
ninety miles; to Northumberland about the same distance; to Fort
Cumberland in Westmorland, about one hundred and forty miles; and to
Madawaska, the upper settlement on the great road to Canada, about the
same distance.

In time of war, its situation for a military depot is excellent, as
from the direction of the routes just mentioned, the different
accessible parts of the Province could be easier succoured from here
than any other station. And if reinforcements should have to pass
through the Province to Canada during the winter season. Fredericton
and the Great Falls would always, from their situation, be the natural
depots for troops, stores, &c. Neither if magazines were formed at this
place could there be more danger of their being surprised and taken,
than at any of the sea-ports; for it is nearly one hundred miles from
an enemy's frontier, and there must be a great want of vigilance if any
body of men, sufficient to make an impression, should be allowed to
approach without opposing effectual resistance, or at t