om this source that in the early part of
April, 1783, the Rev. John Sayre, one of the agents for settling the
Loyalists in Nova Scotia, visited those who were then living on the
north shore of Long Island at Eaton's Neck, Lloyd's Neck and
Huntington, to inform them that the King had granted to those who did
not incline to return to their former places of abode and would go to
Nova Scotia, two hundred acres of land to each family and two years
provisions, and provide ships to convey them as near as might be to a
place of settlement. A public meeting was held at which the matter was
considered in detail, and it was resolved by all present to remove
with their families to Nova Scotia and settle together in some
situation where they might enjoy the advantages of a church and
school. Mr. Bates says that providence seemed to select for them the
best ship and by far the best captain in the fleet. The captain
received them on board "as father of a family," and took care that
nothing in his power should be wanting to render them comfortable on
the voyage. The "Union" took on board her passengers at Huntington
Bay. The embarkation began on April 11th and was completed in five
days. The manifest of the ship has been preserved and is now in
possession of J. T. Allan Dibblee of Woodstock, N. B. (See Collections
of N. B. Hist. Society, Vol. II. p. 276). It is signed by Fyler
Dibblee, deputy agent in charge of the party. There were 209
passengers in all, viz., 61 men, 39 women, 59 children over ten, 48
children under ten and 2 servants. The ship sailed to the place of
rendezvous near Staten Island. While waiting at New York for the other
vessels, an interesting incident occurred, which (together with
subsequent events) we shall let Mr. Bates tell in his own way:--

"Having a couple on board wishing to be married, we call upon the
Reverend Mr. Leaming, who received us with much kindness and
affection--most of us formerly of his congregation--who after the
marriage reverently admonished us with his blessing, that we pay
due regard to church and schools, as means to obtain the blessing
of God upon our families and our industry. We embarked; next day
the ship joined the fleet, and on the 26th day of April, 1783,
upwards of twenty sail of ships, under convoy, left Sandy Hook for
Nova Scotia--from whence, after the pleasure of leading the whole
fleet fourteen days, our good ship Union arrived at Partridge
Island befor