. John, 30 September, 1783.

"Rec'd from Gilfred Studholme, Esq. the sum of L72.10.0
Halifax currency for superintending his office for
conducting the settlement of and issuing lumber to the
Loyalists within the district of St. John from the 9th May
to 30th September, 1783, both days included, at 10
shillings pr. day for which I have signed three receipts
of the same tenor and date.

SAM'L DENNY STREET.

Each Loyalist on his arrival was provided with 500 feet of boards, and
a proportion of shingles and bricks. Most of the erections at first
were log houses, the lumber being used for roofing. By the end of May,
1784, Major Studholme had delivered to the Loyalists 1,731,289 feet of
boards, 1,553,919 shingles and 7,400 clapboards. The lumber was
purchased from James Woodman, William Hazen, Nehemiah Beckwith,
Patrick Rogers, John Whidden and others, the usual price being, for
boards L4 per M., and for shingles 15 shillings per M.

The work of building must have progressed rapidly, for when winter
came, about 1,500 dwellings afforded shelter. Joshua Aplin wrote Chief
Justice Smith that the efforts of the people were unparalleled, and
that on his arrival he could scarce credit his own eyes at the sight
of such industry. But, he adds, the people had no legal right even to
the ground their houses covered, and they appeared to be almost in
despair at not getting on their lands. The greater part of those in
the town at the mouth of the St. John river never meant to fix
themselves there, but to settle on their lands and to apply their
money to building farm houses, purchasing live stock, etc., and great
loss had been incurred by their being obliged to build at the mouth of
the river.

The Kingston settlers were amongst the few that proceeded directly to
the lands on which they were to settle. For some weeks they lived in
tents on the banks of Kingston Creek, where the mothers found
occupation in nursing their children through the measles. They used to
send across the river to "Jones's" for milk and other necessaries.
They were visited by the Indians, with whom they established friendly
relations and who furnished them plentifully with moose meat. In the
month of July they obtained the services of Frederick Hauser to survey
their land. Before the lots were drawn by the settlers, however,
reservations were made for church and school purposes. They