nt to work and built a House 38 by 36 and set it on to
the other, which occupies the same ground that the other did, and
I finished it to a latch from top to bottom. * * * * The summer
past I have built me a barn 80 feet by 34 completely finished and
said to be the best in the Province.

'I wonder you don't come yourself or send some of your family to
help us enjoy this fine country. We feel no war nor pay any tax.
Our land brings forth abundantly; it is almost incredible to see
the Produce; it makes but little odds when you plant or sow, at
harvest time you will have plenty. This last spring was late, the
water was not off so that I could plant till the 21st of June, and
so till the 26th we planted, and you never saw so much corn in any
part of the States to the acre as I have got, and wheat and
everything to the greatest perfection. I wonder how you and my
Friends can prefer digging among the Stones and paying Rates to an
easy life in this country. Last year I sold beef, pork and mutton
more than I wanted for my family for three hundred Pounds, besides
two colts for forty pounds apiece. A few days ago I sold four
colts before they were broke for one hundred and ten pounds and I
have sixteen left. I have a fine stock of cattle and sheep--butter
and cheese is as plenty here as herrings are at Taunton--a tenant
lives better here than a Landlord at Berkley. I am blesst with the
best Neighbors that ever drew breath--they are made of the same
stuff that our forefathers were that first settled New England. *
* * * I live under the protection of the King, and I am stationed
by his Laws on this Island, the finest farm in the Province. I
don't intend to weigh my anchor nor start from this till I have
orders from the Governor of all things--then I hope to obey the
summons with joy and gladness--with Great Expectation, to meet you
in Heaven where I hope to rest."

[63] He means that intercourse with the shore was cut off in
consequence of floating ice but that his neighbors had seem
the misfortune and, realizing the need of prompt action, of
their own good will met together and began to prepare the
frame and materials for a new dwelling.

Benjamin Atherton removed to St. Anns about 1769 where at the time the
Loyalists arrived he is reported to have had a good framed house and
log barn and about 30 acres of land, cleared in part by the