our
cause.

"But our exertions have been attended with many privations and
sacrifices hard to be borne, and should hostilities continue many more
will be required.

"In order to mitigate some of these, the inhabitants of York came
forward to contribute toward the comforts of the flank companies; and a
large sum of money was raised for that purpose, of which the greater
part is expended.

"But, on reflection, it appeared that something more might be done of a
permanent nature, and that portion of the inhabitants who are not liable
to military duty, eager to prove that their zeal in the cause is not
inferior to that of those in actual service, formed themselves into a
Society, named '_The Loyal Patriotic Society of Upper Canada_,' for the
following distinct purposes:

"1st. To afford aid and relief to such families of the militia, in all
parts of the Province, as shall be made to appear to experience
particular distress, in consequence of the death or absence of some of
their friends and relations.

"2nd. To afford like aid and relief to such militiamen as have been or
shall be disabled from labour by their wounds or otherwise in course of
the service aforesaid.

"3rd. To reward merit, excite and commemorate glorious events, by
bestowing medals or other honorary marks of public approbation or
distinction for extraordinary instances of personal courage or fidelity
in defence of the Province by individuals, either of his Majesty's
regular troops or militia forces.

"4th. Also the seamen on the lakes.

"This Society, so honourable in its nature, and which we hope will prove
most important in its consequences, was first suggested by the
Honourable Mr. Selby, and was received with acclamation.

"In a public meeting of the gentlemen of York and its vicinity, the
Chief explained the great advantages likely to result from it, if
generally supported; and, assisted by his most respectable colleagues,
prepared views for its management. To these the meeting gave their
cordial assent, and in a few minutes nearly $2,000 per annum was
subscribed. There are some who have given during the continuance of the
war one-tenth of their income.

"General Sheaffe, in a letter to the Chief Justice, our chairman, not
only extols, in earnest language, the objects of the Society, but, far
exceeding our expectations, presents us with L200. Colonel Bishop, a
stranger [who was afterwards mortally wounded at Black Rock], and not
an inhabi