Letter Writing Assignment

From Alex MacIntosh (Colonist in Upper Canada) to a Relative in the "Old World"

• Timeframe: 1815 - 1838
  • Your wife & daughter died on the boat over from the Old World. (Europe) to the New World (North America).
    
    • Boat journey 20 - 60 days long.
      • Many got ill and died on the way over. ie. Cholera (contaminated food / water) dehydration / diarrhea.
        
        • You are 19, Scottish, poor, unskilled & illiterate.
          • Your supplies: 1 broad axe, some nails, & garden seeds.
            • You're a pioneer. Clear your land, plant crops, build your house put up fences & Try to survive!
              • You must clear & fence 2.03 hectares of land for every 40.5 hectares you have, build a house 4.88m x 6.1m &
                clear 1/2 the road in front of your lot. Must be completed in 2 years or your property will BE CONFISCATED!

                You have lived in Upper Canada for years. Write a letter to relatives in Great Britain telling them about your new life.
                Describe your accomplishments and the hardships you have encountered.
                
                Encourage or discourage them to come to the province Upper Canada by giving them reasons why this is a good/bad place to settle.
                Be specific. Please include a nice SKETCH or original IMAGE when you are done.

                Your letter should be 1-3 pages long. Don't double space. Don't forget the date.
                Making your paper look old fashioned may be nice.