Saint John October 9th 1797

Dear Sir

I beg leave to state the following circumstance explanatory of my claim as a Provincial Officer to certain Lands which were drawn for Me in the Block or allotment made to the Maryland Loyalists near Fredericton. In 1786, I procured Indented Servants and [ ] for Building and embarked for Halifax -- our passage was unexpectedly long and Winter approaching I found it necessary to proceed to Maryland in quest of vouchers to substantiate my claim before the commissioners at Lincoln Inn Fields. In the [ink blotch] I sent my [ink blotch] and effects to the River Saint John which They quitted in the ensuing summer having previously sunk for Me by embezzlement or otherwise about 90 pounds.

My Claim on Government by unavoidable accident was protracted nearly three years before which period my allotment of lands were promised or granted to a certain Major (William) Anstruther who it is said did not take possesion -- and I am informed that Captain (Stair) Agnew is now endeavouring to obtain of His Excellency the Governor and his Council a Grant of the Lands in question. I am therefore, Sir, to request You to oppose such his intention by a memorial to the Governor & Council in my Behalf. If You succeed I will without loss of time take proper steps to settle the Lands in conformity to the spirit and Letter of the Grant.

I am, Dear Sir, with much esteem your affectionate Friend and Father,

James Chalmers
late Lieut. Col. of the Maryland Loyalists

John Saunders Esqr.

Stair Agnew: Captain of the Queen's Rangers from Virginia. He was a member of the House of Assembly of New Brunswick for thirty years. (Sabine I, p. 155)