From the time it was understood that both Mr. Hoskins and the Albany Land Company intended to plant villages, a pause in the progression of Babelmandel took place, and several settlers, who had come with the intention of remaining there, went and took lots at Judiville. In the mean time, the roads both from Judiville and Napoleon, the Company's town, were being opened through my block, and many enquiries were made as to my price and intentions; but I gave no direct answer to any of them, reserving myself until the roads should be practicable.

When this was the case, and when the Company and Mr. Hoskins had fixed their prices, I also fixed mine, at a quarter of a dollar higher per acre; much to the consternation of the old gentleman, whose amazement was increased at finding, that, notwithstanding the difference, I received more offers for my land than he did.

It was seemingly not easy to account for this preference, which, indeed, surprised myself, who had no other reason for fixing the price higher, than a vague notion, that in consideration of two roads passing through the land, the settlers would probably not object to give it. I ought, however, to confess, that I was a little swayed by a secret reason, not so rational. The price I fixed would leave me a clear profit of a dollar per acre, which, upon twenty thousand acres, supposing no thereafter increase, and that I could dispose of the whole within the five years of the contract, would yield the substantial part of five thousand pounds,—the utmost I had ever thought of for a competency to retire upon.

But worldly fortune was more liberal than my expectations. The rumour of the three settlements going on and progressing together, our excellent school, and our eloquent preacher, and, above all, the judicious manner in which Mr. Hoskins disposed of his water privileges, attracted settlers from all quarters.