“Doc John Humphreys was granted by Colonel Thomas Talbot in 1827, one hundred acres of land lot 14N, Talbot Road in Orford Township, County of Kent. At that time "Western District" Ontario, or then also known as "Upper Canada", it was subject to settlement duties.

 Settlement Duties:
The settler must clear half the road in front of his land, clear 10 acres elsewhere, build a log cabin 18' x 24', live on the land 5 years, and pay the settlement duties. Colonel Talbot was very strict with his settlers in that all requirements must be met before he would grant them a certificate that must be turned in before a Crown Patent (deed) would be issued. Also, none (?) British Subjects must take the Oath of Allegiance before him.
Doc. John Humphreys wrote a letter (Petition) February 17, 1848, stating that he had completed the settlement duties, his farm had been inspected by the Justice of Peace and it had passed the inspection, now he was ready to take the Oath of Allegiance and pay the settlement duties. I have a letter from Colonel Thomas Talbot stating he had taken the Oath of Allegiance before him. Evidently something happened as the next letter I have, was written March 29, 1848 by a lawyer in Chatham stating that he was on a sick bed and was not expected to live and would they give the farm to his wife Jane (Warren) Humphreys and if he lived give him all the privileges possible. It was not until 1852 that he got the Patent (Deed). I have written for the Crown Patent but they say it was lost in post."

Below in the white box is a copy of the  letter written by the lawyer from Chatham on March  29, 1848 and above that are the words in the letter as the document is difficult to read.

                                                                                                                                            Chatham 29^th March 1848

Honorable Sir

       I have the honor herewith to forward to your protection the Talbot-Claim duly signed of one John Humphreys for the South half of Lot No. 14 on the Middle Road, Orford.  The unfortunate man is reported to me as lying on a bed of sickness, and his widow in case of his death or himself in case of recovery will forward the fees as soon as they can be made up.  Meanwhile, I have the honor as his attorney to request your giving him all the protections you can conditionally.

                                                                                          I have the honor

                                                                                       To be Honorable Sir

                                                                                    Your Obedient Servant

                                                                                                 Abraham Steen

Honorable _Unreadable word_ , Crown Lands                     Attorney to the Above

                                                                                                     Named Petitioners