Description The Colonial Patriot

Printed in the Colonial Patriot, January 11, 1828.

Messrs. Editors,

I approve of the design of Philo Antiquarius, and would take the liberty of suggesting to him the necessity of a cautious and patient enquiry into his facts. Pictou did not receive its name as he states from the French.  It is an Indian name for a bottle, or Jar, or anything else which has a narrow mouth and widens afterwards, and it was no doubt, given to the place like the names of Merigomish, Antigonish, &c., on account of the shape and appearance of its harbour.   If Philo Antiquarius takes up his facts at random, he may dress them up in many tropes and figures as he can think of, but he will not produce a true history.  I would also suggest to him that an authentic history should be written in a plain and unambitious style; and his injured by even succesful attempts at pomp and splendour.

Yours, &c.              A Plain Man.