The English Settlers Take Further Action
Determined to resolve the matter, the English settlers petitioned the British House of Lords in February 1838. This move attracted the attention of Lord Howick, who pressed the company to have Lieutenant-Governor Sir John Harvey investigate the complaints. An investigation was launched, resulting in an agreement between the settlers and the company being signed in June 1838.
The terms of agreement met with the English settlers' approval. The company agreed that payment of rent would be deferred until May 1838 and payment of passage money, until July 1839; the charges for food supplied to the settlers immediately on their arrival and in 1837 as well as any charges for seed would be waived; and that any money owed to the settlers would be paid immediately. The company also agreed to employ members of poor families temporarily or loan them money during difficult times. The English settlers' demands for compensation ceased.