CHATHAM. The County Town of the County of Kent; pleasantly and advantageously situated on the River Thames, at the junction of the townships of Chatham, Raleigh, Harwich, and Dover East; and at the entrance of McGregor's Creek into that river: the portion of it situated on the north shore of the river being called Chatham North. This town was originally laid out by Governor Simcoe, who, while examining the valley of the Thames, on arriving at the spot on which Chatham now stands, was so much struck with its great natural advantages, that he immediately reserved 600 acres for a town plot. The town, however, may be said to have commenced only about fifteen years ago; since which time it has progressed rapidly, and now contains about 1500 inhabitants; and property has greatly increased in value, so much so, that a small town lot, which at the first settlement could have been worth but a mere trifle, was sold a short time since to a merchant at the enormous advance of 750 dollars. This place was a garrison town during the rebellion, and contains barracks, but they are at present unoccupied. The new road from London to Amherstburgh passes through the town. Four-horsed stages, going eastward and westward, leave Chatham every day. The steamboat “Brothers,” Captain Eberts, is owned here, and, during the season, leaves Chatham for Detroit and Amherstburgh every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, returning on the alternate days. The “London,” Captain Van Allen (the fastest boat on the upper lakes) meets the “Brothers” at Detroit, and continues the route to Buffalo, touching at the intermediate ports on the Canadian side. The “London” is a beautiful boat; and, during the winter of 1844-5, the “Brothers” was overhauled, enlarged and refitted. Chatham contains four churches and chapels; viz., Episcopal, Presbyterian, Secession, and Methodist: also, a Theatre, which is well attended, the performers being amateurs; and a cricket club. A newspaper, the “Chatham Gleaner,” is published here every Tuesday. Town lots of a quarter of an acre, and park lots varying from three to ten acres, are still to be purchased, the price varying according to situation. The table of exports for the past year will give some idea of the trade of the town, as well as of the prosperity and industry of the surrounding neighbourhood. List of Professions and Trades.—Five physicians and surgeons, one lawyer, one dentist, one steam grist mill, one water do., two saw mills, two breweries, three distilleries, one tannery, ten stores, four groceries, one pottery, one maltster, six tailors, two saddlers, three shoemakers, ten taverns, one printing office, one watchmaker, one gunsmith, eight blacksmiths, three cabinet makers, one hatter, one tinsmith, two carriage makers, one foundry, two bakers, one tallow chandler, two asheries, one livery stable, one bookseller and stationer, two bank agencies (Gore and Upper Canada), one land agency, three schools. . Principal tavern and stage house, the “Royal Exchange,” at which is a reading and news room. Land agent, Abraham Steers. Stage fare from Chatham to London, $3; to Detroit, $2. S:eamboat fare from Chatham to Detroit, $2; to Amherstburg, $2. Chatham is sixty-six miles from London, and fifty miles from Detroit. (Smith's Canadian Gazetteer, 1849)