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Anthony Stewart, Samuel Gouldsbury, Scotchmen, having explored St. Mary's Bay and Sissibou River, had selected that beautiful site on western side of the River for a town without informing the Government of their intentions. At the projection now called "Gouldsbury's Point," these brave adventurers landed a colony, January 21st, 1783, amid the chilly atmosphere.

That winter, however, was remarkably mild for our climate. No really cold winds nor severe storms had visited our coasts. Hence, they ventured thither from New York, in a private conveyance, owned by Mr. Gouldsbury. It is impossible to learn how many persons were on board, or even name and dimensions of the Transport. With most commendable zeal they exerted themselves to clearing the lands, erecting dwellings, a "Market," stores, and other buildings.

Anthony Stewart, chief promoter of the enterprise, and leading Agent for the settlers, who had been imprisoned in New York for his Toryism, losing his Estate there as recompense for attachment to the British cause returned to his former home the following summer and completed the Roll of Emigrants for the first town in Digby County, called by Stewart and Gouldsbury, NEW EDINBURGH, after the capital of Scotland, their native city, and placed the Memorial for recognition and Legal Possesion in the hands of Sir Guy Carleton, a brave officer and confidential friend. This prayer was readily granted ; Warrants of survey were promptly issued ; and the Town Plot marked out by Charles Morris, Esquire, Surveyor General, Col. John Taylor, Samuel Gouldsbury and Stephen Jones, Esquires, Commissioners appointed by the Governor to assist in locating settlers. Each person drew his share by Lottery, under supervision of Surveyor and Commissioners.

Samuel Gouldsbury lived on Gouldsbury Point, and opened the first and principle mercantile Establishment adjoining his residence. He was also engaged in the lumber business, owning a large share in the Saw Mill with Solomon Bunnell on Lot 24, noth side of Sissiboo River. He returned to Great Britian after some years. William Johnson, Esq., also settled in the town and kept a store there in 1787 and two following years. He removed to Waterford.

Every effort to collect additional data concerning New Edinburgh has failed . The author regrets inability to locate the Market and other centres, which tradition says were erected, but have long since disappeared. Traces of ancient streets are still visible, though our earliest town is now represented by a goodly number of farm houses, peopled by English and Acadians, happy in the pursuit of their cheerful occupation with some fishing in its season.

Isaiah W. Wilson.Geography and History of the County of Digby. Cha.5, pp.46-48.

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