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Date: 1886-07-03
By: John Sparrow David Thompson
Citation:  Despatch from John Sparrow David Thompson to John A. MacDonald (3 July 1886), at the Library and Archives Canada, MG26-A, Vol. 274, C-1683
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Ottawa, 3rd July, 1886.

My dear Sir John,

I beg to enclose herewith the letter from Mr. Richey. I think it would be unfortunate if he should seek advice hereafter as to the course which he should pursue—as, for instance, in relation to summoning the legislature. We should, in my opinion, as far as possible, take the line that the question of secession is one that the legislature below has nothing to do with and which is for the Imperial Government to deal with rather than for us. It would place our party at a great disadvantage in N. S. to have the impression established that our government was resisting the popular wish for disunion—or what appears to be the popular wish, and, apart from party considerations, the hostility of the country people, and their prejudices, would be intensified by the getting up of a conflict with “Canada” as the Upper Provinces are still called there. If Mr. Richey were advised to yield to the wishes of his Executive he would perhaps be encouraged to consider the subject as within the competence of his advisers—if he were advised to refuse, the refusal—even if he made it appear to be his own act, as a federal officer, would precipitate a conflict. It was of course most desirable to advise him, as you did, prior to the dissolution but now that he is fairly in the hands of his Council again I think we should let them play their own game.

Yours Sincerely,

Jno. S. D. Thompson

Rt. Honble

Sir J. A. McDonald, G.C.B. &c.