Document Information

Date: 1866-04-26
By: Fenwick Williams
Citation: Despatch from Lieutenant-Governor Fenwick Williams to Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, No. 30 (26 April 1866) in UK, Parliament, Correspondence respecting the Proposed Union of the British North American Provinces (London: George Edward Eyre and William Spottiswoode, 1867).
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No.11.

COPY of a DESPATCH from Lieut.-Governor Sir W. F. WILLIAMS, Bart., K.C.H., to the Right Hon.Edward Cardwell, M.P.

(No.30.)

Halifax, Nova Scotia, April 26, 1866.
(Received May 8, 1866.)
(Answered No. 26. May 12, 1866. p. 80.)

SIR,

By the last New York mail packet I had the honour of sending you, in an informal manner, an announcement of the passage, through both Houses of the legislature of this Province, of a resolution in favour of the future Confederation of the British North American Provinces.
II now beg to enclose a copy of the resolution in question, and to state that the numbers on dividing were as follows:–

In the Legislative Council – – – – 13 to 5.
In the Legislative Assembly – – – 31 to 19.

It is highly gratifying to be able to add that this all-important measure was warmly supported by the most eminent men of both parties in Parliament, and thus triumphantly carried after a protracted and well-sustained debate. And I would fain add my firm belief that every man who voted for the measure felt that he was exhibiting to the Queen the highest proof of his loyalty and devotion, at the same time that he was rendering to his native Province an inestimable served.

I have, &c.

(Signed) W.F. WILLIAMS.

The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P.,
&c. &c. &c.

Enclosure in No. 11.

“Whereas, in the opinion of this House it is desirable that a Confederation of the British North American Provinces should take place :

“Resolved therefore. That his Excellency the Lieut.-Governor be authorized to appoint delegates to arrange with the Imperial Government a scheme of union which will effectually ensure just provided for the rights and interests of this Province, each Province to have an equal voice in such delegation Upper and Lower Canada being, for this purpose, considered as separate Provinces.’