Document Information

Date: 1865-11-24
By: Edward Cardwell
Citation: Despatch from Right Hon. Edward Cardwell to Administrator of the Government of Canada (24 November 1865). “RETURN To an Address of the Honorable the Legislative Assembly, of the 12th June, 1866, asking for Correspondence relative to the Union of the North American Provinces” in Sessional Papers (1866).
Other formats: Click here to view the original document (PDF).

DOWNING STREET, 24th November, 1865.

SIR,—I think it right to acquaint you that I have been informed by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, that in the opinion of Her Majesty’s representative at Washington, the necessity of having to submit a Treaty of Commerce to the separate action of the various Provincial Legislatures would be a serious difficulty in bis way, and that the union of the Provinces would afford the best hope of obtaining such a treaty. It is evident that if the gentlemen who are now about to proceed to Mexico, the British and Spanish West Indies, and Brazil, for the purpose of ascertaining in what manner the trade and commerce of those countries with British North America can be extended, shall bring their journey to a successful conclusion. and shall be able to suggest to Mer Majesty’s Government on the part of the British North American Provinces, any new arrangements with the countries in question for the benefit of those Provinces, a similar difficulty may be expected to arise in every such case, and on the other hand the union of the Provinces would, in every such case, afford the best hope of bringing such arrangements to a speedy and satisfactory conclusion.

I have the honor to be,
&c, &c., &c.,

(Signed,) EDWARD CARDWELL.