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Date: 1865-12-20
By: Edward Cardwell
Citation: Despatch from Right Hon. Edward Cardwell to Lieutenant Governor Anthony Musgrave (20 December 1865) in Newfoundland, Journal of the Legislative Council of the Island of Newfoundland, Appendix No. 54—Message from His Excellency the Governor, enclosing Despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies, of December 20th, 1865 (1866).
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DOWNING STREET
20th December, 1865.

SIR,—

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 75, of the 14th of November, from which I learn with satisfaction the orderly and peaceable manner in which the proceedings of all parties were conducted during the recent General Elections.

As regards the very important subject of the proposed union of the British North American Provinces, I wish you clearly to understand not only that there is no change in the views of Her Majesty’s Government, but that we hope that mature consideration will have satisfied the Lower Provinces of the advantages to be derived from such a union.

I rely upon your discretion in giving effect to the known wishes of Her Majesty’s Government, in the way most likely to be successful.

I have, &c,
(Signed)          EDWARD CARDWELL,

To His Excellency
Governor MUSGRAVE
&c.,     &c.,     &c.,