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Date: 1866-08-04
By: Earl of Carnarvon
Citation: Despatch from the Earl of Carnarvon to Lieutenant-Governor Fenwick Williams (4 August 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. 17.

COPY of a DESPATCH from the Right Hon. Earl of CARNARVON to Lieut.-General Sir W. F. WILLIAMS, Bart., K.C.B.

(No.10.)

Downing Street, August 4, 1866.

SIR,

I HAVE received your Despatch of the 19th ult. Marked “Separate”, stating that the gentlemen named in the margin, accompanied by gentleman from New Brunswick, would proceed to England as Delegates to confer with Her Majesty’s Government upon the subject of the Confederation of the British North American Provinces.

I have to inform you that the gentlemen in question have arrived, and that on the 30th ult. I had an interview with them on this important subject, and apprized them that the non-arrival of the Canadian Delegates, and the advanced period of the Session, rendered it impossible for Her Majesty’s Government to submit to Parliament any measure for the Confederation of the Provinces.

I added that during the recess I should be prepared to enter fully into communication with the Delegates from Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick., and to endeavour to arrive with them at such a conclusion as would be satisfactory both to the Colonies and to this country.

I have, &c.

(Signed) CARNARVON.

Lieut.-General Sir W. F. Williams, Bart., K.C.B.,
&c. &c. &c.