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Date: 1865-08-18
By: Province of Canada
Citation: Province of Canada, Parliament, “RETURN: To an Address of the Honorable the Legislative Assembly, dated 10th August, 1865: for Copies of all Correspondence, since, the beginning of last Session, between the Government of Canada and the Governments of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, in relation to Confederation of the British North American Provinces” in Sessional Papers (1865).
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RETURN

To an Address of the Honorable the Legislative Assembly, dated 10th August, 1865; for Copies of all Correspondence, since, the beginning of last Session, between the Government of Canada and the Governments of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, in relation to Confederation of the British North American Provinces.

By Command.

W. McDOUGALL,
Secretary.

SECRETARY’S OFFICE, Quebec,
18th August, 1865.

LIST OF PAPERS.

No. 1. Honorable A. H. Gordon to Lord Monck, 9th January, 1865.
No. 2. Sir R. G. Macdonnell.to Lord Monck, 9th January, 1865.
No. 3. Lord Monck to Sir R. G. Macdonnell, 18th January, 1865.
No. 4. Lord Monck to Lieutenant Governors, 30th January, 1865.
No. 5. Honorable A. H. Gordon to Lord Monck, 8th February, 1865.
No. 6. Lord Monck to Lieutenant Governors (one enclosure), 27th February, 1865.
No. 7. Sir R. G. Macdonnell to Lord Monck, 9th March, 1865.
No. 8. Lord Monck to-Lieutenant Governors (one enclosure), 20th March, 1865.
No. 9. Sir R. G. Macdonnell to Lord Monck, 4^th April, 1865.
No. 10. Sir R. G. Macdonnell to Lord Monck, 10^th April; 1865.
No. 11. Sir R. G. Macdonnell to Lord Monck, 3rd May, 1865.

(Copy.) Honorable A.H. Gordon to Lord Monck.

FREDERICTON, N.B., 9^th January, 1865.

MY LORD,—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship’s Despatch of the 23rd ultimo.

I have communicated that Despatch, with its, enclosures, to my Executive Council, and when I receive the advice of its Members as to the steps which in their opinion may be best calculated to give effect to the Resolutions of the Quebec Conference, I will not fail to do myself the honor of again addressing your Lordship.

I have, &C.,
(SIGNED,) ARTHUR H. GORDON.

His Excellency Viscount Monck,
&c., &c., &c.

Sir R.G. Macdonnell to Lord Monck.

(Copy.—No. 50.—Lieut. Governor’s Office.)

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
Halifax, Nova Scotia, 9th January, 1865.

MY LORD,—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship’s Despatch of the 23rd December, transmitting copy of the reply of Her Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State to your Lordship, expressing the views of of the Queen’s Government on the Resolutions adopted by the Quebec Conference;

2. In reference to the course which your Lordship suggests for the purpose of giving effect to the instructions of Her Majesty’s Government, viz., to submit to the respective Legislatures the project of the Conference, I am in a position to state that this Government will take similar steps to those proposed to be taken in Canada, that is to say—when the papers and correspondence connected with the subject shall have been laid before Parliament, which I have summoned to meet on the 9th February, an Address to Her Majesty will be moved by the leader of the Government, praying Her Majesty to direct steps to be taken for passing an Act of the Imperial Parliament to unite the Provinces of British North America. The Resolutions of the Quebec Conference will be suggested as the general basis of such union, to be carried out in such manner as may be judged by Her Majesty’s Government most compatible with the joint interests of the Crown and of these portions of the British Empire.

3. It is evident, from the communication of the Right Honorable the Secretary of State, that Her Majesty’s Government expects to be aided in the preparation of a Bill embodying the suggestions of the Quebec Conference, by Deputations from the respective Provinces. It also appears to myself and the Members of my Government that to avoid the probable multiplied divergence of opinion in each Legislature—inseparable from discussing a great variety of details in several independent Parliaments—despite of a general agreement in the main objects and principles of the general scheme, it is better for these Provinces to avail themselves of the friendly arbitrament of the Queen’s Government, and send Delegates to consult with the latter during preparation of the proposed Imperial Bill. The peculiar views of each Legislature might, if necessary, find appropriate expression in instructions to the Delegates from each.

4. This seems the wisest and most complete mode of disposing of all questions of Prerogative, as well as of all suggested amendments of the Quebec Resolutions. On all such points, I and my Council feel that the simplest and most effectual mode of serving these Provinces is to confide in the wisdom, discretion, and friendly disposition of the Imperial Government.

5. Any other course appears to this Government calculated to open a door to the renewal not of one but of as many Conference as there are distinct Legislatures. Such a course might possibly end in the indefinite adjournment of all union, and this Government would view with serious apprehension the grave consequences and general embarrassment to public business which might be caused by thus holding in suspense such important questions, and protracting their discussion so late as to prevent their settlement by Imperial legislation within the current year.

6. I trust the above views of myself and of this Government coincide with those of your Lordship, and that all these Provinces may attain the early realization of their hopes of inion by reposing a general confidence in the ability and wisdom of Her Majesty’s Government to arrange satisfactorily whatever details the Quebec Conference may have left incomplete.

I have, &c.
(Signed,) R.G. MACDONNELL

The Right Honorable Viscount Monck,
&c., &c., &c., Governor General.

(Copy.)

QUEBEC, 18^th January, 1865.

SIR,—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch of the 9^th instant, in reference to the course to be pursued in the several Provincial Legislatures on the subject of the proposed Union, and I will at once lay it before my Executive Council for their consideration.

I have, &c.,
(Signed,) MONCK.

Lieut. Governor Sir R. G. Macdonnell, C.B.
&c., &c., &c., Nova Scotia.

Lord Monck to the Lieutenant Governors of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and to the Governor of Newfoundland.

(Copy.)

QUEBEC, January 30^th, 1865.

SIR,—I have the honor to transmit for your information a Copy of the Resolution which it is proposed by my Government to move in both Houses of the Legislature of this Province, on the subject of the proposed union of the British North American Provinces.

I also enclose, as printed by the Legislative Assembly, Copies of correspondence that has been laid before both Houses of the Canadian Legislature.

I have, &c.,
(Signed,) MONCK.

Lieut. Governor Sir R. G. Macdonnell, C.B.
Lieut. Governor the Honorable A. H. Gordon, C.M.G.
Lieut. Governor George Dundas, Esquire.
Governor A. Mulgrave, Esquire.

(Copy.)

Resolved, That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying that She may be graciously pleased to cause a measure to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament for the purpose of uniting the Colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island in one Government, with provisions based on the following Resolutions, which were adopted at a Conference of Delegates from the said Colonies, held at the City of Quebec, on the 10th day of October, 1864.

(Here follow the Resolutions, verbatim.)

(Copy.) Mr. Gordon to Viscount Monck.

FREDERICTON, N.B., 8^th February, 1865.

MY LORD,—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship’s Despatch of the 30th ultimo, transmitting to me a copy of the Resolution which your Government propose to submit to the Canadian Legislature on the subject of the proposed union of the British North American Provinces; and also a Copy (printed) of some correspondence on the same subject.

I have, &c.,
(Signed,) ARTHUR GORDON.

The Viscount Monck, &c., &c.

Lord Monck to the Lieutenant Governors of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and the Governor of Newfoundland.

(Copy.)

QUEBEC, February 27^th, 1864.

SIR,—I have the honor to enclose for your information a Copy of an Address which I have received from the Legislative Council of Canada, requesting me to transmit to Her Majesty the Queen an Address from that body, praying “that Her Majesty may be graciously pleased to cause a measure to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament for the purpose of uniting the Colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island in one Government, with provisions based on the Resolutions which were adopted at a Conference of Delegates from the said Colonies, held at the City of Quebec, on the 10th day of October, 1864.”

I have, &c.,
(Signed,) MONCK.

Lieut. Governor Sir R.G. Macdonnell, C.B.
Lieut. Governor the Honorable A.H. Gordon, C.M.G.
Lieut. Governor George Dundas, Esquire
Governor Anthony Mulgrave, Esquire.

(Copy.)

To His Excellency the Right Honorable CHARLES STANLEY, Viscount MONCK, Baron Monck of Ballytrammon, in the County of Wexford, Governor General and Governor in Chief in and over the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Island of Prince Edward, and Vice-Admiral of the same, &c., &c., &c.

MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY;

We, Her Majesty’s dutiful and loyal subjects, the Legislative Council of Canada, in Provincial Parliament assembled, beg leave to approach Your Excellency with our respectful request, that you will be pleased to transmit our Address to, Her Majesty on the subject of the union of Her Majesty’s Provinces of British North America in such a way as to Your Excellency may seem fit, in order that the same may be laid at the foot of the Throne.

(Signed,) U. J. TESSIER,
Speaker of the Legislative Council.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Monday, 20th February, 1865.

Sir R. G. Macdonnell to Viscount Monck.

(Copy—No. 78.—Lieut. Governor’s Office.)

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
Halifax, Nova Scotia, 9th March, 1865.

MY LORD,—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship’s Despatch of the 27th February last, enclosing Copy of an Address from the Legislative Council of Canada, requesting your Lordship to transmit to Her Majesty the Queen an Address from that body, praying for an Imperial Enactment for the purpose of uniting the British North American Colonies.

I have, &c.
(Signed,) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL,
Lieut. Governor.

His Excellency the Right Honorable Viscount Monck,
&c., &c., &c., Quebec.

Lord Monck to the Lieutenant Governors of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and the Governor of Newfoundland.

(Copy.) QUEBEC, 20th Match, 1865.

SIR,—I have the honor to enclose for your information a Copy of an Address which I have received from the Legislative Assembly of Canada, requesting me to transmit to Her Majesty the Queen an Address from that body, praying that Her Majesty may be graciously pleased to cause a measure to be submitted to the Imperial Parliament for the purpose of uniting the Colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Prince Edward Island in one Government, with provisions based on the Resolutions which were adopted at a Conference of Delegates from the said Colonies held at the City of Quebec, on the 10th day of October, 1864.”

I have, &c.
(Signed,) MONCK.

Sir R. G. Macdonnell to Lord Monck.

(Copy.—No. 94—Lieut. Governor’s Office.)

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
Halifax, Nova Scotia, 4th April, 1865.

MY LORD,—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship’s Despatch of the 20th of March, enclosing Copy of an Address from the Legislative Assembly of Canada, requesting your Lordship to transmit to Her Majesty the Queen an Address from that body, praying for an Imperial Enactment for the purpose of uniting the British North American Colonies.

I have, &c.,
(Signed,) R. G. MACDONNELL
Lieut. Governor.

His Excellency the Right Honorable Viscount Monck,
&c., &c., &c.

Sir R. G. Macdonnell to Viscount Monck.

(Copy.—No. 97.—Lieut. Governor’s Office.)

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
Halifax, Nova Scotia, 10th April, 1865.

My LORD,—I have the honor to transmit, for your information, Copy of a Resolution moved by this Government, in the Nova Scotia Assembly, this day.

That Resolution is to the effect that, as immediate union of the British North American Provinces has now become impracticable, the original proposition of a Legislative Union of the Maritime Provinces ought to be again entertained, in accordance with the Resolution passed during the last Session of the Legislature.

Such a Resolution sufficiently explains to your Lordship the position in which this Government has been placed, by events beyond their control, in relation to the wider question of an immediate general Confederation of the British North American Provinces, adverted to in your Lordship’s Despatches of the 27th February and 20th of March.

I have, &c.,
(Signed,) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL,
Lieut. Governor.

The Right Honorable Viscount Monck,
&c., &c., &c., Canada.

Whereas, under existing circumstances, an immediate union of the British North American Provinces has become impracticable; and whereas a Legislative Union of the Maritime Provinces is desirable, whether the larger union be accomplished or not:

Resolved, That, in the opinion of this House, the negotiations for the union of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, should be resumed, in accordance with the Resolution passed in the last Session of the Legislature.

Sir R. G. Macdonnell to Viscount Monck.

(Copy.—No. 119.—Lieut. Governor’s Office.)

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
Halifax, Nova Scotia, 3rd May, 1865.

MY LORD,—I have the honor to transmit herewith to your Lordship Copies of two Resolutions on the subject of a Union of the Maritime Provinces; the first adopted by the Legislative Council, and the second by the House of Assembly of this Province, during the Session which has just passed.

I have, &c.,
(Signed,) RICHARD GRAVES MACDONNELL,
Lieut. Governor.

His Excellency the Right Honorable Viscount Monck,
&c., &c., &c., Canada.

(Copy.)

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.—1^st.

Whereas, under existing circumstances, an immediate Union of the British North American Provinces has become impracticable; and whereas a Legislative Union of the Maritime Provinces is desirable, whether the larger union be accomplished or not:

Resolved, That, in the opinion of this House, the negotiations for the Union of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, should be resumed, in accordance with the Resolution passed at the last Session of the Legislature.

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.—2^nd.

Resolved, That, in the opinion of this House, the negotiations for the Union of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, should be resumed, in accordance with the Resolution passed at the last Session of the Legislature.