No. 17
21st February 1870
My Lord,
I have the honor to forward Printed Copies of the Message with which I caused the Session of the Legislative Council to be opened on the 15th instant, and of the Address which has been presented to mebyManuscript image by that Honorable body in reply.
2. Your Lordship will observe that the most important subjects referred to in my Message are the proposed Union of this Colony with the Dominion of Canada, and the change in the local Constitution which, having reference to that measure, I stated it to be my intention to ask for authority to establishinManuscript image in anticipation of it.
3. Upon these questions I shall address Your Lordship separately in other Despatches, and I trust I shall obtain Your approval of the course which I propose to pursue as stated in my Message. That declaration of the policy of the Government appears to give very general satisfaction in the Colony and I am informed has silenced some idle discussion upon"annexation"Manuscript image "annexation" to the United States which had arisen from the apprehension that Her Majesty's Government intended to force the Colony into Union with the Dominion at the instance of Canada and without reference to the true interests and wishes of the Colonists.
I have the honor to be,
My Lord,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
A. Musgrave
Minutes by CO staff
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Mr Herbert
I should say a good sound sensible Speech.
Ackn: receipt.
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& approve.
G 3/4
CC 31/3
RGWH Ap 1/70
WM 2/4
Documents enclosed with the main document (not transcribed)
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Government Gazette Extraordinary, 22 February 1870, containing Musgrave's speech opening the Legislative Council, Council's reply, and Musgrave's rejoinder.
Other documents included in the file
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Draft reply, Granville to Musgrave, No. 38, 6 April 1870.