Colonial Despatches

I have had the honor to receive Your Lordship's Despatch of the 31st December, No 113 in which you express your wish that I should use my own judgment respecting the mode and time of bringing the question of Union withCanada Canada before my Council, and that I should not consider myself bound to bring forward any formal proposal unless I think that by so doing I shall promote the acceptance of the Union.

2. My Despatch No 17 of this date transmitting the Message with which I opened the Legislative Session will have acquainted Your Lordship that I have already brought the question forward;and and will have shewn the mode in which I have done so.

3. I now have the honor to forward Copies of the Resolution which it is proposed to pass embodying the terms on which this Colony would be willing to join the Dominion, and I also enclose a Copy of the Despatch in which I have transmitted the same papers to Sir John Young.

4. There is but little that I could at present addwith with advantage to the observations which I have made in that Despatch. It now remains to be ascertained to what extent the Government of Canada can fulfil the expectations of this Colony.

5. As I had anticipated, some of the most prominent agitators for Confederation are greatly dissatisfied that "Responsible Government" forms no part of theproposals proposals which I have brought forward; but on the other hand an important section of the Community having much larger interest at stake in its welfare, I have reason to believe are pleased that so great a change in the form of the local Government is not regarded as expedient; and are much reassured by finding that there is no desire to force Confederation upon theCommunity Community without time being afforded for consideration.

6. I am sure that the course which has been adopted will not hinder assent to Union, and indeed I have confidence that it will be promoted by putting the proposal before the Community in an intelligible form, and not as a party question.