No. 18

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 with 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 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 add 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 the 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 the 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.