"
I discussed the question involved at length with the Honorable George
Brown and with his brother Gordon, at Toronto. I felt the importance of
having the views, and, if possible, the concurrence of the leader of
the "Grit" party. He led me to think that he concurred with me; and I
sent him a copy of this document. He kept it some time, and then re-
directed it to me without remark. Afterwards, I received a verbal
message to the effect that "It would not do at all." I became convinced
that nothing "would do at all" with a small band of men--who, at that
time, had objects of their own--in Upper Canada. Some of them--few in
number, I am happy to know, and impecunious--appeared to consider the
old corporation of the Hudson's Bay in the light of Blucher, when
driving through the streets of London, "Mein Gott! what a plunder."
Some of them tried their best to confiscate the property; and once or
twice, by weakness and vacillation in London, they almost gained the
day.
Governor Dallas and I also carefully considered the telegraph question;
the route, the cost, and the best agencies to complete its very early
construction.
The two agreements, which, as matter of history, I here copy, were
intended to bring about the complete connection of the Hudson's Bay
territories direct with England and with the United States.
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