Don Gutteridge: Bloody Relations

Nevertheless, I have already formulated a general plan for the future governance of the Canadas. It remains only for my associates-Wakefield, Turton, and Buller-to help me flesh it out. There will be a united parliament with equal representation from each province. The Baldwins may prove me wrong about the French way of life fading away or blending with the British to make something strange and new, but for now a single assembly ought to compel the leaders of the two races to say hello to each other across a parliamentary aisle every day: who knows what may happen then? My principal concern, as you know, has ever been to create some kind of legislative forum in which the people who live in the provinces and have a stake in its future will be given the opportunity to work out their own destiny.

Less optimistically, Wakefield assures me that the atmosphere in the Whig cabinet is now so poisoned that we shall be fortunate to get our report written and seriously considered by an indifferent and self-absorbed Parliament. Moreover, the chances of having responsible government-the linchpin of any scheme I propose-accepted are doomed from the outset. Of course this will not dissuade me from promulgating it loudly from any pulpit provided me!

On a more personal note, Handford has begun to recover from his ordeal. We offered to send him home to recuperate, but when he realized that Lady Durham is essential to me and my work and could not therefore accompany him, he chose to remain here. All in all, I think it was a wise decision. Please write again and let me know how your law studies are progressing.

Yours sincerely,

John George Lambton

Earl of Durham

P.S. My congratulations to Mrs. Edwards on the blessed event you are anticipating next April. I hope your marriage turns out to be as fortunate as mine has been.