Durham; but there is a special interest in the
expression of this sentiment when addressed, as in the following extract,
to Lord Durham's daughter:--

I still adhere to my opinion that the real and effectual vindication
of Lord Durham's memory and proceedings will be _the success of a
Governor-General of Canada who works out his views of government
fairly_. Depend upon it, if this country is governed for a few
years satisfactorily, Lord Durham's reputation as a statesman will be
raised beyond the reach of cavil. I do not indeed know whether I am to
be the instrument to carry out this work, or be destined, like others
who have gone before me, to break down in the attempt; but I am still
of opinion that the thing may be done, though it requires some good
fortune and some qualities not of the lowest order. I find on my
arrival here a very weak Government, almost as much abused by their
friends as by their foes, no civil or private secretary, and an
immense quantity of arrears of business. It is possible, therefore,
that I may not be able to bear up against the difficulties of my
situation, and that it may remain for some one else to effect that
object, which many reasons would render me so desirous to achieve.

[Sidenote: Irish immigration,]

With these cares, which formed the groundwork of the texture of the
Governor's life, were interwoven from time to time interests of a more
temporary character; of which the first in date, as in importance, was
connected with the flood of immigration consequent on the Irish famine of
1847.

During the course of the season nearly 100,000 immigrants landed at
Quebec, a large proportion of whom were totally destitute, and must have
perished had they not been forwarded at the cost of the public. Owing to
various causes, contagious fever of a most malignant character prevailed
among them, to an unexampled extent; the number confined at one time in
hospitals occasionally approached 10,000: and though the mortality among
children was very great, nearly 1,000 immigrant orphans were left during
the season at Montreal, besides a proportionate number at Grosse Isle,
Quebec, Kingston, Toronto, and other places.

In this manner 'army after army of sick and suffering people, fleeing from
famine in their native land to be stricken down by death in the valley of
the St. Lawrence, stopped in rapid succession at Grosse Isle, and there