Our loyal address, a very moderate one, to the Governor, was
carried unanimously--all the young Preachers on trial being allowed
to vote on that occasion. This is equally gratifying and surprising
to all the friends of British supremacy. A gentleman from Montreal,
who was present, was so surprised, and I may say, delighted, that
he could hardly contain himself. I did not know for a short time,
but he would be constrained from the violence of his feeling to
jump up and shout. The Conference also adopted a very good address
to the King. (See page 162.)

We are on the eve of a new election. The excitement through the
country at large exceeds anything I have ever known. There would be
very little cause for doubt or fear as to the results, were it not
for one of the last acts of Sir John Colborne's administration, in
establishing and endowing nearly sixty Rectories. Knowing, as I do,
that the public mind is strongly opposed to any measure of that
sort, or any step towards legalizing a church establishment, yet I
could not believe the feeling was so strong as it actually is. If
the elections should turn out disastrously to the best interest of
the country, the result can only be attributed to that unjust and
most unpolitic act. We are willing to do all that we consistently
can, but everywhere the rectory question meets us. While I am
compelled to believe that a vast majority are devotedly loyal to
our gracious Sovereign, yet the best and most affectionate subjects
of the King would almost prefer revolution to the establishment of
a dominant Church thus sought to be imposed on us.

In a letter to Dr. Ryerson, from Toronto, his brother John says:--

The late elections agitated the Societies very much in some places,
but they are now settling down to "quietness and assurance." I hope
that the worst of the storm is over. The Governor is a talented
man, but very little magisterial dignity about him. He takes good
care to let every one know that _he_ esteems every day alike,
travelling on Sabbaths the same as other days. Indeed he seems to
have no idea of religion at all, but is purely a man of pleasure.
His popularity will soon be upon the wane if he does not mend in
these respects.

The friends in Kingston are very anxiously looking for your return,
an