I had warned them that Mr.
Mackenzie's proceedings would result in rebellion. I afterwards received
the thanks of great numbers of Reformers for having by my warnings and
counsels saved them and their families from being involved in the
consequences of the rebellion. I was so odious to Mr. Mackenzie and his
fellow rebels, that they determined to hang me on the first tree could
they get hold of me. Of this, I had proof from one of themselves; yet I
afterwards succeeded by my representations and appeals, to get several
of them out of prison. My brother John, who was then in Toronto,
presented to Governor Arthur and advocated a largely signed petition
against the execution of Lount and Matthews. He also read a letter from
me (then a stationed minister in Kingston) against their execution, and
on the impolicy of capital punishment for political offences.

After the suppression of the rebellion--in the putting down of which the
great body of the Reformers joined--the leaders of the dominant party
sought, nevertheless, to hold the entire party of the Reformers
responsible for that rebellion, and to proscribe and put them down
accordingly. The first step in this process of proscription was the
ostracism of Mr. M. S. Bidwell, an able and prudent politician, and a
gentleman who took a high place in the legal profession.[61] and
completed them in the office of Mr. Daniel Hagerman, of Ernestown. He
was admitted as a barrister-at-law in April, 1821.

Mr. Bidwell was first elected to the House of Assembly in 1824;
re-elected and chosen Speaker in 1828. On the death of George IV., in
1830, a new general election took place, when the Reform party were
reduced to a minority, and Mr. Bidwell was not re-elected Speaker; but
he greatly distinguished himself in the debates of the House. In 1834, a
new general election took place; a large majority of Reformers were
returned, and Mr. Bidwell was again elected Speaker. In May, 1836, Sir
F. B. Head dissolved the House of Assembly, and Mr. Bidwell and his
colleague, the late Peter Perry, were defeated in the united counties of
Lennox and Addington, which Mr. Bidwell had represented in Parliament
during twelve years. From that time (May, 1836) Mr. Bidwell never
attended a political meeting, or took any part in politics.

During my stay in England, from December, 1835, to April, 1837, I had
many conversations with Lord Glenelg, Sir George Grey, and Sir James
Stephen (Under Secretaries), on the