.

About the time of Mr. Bidwell's defence, Dr. Ryerson also wrote an
explanatory letter to the Colonial Office in regard to his excellent
friend, Hon. John H. Dunn, the Receiver-General, whose generous conduct
towards the Upper Canada Academy is mentioned on page 166[69]. In a
letter of acknowledgment from Mr. Dunn to Dr. Ryerson, he said:--

I am very glad to learn from your letter that you have written to
Lord Glenelg. It is but just to put His Lordship in possession of
facts which may counteract the influence of misrepresentation, and
enable His Lordship to exercise his own humane disposition in
putting matters right, which have been so wrong and arbitrary
towards the individual Mr. Bidwell, whom you have taken the
interest in, and trouble, to restore to his position and his
country.

I feel exceedingly obliged for the kind feeling which you entertain
towards me. Believe me, that you have only done me justice by
mentioning my name to Lord Glenelg. I have laboured hard since I
have been in the Province to discharge my duty to my God and my
Government. I have entertained different opinions at times of the
"Powers here," but they have been the dictates of an honest heart.
I cannot guide my opinions to the service of any party. Whatever
they may be, I shall lament if they should result in any other than
for the best interests and welfare of the Province of Upper Canada.

You were so good as to read me your letter to Lord Glenelg, on the
subject of the late execution of Lount and Matthews. Your version
too, of the real meaning of the representation which caused Sir
Francis Head to compel us to retire from the Executive Council, is
so correct, that I cannot suggest any amendment; besides, I am
bound by my oath not to divulge any transaction arising at the
Council Board. I shall be very happy to see the letter published.
(See page 170.)

You have seen my name kindly mentioned in the public prints. What
has been said has been the spontaneous expressions of other
persons, quite unknown to me. I am grateful to those persons who
have vindicated me against a party, eager to destroy me, and my
family. I leave them to a Judge who knows the secrets of all
hearts, and before whom we all shall soon appear. I have had my
share of afflictions and troubles in this world, an