rliest convenience, to learn the result of
your deliberations. I should also be happy to see you, if you should
soon proceed to Kingston. Whatever the Governor-General may have
heretofore thought of either the theory or practice of responsible
government, he is certainly right on the subject now. And when His
Excellency avows what Sir F. Head denied, and offers everything that has
been demanded, surely, as far as principles of government are concerned,
the country wants, and ought to have, no more. I think it will be a
fearful calamity to the country, if we drive Sir Charles Metcalfe away
from us. I doubt whether England can produce his like for Canada.

To this letter Mr. Merritt replied, on the 25th January:--

I regret to say that my own private affairs, arising from
circumstances which have occurred since I saw you, prevent my
assuming any situation under the Government which must necessarily
occupy my undivided attention. I have heard from and replied to Mr.
Harrison to the same effect. No person can more regret the
unfortunate position in which we are placed than I do, and I agree
with you that the loss of Sir Charles Metcalfe will be a public
calamity. I have no doubt he will honestly carry out the principles
of responsible government, and with a competent council, who
understand what the country requires, and with competent
individuals to carry those measures into effect, he would render
more essential service to Canada than any former Governor whatever.

I am under some apprehension that you mistake the feelings of the
majority of Upper Canada members. A mere majority would ensure
defeat; they must act in a body to give a majority in the present
House; and from recent indications, there appears to be a change in
the minds of those who were under very different impressions some
time since. Although I was under a different impression some time
since, I cannot see any chances of a new ministry being sustained,
unless by a dissolution. 1. A majority seems indispensable to
secure which the Reformers of Upper Canada must unite--and every
Conservative must support them also;--the first cannot be relied
on, therefore it is unnecessary to discuss the second. Most of the
present members will feel themselves committed by their recent
vote; they will all be pressing for a new election; and shape the