ed to assent to bills providing for their own contingencies; and
in April, 1836, first prorogued, and then dissolved his exasperated
parliament. The next assembly presented a majority of opposite politics
to the last, and Sir Francis had everything his own way: he "rode on a
full tide of popularity." Still he was beset with difficulties on every
hand; and his mode of governing was of so novel and experimental a
nature, that it was evident he must sooner or later become offensive to
his superiors at home. Before the close of the year, indeed, he found
himself in collision with Lord Glenelg. During that period and in the
following year he addressed several memorandums to the colonial office,
in which he gave a description of the political state of Canada, and
offered his advice as to what measures were necessary for its good
government. It must be confessed that his views were generally of the
most eccentric character; and hence they were either unnoticed by the
government at home, or he was given to understand that they were not
thought worthy to be included among those submitted to the imperial
government. The points at issue between Sir Francis and his superiors
progressively accumulated, until at length the lieutenant-governor
broke out into insubordination, and thereby made his recall a matter
of necessity. But before his recall, and while the correspondence was
passing between Sir Francis and Lord Glenelg, an insurrection broke out,
which was headed by Mr. Mackenzie: Toronto was attacked by him, bearing
on his colours the name of "Bidwell," the judge-elect for the court
of Queen's Bench. This attack failed, and it became incumbent on Sir
Francis Head's successor, Major-general Sir George Arthur, to institute
proceedings against some of those engaged in the outbreak, who had been
taken prisoners. Among these were Samuel Lount, a native of the United
States, and Peter Mathews, an Upper Canadian, both of them men of
considerable property. Mathews had headed a party, and attacked the
city, when Sir Francis Head was shut up in the Town-hall; on which
occasion a bridge and several houses were set on fire. Being brought to
trial they pleaded guilty, and were sentenced to death--a sentence that
was executed on them. Upon being informed of this event, Lord Glenelg
wrote to express his regret that these severities should have been
deemed requisite, and expressed a hope that no similar necessity might
recur. No more of the offen