Office of the Historian

Mr. Burnley to Mr. Seward

Washington, January 26, 1865.

Sir: I have the honor to transmit to you herewith a copy of the speech of his excellency the governor general on the opening of the session of the Canadian Parliament.

I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

J. HUME BURNLEY.

Hon. William H. Seward, &c., &c., &c.

[Extracts from the Canada Gazette of January 19, 1865.]

Legislative Council Chambers, Quebec, January 19, 1865.

This day, at three o’clock p. m., his excellency the governor general proceeded in state to the chamber of the legislative council in the Parliament building. The members of the legislative council being assembled, his excellency was pleased to command the attendance of the legislative assembly, and that house being present, his excellency was pleased to open the third session of the eighth Parliament of the province of Canada with the following speech from the throne:

Honorable gentlemen of the legislative council:

Gentlemen of the legislative assembly:

* * * * * * * * * *

Outrages have been committed on the commerce and territory of the United States of America by persons who, after the perpetration of these acts, have sought refuge on Canadian soil.

In order to prevent the organization of any such enterprises within this province, and also to enable me to discharge in an effective manner my duties towards a neighboring power on terms of friendship with her Majesty, I have seen fit to oganize a system of detective police on the frontier line of the United States, and with the same design I have called out for permanent duty a portion of the volunteer force of the province.

Similar considerations have suggested the propriety of arming the executive government with stronger powers than it now possesses for dealing with persons who, while availing themselves of the right of asylum which has always been allowed on British soil to political refugees from all foreign countries, may be unmindful of the implied obligations which, by their residence among us, they contract to obey our laws and to respect the declared policy of our sovereign.

A bill framed for this purpose will be laid before you, and I ask for it your early consideration.

I am happy to be able to inform you of the zeal and alacrity displayed by the members of the volunteer force when called upon to turn out for active service.