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Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to bo entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre filmte A des taux de reduction diffArents. Lorsque Ie document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul clichA, 11 est fiimA A partir de Tangle supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite. et de haut en bas, en prenant Ie nombre d'images nAcessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 1^ m A BRIEF SKETCH or THK LIFE or CHARLES, BA.RON METCALFE, OF FERNHILL, IN BERKSHIRE, Bart., G. C. B. &c. TO THE PERIOD OF HIS RESIGNING THE OFFICE OF GOVERNOR GENERAL OF THE BRITISH NORTH AMERICAN COLONIES, IN 1845. QEIGINALLY COMPILED FOR THE "BRITISH WHIG," f BY "UNCLE BEN." ;■ I w \ " The Representative of such a Monarch as the Sovereign of England, should be dignified in his lan;5uage, mild in his power, just in his decision, amiable in his private life, and generous in his charities." Anan, Review of Ireland during the Administration of Lord Wellesley. « I i ^#^^>»»^^%^»^>»^^>^>^^ ^o»^*^^v^^ KINGSTON: PRINTSD AT THE ATHENEUM. 1846. Sold by Dr. Barker, Kingston, by Messrs. R. & C. Chalmers, Montrealy and by Mr. Hugh ScoHioi Toronto. I ■ > I7H C^9 # «•■ S'¥S'73 -H-., DEDICATION. TO THE HONORABLE WILLIAM HENRY DRAPER, &c. ftc. Sir, — It may seem strange that the writer of the Letters of Uncle Ben, should solicit permission to DEDICATE to you the following pages ; but, Sir, I know no person to whom I can so justly do so as to one who enjoyed so large a share of the esteem and confi- dence of that nobleman — a faint outline of whose acts is herein sought to be given to the public. Laying aside political differences, I trust you will [accept the patronage. I would that the style and ex- ecution were raoi-e worthy of the subject, but there are persons, the true portraiture of whose character would appear to be flattery to those who knew them not ; yet those acquainted with Lord Metcalfe will, I am confident, not accuse me of any undue praise, when I place him high among the greatest and best of men of the dav. I hare the Honor to he, Sir^ Your Obedient Servant, UNCLE BEN. J'i^ H ' 1 Mllr J ! 4 ■iJ ¥ TO THE INHABITANTS OP CANADA. To you, my fellow subjects, I havt presumed to offer this slight attempt to preserve the memory of our late Governor General, if indeed, anything were wanting to preserve the name of one whose charity, benefi' cence, and uniform kindness were acknowledged and appreciated by us all. Differences of political opinion must ever prevail in all free communities ; of which, indeed, they may be said to be the truest test : but to whatever length such differences may have proceeded, in regard to the prin- ciples on VI hich Lord Metcalfe conducted the Govern- ment, none will deny their admiration to his great and many private virtues, nor withhold their sincere grief and sympathy at the melancholy cause which led to his retirement from among us. Canada has lost a sincere friend ; and on all quarters is heard one fervent prayer that it may please the Al- mighty disposer of events to \lleviate his sufferings and shed the light of His Holy Spirit over the declining years of one whose anxious wish was the happiness of all. I have been induced to revise the Letters which originally appeared in the British Whigt and I now present them in the present form, at the request of many of his warm admirers. I ii 1 1 : t H» K T proi the whi circ err< wn on staj of inf] me oft th< mi sa] no thi wi fei ne w if i." lo ai ti h k He reckoned not the past, while aught remained Great to be done or mighty to be gained. Rowers Lv4:an, Lib. IL There is not a subject which a public writer ap- proaches with so much diffidence, as the Review of the Life of a living Statesman — as there is none other which presents so many difficulties, or demands greater circumspection in guarding against a very common error — of falling into either the extremes of over- wrought praise on one hand, or unmerited censure on the otner: — besides, when the character is on the stage before us, we are liable to be actuated by feelings of personal consideration; and the mind, too apt to be influenced, easily takes a bias which warps tne judg- ment, and, with every desire to do justice, we are often unconsciously led astray. The difficulties which the Latin Historian foresaw, in this line of writing, are much more forcible in regard to Biography, " when," says he, **you would relate the great virtues and re- nowned deeds of statesmen and warriors — what each thinks easy to be accomplished by himself, he receives with an equal mind, — beyond that, he takes them as if feigned and false." 'When we review the character of a political opp*^- nent, we anxiously search out those traits and feelings which may in our opinion justify our opposition ; and if we write too severely, or overstep the bounds of justice, the public can always strike the balance and judge correctly ; but when a loved and honored name forms the subject of our consideration, fresh difficulties arise, and we naturally distrust our power to do jus- tice. With such feehngs have I undertaken the task before me, and though I feel some pride in t)eing al- lowed to lay bef(n« the Canadian public this brief l^ m \ (I i ..i!'- i I i I' i and unpretending rerord of the public acts of Lord Metcalfe, yet I feel the task a snd one. Canada has lost an upright and an honest man, a friend and bene- factor, a temperate Governor, and a beneficent distri- butor of charity and comfort ; and sure am I that all, "without distinction of party, will unite in deep regret at the melancholy circumstances which have rendered necessary his retu'emeiit from public life. Weighty as are these considerations, there is yet another which attaches itself to the writer of this sketch ; he has, in the discharge of what he thought, erroneously perhaps, a public duty, placed himself at issue with a Council which enjoyed Lord Metcalfe's confidence; and he fears he will find some diffi- culty in jjcparating their acts from the public charac- ter of His liordship : determined, however, as far as in him lies to do justice, he appeals to the favorable interpretation of his opinions, by the public : his chief aim shall be " Nothing to extenuate, nor set down aught in malice." The past ten or fifteen years of our Canadian His- tory present to our view many names commai>dingour admiration and esteem, — proving the deep interest the parent State feels in our welfare ; sending us as Governors some of the noblest and best menf And well does Canada merit this care, for she is one of the brightest gems in the British diadem. Among those names we find the high minded and generous Dalhousie — the chivalrous and gallant Seaton — Aylmer, whose pri- vate virtues, and sterling rectitude of principle, shed a lustre on the vice-regal office — Head, the unshrinking . defender of his Sovereign's honor and his country's good, the neglect of whom is a stain on the page of English policy ; Sydenham, whose brilliant talents as a statesman, and untimely death, have left him without an enemy: — many were his political faults, it is true, but when we consider the period at which he as- \ sumed the Government, the objects with which he was charged and the difficulties he had to encounter, we are inclined to pass lightly over them ; and with all, who is there among us thatdidnot,even within one short year after his death, sincerely wish that his life might have been spared. None, save they whom he had raised to power, and who basely sat by while his memory wai assailed, and recreant left his defence to those who had been his sternest opponents. Amid this galaxy of great names, the folly of a Gosford, the weak pride of a Durham, the timid hesitation and doubtful policy of an Arthur, and the miserable f\ill of a Bagot, are for- gotten, or serve but as foils to shew off lo more advan- tage the lustre of those with whom they are contrasted. Our late Governor General has added another illus- trious name to the list of Canada's benefactors; and while many conscientiously object to the line of policy which he adopted, all unite in doing homage to his generosity and amiability of character, — only one man m Canada, and he comparatively a stranger, could be found who allowed the gall of political rancor to choke his better feelings, and disturb the harmony of a public festival to vent his spleen on the departed nobleman ; — but from him we turn to the subject of our memoir. Great as the political acumen of Lord Metcalfe un- doubtedly was, and richly as he was gifted by nature with talents of the highest order, and an intellect clear, comprehensive, and far-seeing, yet he has earned for himself a far higher name than any political distinction can bestow, by his virtues and his charities, by the gentleness of his character, and the truly christian and liberal spirit which guided his every act. As a States- man, a Nobleman and a Scholar, in whatever light we view him, he may emphatically be said to be a great and a good man ; he has now closed a political career of forty-five years, during the whole of which, with the exception of a few months, he was actively cm- ployed in the service of his country, and every quarter i li li;>i II 10 of England's vast Colonial Possessions, bears testimony to his industry and talent. In India, Jamaica, and Canada, his name will long be held in remembrance and veneration, and England will acknowledge him ag one of her most devoted servants, and accomplished de- puties : Long as that flag, " The proud attendant on the sun through all his daily path," Continues to wave over a free and generous people, so long will the name of Metcalfe hold a high place in the roll of England's worthies. Charles Tiieophilus, second son of Sir Theophi- lus Metcalfe, of Berkshire, was born on Sunday, the 30th of January, 1785. His familv belongs to that most noble class, the Country Gentfemen ol England ; and his Father was a Member of the House of Com- mons ; one of the Directors of the most Honorable the East India Company, and possessed no little in- terest and consideration at that conclave of Merchant Princes. Charles was early destined for the Compa- ny's service, as were also, I believe, both of his broth- ers ; the elder, Theophilus, died in China in 1822, and the younger is now in India. The subject of this Memoir was sent to Eton, and a class mate of his, now holding a high office in the state, writing to a friend in Canada, says," when we were at Eton, young Metcalfe was noted for his great kindness of disposition, and his remarkable aptitude at acquiring knowledge and mastering difficulties," At this school he remained till about his fifteenth year, when he received his first appointment, and in 1800 sailed for India : on his arri- val at Calcutta, he, according to custom, entered the College at Fort William, established by the Marquis of Wellesley, for the instruction of young men in the Company's service, in the native languages of tha country. C 11 At this period the affairs of the East were eon- ducted by two celebrated men, Lord Weilesley, one of the first politicians and most accomplished scholars of his day, being Governor General, and Lord j^ake, Commander in-Chief; the former paid a parental at- tention to the College he had been the means of estab- lishing, and he was soon made acquainted with the rapid progress of Mr. Metcalfe, whom he appointed assistant to the Resident at the Court of Sindeah," one of the Mahratta Chiefs — the Resident being I believe the present Lord Cowley ; here he remained about a year, when he was recalled to Calcutta, and appoint- ed to a situation in the office of Secretary to the Su- preme Government, in the discharge of the duties of which he evinced a talent for business which soon brought him into favorable notice, and in consequence the Marquis soon promoted him to his own office. In 1803, the Mahratta Chiefs, aided by the French, had got possession of Delhi, and expelled the rightful Sovereign, Shah Aulum ; they were expelled by Lord Lake and Aulum reinstalled, who lived only five years, dying in 1808. Agra was also taken possession of by the British. By a treaty with the Rajah of Bhurtpore, that Prince had placed himself under the protection of the British, and had engaged to assist them against Sindeah ; but when the war broke out he forgot his promises, formed a coalition with Holkar, and Bhurt- f)ore was invested by Lord Lake, to whom it was de- ivered in 1805, and the Rajah compelled to pay a fine of twenty lacs of rupees. During this campaign, Mr. Metcalfe attended Lord Lake as a volunteer, or per- haps as it was then customary for a civil servant al- ways to accompany military expeditions, he had at his own request, been selected for that purpose ; however it may have been, there appears to have existed at that time a certain degree of jealousy between the civil and military officers, and Lord Lake took no pains to con- ceal his distaste for these civil attendants on his camp ; ■f I \ '8.i 19 1! "11 (1 ** men " to use his own expression, *' who would not fight themselves, and were in the way of others."— These taunts reached the ears of Mr. .Metcalfe, and ai if to prove the fallacy of the reasoning, he signalized himself on many occasions during the war of 1804-5-6, particularly at the siege of Veegy a city about 57 miles N. E. from Agra, where Lord Lake defeated the army of Holkar, on the 15th of November, 1804, and which led to the treaty of April the 10th, 1806. At the siege of this city, Mr. Metcalfe, armed with a walking stick, placed himself at the head of an attackini; party, and was among the first to enter the town. This anecdote was first given to the Canadian public, through the co- lumns of the Cohourg Start furnished, as I am inform- ed, by a gentleman who was present. At the conclu- sion of the war, by the subjugation of the (Chiefs, Mr. Metcalfe returned to Calcutta, but was almost imme- diately sent as Envoy to the Court of Rao Holkar, and from thence was transferred, in a few months, to Delhi, in the capacity of assistant to the R(3sident agent ; here he remained nearly two years, which time he spent in perfecting his knowledge of the various languages, and making himself master of the policy of the Indian chiefs ; as also gaining information as to the social and mercantile state of the Province. Since the commencement of the war in 1803, seve- ral changes had taken place in the Government of In- dia. Late in 1804, the Marquis of Weliesley had ten- dered his resignation, and Lord Cornwallis, who had been Governor General from 1786 to 1792, during which period Tippoo Sultaun had been subdued, and who had subsequently signalized himself in the war of Revolution in the States, was appointed to succeed him; he arrived in 1805, butdied in the October of the same year. Sir George Barlow acted as Governor till the arrival of Lord Minto in 1807. In 1808, disturbances had broken out in Lahore, and the Punjaub, — a tract of country which derirei its 18 name from its being watered bv the five Easterly branches of the Indus, and f?r xs from its having been the limit of the expeditio of Alexander the Great; — to this District Mr. Metcalfe was sent by Lord Minto, to settle the differences, wliich he accom- plished in such a manner as to gain the confidence of the Governor General ; and in after life he has de- clared that the compliments and kindness bestowed on him by the successful issue of that negociation, were amongst the most jjrateful and cherished recollections of his life ; and well might it be so, for the long con- tinuance of the peace, and the subsequent amicable re- lations, fully justified the confidence placed in him by Lord Minto. Many anecdotes of his life at this period are before me, given me by persons, then in daily com- munication with him ; but the relation would tres- pass too far on the space I have allowed myself, and I also omit them here for reasons hereafter to be explain- ed. Saib Metcalfe was beloved by all who knew him ; the natives held him in an estimation almost equal to that they entertained for their own great men : the stout young Englishman, in whom the absence of official hau- teur, whose affability, joined to his almost lavish generos- ty, won their hearts. He remained, however, but a short time at Lahore. On the perfecting the object of his mission, he returned to Calcutta, when he shortlv after accompanied Lord Minto, in a tour to the presidency of Madras. In 1809 or 10, he was sent in a second time to the Court of Sindeah, where he remained till May 1811, when he was recalled to Calcutta, previous to his being appointed Chief British resident at Delhi, one of the most responsible offices in the Anglo-Indian (Government, as it embraces all our diplomatic relations with all the Northern Tribes, and requiring talent and energy, second only to that looked for in the head of the Government ; and at a time particularly arduous, as the then Monarch was a man not easily kept in check, and among the proudest of the Indian Princes. An anecdote connected with Lord Metcalfe's charac- V. ' 1 \i 14 ter, occurred at this Court, and is too good to be lott ; it is as follows : — Previous to the arrival of Mr. Met- calfe, it had been the custom for the British Resident, perched in a Khvvas, a kind of dickey behind the chair of State, to chowrie, that is, keep the flies off the Royal pate, with the tail of a Nepaul cow, handled and ornamented with gold, and set with precious stones. Mr. M*s predecessor, Mr. Seaton, had used the howdah with such effect and energy, that during his occupation of the perch, not a fly had dared to light upon the royal head, nor even buz within the reach of the death- bestowing tail. The new Resident not relishing such an amusement, and thinking it beneath the dignity of the Representative of the Sovereign of Eng]and,determined to abolish the custom. At fl^rst, he laughingly told the Monarch, that he was growing too fat to sit in so nar- row a chair : his Majesty graciously hinted at an en- largement — the resident declined the honor,, but offered the use of his chief native servant. The King got vexed, but Metcalfe was determined, and for his deter- mination of character, I beg respectfully to refer to any one or all of his late Canadian Council. How- ever, he carried his point, the custom was abolished. I cannot omit another incident, as shewing both the character of liOrd Metcalfe, and his knowledge of the man he had to manage. In India it is the custom to sit in the presence of a Prince with the feet bare, as a mark of respect; when first introduced into the Royal presence, Mr. Metcalfe entered with his hat oflf, but nis^hoes on, — being remonstrated with, he replied, that in England the greatest mark of respect was shewn byfuncovering the head — that his Majesty might have which he liked bare, the head or feet, but not both. The King chose tiio feet as being a mark of respect more easily understood by, and gratifying to his subjects, and Mr. Metcalfe consented. At Delhi Mr. Metcalfe remained till 1817-18, and there are in Canada,, many gentlemen who knew his- "^^^.f 1ft iLordship while there, and who bear a ready testimony,. [not only to the efficiency with which he conducted [the affairs entrusted to him, but also to the urbanity [and generosity of his character. On his return to ICalcutta, he was appointed Chief Secretary to the [Supreme Government, and Private Secretary to the (Marquis of Hastings, who had been appointed Govern [nor General in 1813, and held it till 1822, when he resigned, having twice received the thanks of the East India Company and the Imperial Parliament, for his ^services. He left India in a most prosperous and hap- )y condition, and was succeeded by Lord Amherst. I [may as well mention that in 1824 Lord Hastings was [appointed Governor of Malta, and died October 28th^ |1825, on board the Revenue, in the Bay of Baia, near [Naples ; he was a most distinguished officer, and ap- )ears to have been the model on which Lord Metcalfe formed much of his political system. 1 In 1819, Mr. Metcalfe w^s appointed Chief Resi- lent Agent to the Nizam of the Deccan ; while here,, rhere he remained six years, he succeeded in 1822 to the Baronetcy, by the death of his brother, Sir Theo- fphilus. His younger bi*other, Thomas, is now resident 'at Delhi. 1 fji'i During the time that Sir Charles Metcalfe was at Deccan, the money matters of India were in a sad state of confusion — the Government were obliged to borrow at immense rates of interest. There was at this period a Banking House in Hydrabad (that of Messrs. Palmer & Co.,) wbistrrct farmer»of ths \: J. J *h 16 & li Jh u'i f. ;1 . W I taxes ; this proceeding bred much dissatisfaction, and ledtono little difficulty. Sir Charles Metcalfe, however, put an end to it, although in opposition to the wishes and interest of the Governor. In 18*25, troubles began to show themselves in Up- per India, and Sir Charles was ordered up the country. To explain the origin ol this, the second war, it is ne- cessary to state that Bhunder Sing, the Rajah of lihurt- pore, who had been defeated by r^ord Lake in 1805, died in October 1823, and was succeded by his brother Bhuldeo Sing, who dying in February 1825, left a son Bulwuret Sing, then 6 years of age, as his successor : his claim to the throne was disregarded by his uncle Doorjan Lall, who assumed the sovereignty, and deter- mined to defend it by arms. The British, boimd both by interest and treaty to protect the nephew of Bhuldeo, first tried negociation, but that failing, Lord Comber- mere was despatched against the usurper, with an army of 25,000 men, and a large tr:iin of artillery, with mortars and rockets. This fortress, situated in the midst of an extensive plain, had long afforded shel- ter to the disaffected and refractory ; it was defended by a wall 60 feet thick, and nearly 8 miles in extent, protected by bastions, and a glacis reaching to the level of the top of the wall ; it had long been considered im- pregnable by the natives, having withstood many sieges. Lord Lake had made three attenipts to take it, but not being provided with a sufficient battering train, he failed ; and a common taunt by the natives was — " Oh Mr. Englishman, why don't you take Bhurt- pore ?" On the 18th of January, Lord Combermere took Bhurtpore by assault, having reduced the greater part to ashes by shells and rockets ; he rode over the glacis and the impregnable city fell into the hands of the English. The amount of prize money was large; the share of Lord Combermere, who, for this act, got a step in the peerage, was nearly £30,000 ; Doorjan Lall was charged with the expenses of the military 'V4 17 operations, amounting to very nearly 25 millions of ru- pees,.and young Bulwuret was reinstated. Sir Charles was present with the Commander in Chief through- out tliis campaign. In 1827 Sir Charles Metcalfe was called to a seat in the Supreme Council, and in 1828 he turned his atten- tion to a question then agitating India, and causing no little excitement in the Company's affairs — the granting of license of residence to Europeans. A resolution to that effect, passed the Supreme Council of the Bengal Presi'lency, on the 17th of February, 1829. Another question at the same time began to arise, — the grant- in;^ full liberty to the Indian Press. With the history of this matter 1 am but very imperfectly acquainted, and shall pass it over in a few words. A decree had been passed, by which every editor wns obliged, be- fore publication to send a copy of his paper to the Government office, and the Governor had the power of striking out whatever he deemed objectionable; and consequently the journals often appeared wiih large blank spaces. In order to give this law efl^^ct, it was necessary that it should be registered by the Councils of the ditfer3nt Presidencies ; that of Beng d at once did so, while in Bombay, where Sir John Grant, the original "wiJd FAephant between two tame ones" of Lord Ellenborough's letter to Sir J. Mrdcolm on this subject, was R3(;order, refused to do it, and the conse- quence was, that while in Bombay the Press was com- paratively free, in Bengal it was s ibject to rigorous censorship, from which it was not relieved till 1835, when Sir Charles Metcalfe was acting Governor General. By some the removal of the restrictions on the Press, is attributed to Lord Hastings ; but from all I can learn on the subject, without justice, there is no doubt he had formed some such intention, but he did not carry it into effect, and the credit of having ac- complished it is fully due to Sir Charles. The period for which members of the Supreme Council are chosen, is five years ; but on the expiration B J , r i.'i I 'I I 'I Wt of that term, Sir Charleg was re-chosen for two years more ; chiefly I believe that his great knowledge of Indian affairs might be mure available, pending the de- bate then going on in England, with regard to the renewal and re-modelling the Charter of the Company ; and lK)th he and Lord William Bentinck, who had succeeded Lord Amherst as Governor General, cor- responded fully with the Government on that subject, and the information which ihey communicated, influ- enced the British Ministry in the leading features of that measure. Some idea of the magnitude of the affairs of the Company may be gleaned from the fol- lowing fact : — Exclusive of the regular despatches, the explanatory volumes accompanying them received in England from 1793 to 1813, amounted to 9094; and from 1814 to 1829, to 12,414; pending the debates on the India Bill ; the amount was far above even the last average, nearly 830 per annum. During the ad- ministration of Lord William Bentinck, another great Reform took place in India — in 1833, the custom of suttees — the burning women on the funeral piles of thoir husbands, was abolished. In 1834 Sir Charles Metcalfe was appointed Gov- ernor at Agra, but late in the same year, he was unani- mously called on to assume the duties of Governor General, vacant by the i-ecall of Lord William Bentinck. It was during his tenure of this office, that he passed the law above referred to, granting full freedom to the Press of India — arranged the details and changes con- sequent on the new order of affairs, and relieved by Lord Auckland in 1836, he again resumed the Government of Agra ; but soon after being unable to convince the Board of Directors in Leadenhall-street, of the propriety of his measure regarding the Press, he resigned his office and prepared to return to Eng- land, havino been created a Civil Knight Grand Cross of the Bath, by William IV, in 1837. Thus ended his Indian career, in which during a period of 37 or 38 years, he had exhibited talents of 19 the highest order, and filled, with great credit to him- self and great benefit to the Company, the highest offices, and from which he retired, beloved by all who knew him, and held in great estimation by the natives, of all castes, — in proof of which I could produce many touching anecdotes ; but I omit to do so, as I am in hopes some abler pen than mine, and having more command of authentic materials, will favour the public with a fuller account of the Life of Sir Charles ; in- deed, if I am rightly informed, it is the intention of a gentleman well fitted for the task, to give us such a de- sideratum, and from his talents and personal acquaint- ance for many years with his Lordship, and Indian affairs in general, a guarantee is afforded of the work being ably accomplished. It was the good fortune of the writer of this to be once present at an accidental meeting between his Lordship and a native of Bengal, who had been a servant to the gentleman at whose house he stopped in Agra, and the exuberant joy of the man at thus meeting, so far from his native land, one whom he called his country's friend, was very great — " Saib Metcalfe ! " was his cry of astonishment and joy, and the effect was heightened by the affability an I kindness with which the worthy old man entered into his feelings. On retiring from the service of the H. E. I. C, Sir Charles determined to pass the remainder of his life at his paternal estate of Fernhill, in Berkshire. He had, as he said himself, no taste for the political turmoil which then agitated England ; besides his constitution needed assistance — thirty-seven years active service in India does not usunlly give health or strength, — and he promised himself, for the residue of his days, the richest of all enjoyments, the happy life of an English country gentleman. But his country again called for his services, and to that call he would never turn a deaf ear ; he at once abandoned his intentions, sdcri- ficed his domestic comforts, and left a home which his . s, ]\ \ i i I 20 presence had gladdened but for one short year, to etn- tark again on the stormy sea of politics. The Island of Jamaica had long enjoyed the privi- leges of a representative form of Government, which was granted to it in 1661, by Charles II., unHer the administration of D'Oyley, who had been appointed Governor by Cromwell, on the surrender of the Island to the English. The abolition of Slavery, and the in- troduction of the apprentice system, had stirred up feelings of discontent which were heightened by the endeavorsof certain fanatics, and the beautiful libera- lity of Lord Mulgrave, as afterwards the same gentle- man added fuel to the flame of discontent in Ireland. Sir Lionel Smith had succeeded Lord Mulgrave, but unfortunately he was not calculated to calm the trou- bled waters ; the Provincial Parliament refused to act, and a Bill to abrogate the (^Constitutional Charter was introduced by the Whigs in the Imperial I'arlia- ment, but fortunately it was opposed by the Tories, and lost by a majority of 5, which defeat was of the greatest conse(|uence, as it led to the total ovcrlhrow^ of the Whigs a few years afterwards, and was the commencement of a scries of parliamentary overthrows, which left them powerless for the remaining tenure of their office. In consequence of the loss of the Jamaica Bill, Sir Lionel Smith was recalled ; and on the lllh of July, 1839, Sir Charles Metcalfe was sworn in a Member of the Privy Council, and Governor General of Jamaica, where he arrived in the September fol- lowing. His first duty wrs to call the Parliament to- gether, and in the Jloijal Gazette^ of November 21, 1839, we find that he had restored confidence, and had induced the Parliament to act in unison with the Go- vernment ; some outbreaks occurred, but they were speedily crushed and their instigators punished, some capitally. Sir Charles, by his mildness and determina- tion, his generosity and benevolence, his strict enforce- ment of the laws, and his justice ever tempered with 21 t*/ rt» r *^il 3 iriefcy, soon tranqnili/ed thft islam! ; progperity, long checked, again sheweii itself; f^^nfidcnce was restored, for all parties felt confidence in the Governor. One might fancy this would have been the crowning work of his life, but it pleased the Almighty Disposer of events that another and, if possible, a more glorious triumph should be his. A sore in his face had been gradually gain- ing ground, and had assumed a decided character, aided no doubt by the climate and great mental anxiety ; he consequently found it necessary to return to England for the benefit of medical advice ; he resigned his office, much to the grief of the Colonists, and against the wish- es of tho Government ; and Lord El CANADA. No sooner was it known in Canada, that Sir Charles Metcalfe had been appointed to the Government than both parties congratulated themselves thereon. The Radicals asserted that he was a Whig in principle and in practice ; on what grounds it is difficult to imagine, as he had never taken ani/ part in English politics, not even to the voting at an election. The Tories had no reason to object to him, even if such had been the case, as not only Whig Governors, but even Whig Secreta- ries of State had latterly been jzuided by the principle of that party, in Colonial matters; and they had much rather have the destinies of the country placed in the hands of such a man as Lord John Russell, than in those of very many English Conservatives ; besides, the pre- vious career of Sir Charles in the East Indies and Ja- maica gave us reasonable grounds to hope all good at his hands. His character for generosity and true liber- ality had preceded him, and all were prepared to hail his arrival with the liveliest demonstrations of satisfac- tion. The Radicals, although unwilling to lose the in- fluence of Sir Charles Bagot*s name, who had for t3 months been a mere tool in the hands of their leaders ; and dreading lest some known opponent of their prin- ciples might be selucled, evinced on the arrival of Sir Charles Metcalfe an enthusiasm noaily equal to that with which they had hailed the advent of Sir Francis Bond Head, **the tried Reformer." It is true, they did not placard the walls, but their delight was unfeigned. The Tories on the other hand, taught by bitter expe- rience, and smarting under the ridicule they had incur- red by their pompous displays of welcome to the friond and relative of Wellington, kept aloof from any demon- stration which might commit them, either as partizans or opponents of the New Governor. They acted as they had done in the case of Sir Francis Bond Head, though r.ot from the same motives. Lord Sydenham had assumed the Government of the Province with nn avowed and specific object in view — the Union of Upper and Lower Canada. To insure this it was necessary that he should strike out a new line of policy, and one hitherto unknown among us Colonists. The suspension of the Constitutional Act in Lower Canada, and the dependent character of the Special Council appointed by the Crown and holding the office during pleasure, easily insured consent to the proposed measure on the part of that section of the Province. No sooner had the now Governor obtained it than he hastened to Upper Canada, Sir George Arthur having previously informsd him of the difficul- ties he would have to encounter. The party then in power in Upper Canada were, to a man, opposed not only to the Union, but to the Governor ; their sup- porters were, however, divided, and the Radicah, whom the Rebellion had deprived of all influence, gladly ral- lied round His Lordship : The continued opposition of the heads of departments, and many officials who had seats in the house, forced the publication of the cele- brated Russell despatch — the ground work of Respon- sible Government. Had a thunderbolt fallen among 34 them, the horror and dismay of the official party could not have been greater — its effect was magical — it did its work so inslanlanooiisly, that the house not only agreed to the resolutions on the Union as dictated by tlje Governor, but received most graciously every message he sent down. On one occasion, as if to try how far their subserviency couhJ go, he replied to one of their addresses by telling them plainly to mind their own business — but the awful scroll, bearing date "Downing Street, Sept. 18th," and signed, '* John Rus- sell," was constantly before them. The Union and Clergy Uesorve measures having been carried, his Lordship hastened to call to power that party from which he had re( civcd the most strenuous support. — Mr. Ilagcruian, the leader of the Conservative party, hopeicss of accom;>!::4iii)g any thing, accepted a seat on the Bench, vacant by the retirement of Mr. Justice {Sherwood ; Mr. IJrapor was promoted to the office of Attorney General, with Mr. R. Baldwin, Solicitor Gene- ral, and Mr. Small received the lucrative appointment of Solicitor to the College Council. It appears to me to have been a very great oversight in Mr. Draper, his accepting office with iMr. Baldwin; because it very ma- terially lessened the confidence of his party, and open- ed the door f-r other measures, of which it is well known he disapproved. Having made these appointmentg, llis Loidship returned to Montreal, leaving SirGeorfre Arthur in power as Lieutenant Governor. Of him I shall say no more, than that he was a kind, affable, all promising' old man ; h^ deserted the very party who had supported him, and is justly chargeable with the blame of many of the evils which for the two subse- quent \ears afllicted the Piovince. During the inter- val which elapsed between the passage of the Union Resohnioijs ir» the Upjjer Canada House of Assembly, on the 5th of January, 1840, and its declaration on the 10th of February, 1841, parties in both sections were undergoing a singular series of mutations — the leaders of the U. C. Conservatives were daily giving in their f5 [adhesion to the Government of Lord Sydenham — the [appointment of Mr. Baldwin, and the general distribu- Ition of offices had greatly conciliated the Radicals— [vast plans of public improvements were announced by [the Governm(;nt,and on the first election after the Union, (the Upper Province returned a large majority, pledged ilo support the Government — the most Conservative on- [stituencies were broken up or paralyzed. But while Up- Iper Canada thus supported the Government, and its offi- [ces were bestowed on the anti-British party, Lower Ca- Inada declared against it; and they who h\d been m;>st jconspiciious in their opposition to the policy of Viger md Papineau, were promoted. Tlius l/u'd Sydenham hoped to prevent any great coalition of parties, by tak- ing the supporters of the Government from conten'ling ranks; but the very circumstance on which he trusted lost for safety proved his ruin. Between Mr. Draper ind Mr. Baldwin there could be no community of [iejlinf^, an:i the ras'^ and wilful conduet of the latter [soon forced his withdrawal from the C »uncil, and the fefTective Radical oarlv was formed bv his union with the French Members. L ird Sydenham lived just long ;enough to see the failure of his project, and to find that he had unguardedly armed with a dangeroi!s weapon, those who knew not how to use it, excej)t as a Malay does his knife when it pleases him to run a muck. In September, 1841, just on tlie eve of the prorogation of the Parii-un.^nt, the Rii^ht Honorable Charles Poulett Thompson, Baron of Sydenham an)Ntaine, folicitor General East, , , T. C. A ylwin, iltorney General West, R. Baldwin, folicitor G "neral West, J. E. Small, Secretary East, D. I)aly, (ecretary West, S. B. Harrison. Here then was the Ministry to which the destinies |f Canada were entrusted, by a mere act of mistaken )licy on the part of Mr. Draper ; it is impossible to IV what effect a dissolution might have had at that loment; it could not have made matters worse. — In the part of the Governor, it was attempted to at- [•ibnte these changes to force, and a member of his iniily actually wrote hoine to persons in the highest lation, dcclaiing that the Conservatives had farced Sir marles Bagot to adopt the line of condu(;t which hc5 I'l. Th's proceeding destroyed not only the public bnfitlence which the Conservatives of Upper Canada jail previously j)laced in Ilis Excellency, but even llienated many of his private friends ; the (^onserva- ive press which had hitherto bridled its indijjnation, ioured out the full measure of its wrath, and in Ian- mage fii-m, but always respectful, denounced the new [ine of policy. From that moment the Governor Ge- leral delivered himself up, bound hand and foot, to the lictation of his Radical Council ; and they used their 3ower for the introduction of measures which could not J)ut p'-ove distasteful, not only to the people of Upper Canada, but even to the head of the government ; he, [iDwever, wanted courage to cope with them, and they (leld so large a majority'in the House of Assembly, tha't their tenure of office seemed secure, at least for the pe- jiiod of that Parliament's duration. It is true they had plopted a system of managing the public revenues, cal- Tculaled to cherish and improve the resources of the pountry ; its income increased under their direction ; a ore beneficial surveillance than had hitherto existed, ^as imposed on the different District Officers, and the i ' !ll r 1 It' M 1 ,1 1 1 I 1 l>. I ,1 1 '--^ 1 'A • 1 1 f f! i 30 official duties of the departments were ably executed ; but even these advantages could not compensate for the many abuses which they encouraged ; the magisterial, and other injudicious appointments, had raised a storm in Upper Canada, which nothing but their downfall could allay. And this seemed far removed, when ill. ness forced Sir Charles Bagot to resign the govern- ment, and Sir Charles Metcalfe was named as his suc- cessor. On the 20th March, 1843, Sir Charles Metcalfe ar- rived at Boston, by the Columbia, and immediately hastened to Kingston, where he was sworn in as Go- vernor General on the 29lh, and issued the usual pro- clamation. Relieved from the cares of Government, Sir Charles Bagot rallied, and some hopes were enter- tained that he might recover ; and in the interval be- tween the 29th of March and the 19th of May, he re- ceived the most marked and delicate attention from his successor — on the latter dav he died, a victim to the worry of politics. For some months after the arrival of Sir Charles Metcalfe, things appeared to be going on just as smoothly as Mr. Baldwm could desire. The Council had been styled '•eminenf by His Excellency. Mr. Walker was appointed to office — Mr. Powell was dismissed — traitors were pardoned — new Commissions of the Peace had been issued for the several Districts. But although all was working smoothly, the experience of Sir Charles in affairs of Colonial Government, as- sisted as he was by the ablest Secretary we have ever had in Canada, soon enabled him to penetrate not only the policy, but even the characters of the " eminenr men by whom the affairs of the country had been ma- naged — he measured their powers at a glance, and! felt assured of an easy victory, when the hour of pressing it should arrive — he distinctly annunciated his view of Responsible Government, in which, while he recogniz- ed the just power and privileges of the people to con- trol their Rulers, and to regulate through their Repre- 81 .itativesthe measures of the Grovernment, he reserved the Head of the Executive the right to select his of- lers. Almost imperceptibly, certainly Avithout those _)st interested in the matter being aware of it, energy pan to infuse itself into the Conservative ranks — ^nfidence in Sir Charles was established, the more len it was generally known that he was supported the Home Ministry in his reading of the Resolutions 1841. Two other circumstances tended to cement [tacit understanding between the parties — 1st, The [inisters were evidently not satisfied, and the little [oiicl, not bigger than a man's hand had shown itself )ove the political horizon ; and 2nd, A trip which His [xcellency took through the Province in the course of ie Summer had sown the seeds of his future populari- Up to this period however, the Conservatives had iade no open demonstration. On the 28th of September Parliament was opened, devious to this the question of the removal of the Seat If Government agitated the public mind in the Upper Tovince ; in fact it had been made a party question ^y the Council, apd the people therefore were not as- )nishe(I at the almost immediate resignation of Mr. Harrison. This was blow number one. Still Mr. Jaldwin and his party trusted to their vast majorities, !ind to the active offices of those whom gratitude for )asl services had made their friends; and never was a Viinistry served with such ready devotion ; both intra pt extra muros, both within and without the house their :ause was well supported. The next blow came from [he Legislative Council, where Mr. Draper, who, against ihe wishes of his party but at the express request of Sir Charles Bagot, had taken his seat, moved a scries )f Resolutions condemnatory of the removal of the Seat )f Government, which, after a debate of nearly a week, he carried by a large majority on the 16lh of October. Had Mr. Baldwin known aught of the science or practice if politics, then was the time for him to have set his ,i' If {.'■■\ I! I ■ ;<* ■J 32 house in order; for he must have seen that a feeling of antagonism was springing up, and the storm cloud was! gathering, which must soon burst over his devoted head ; hut throughout the whole of that eventful Ses- sion, lie and his party exhibited a want of tact truly as- tonishing. They persisted in pressing on tin mostob- jeclionaiile measures, and in using the most insulting I and dictatorial language. Not one single principle of the Constitution was there to which they did not lav the destroying axe — really anxious, it would appear, to hasten a struggle for which they were unprepared, an 1 in which they were sure of being defeated. The independence of Parliament Hill, as originaliy introduced, betrayed sofncfhlnjf like fear; the Bill for the suppression of Stjcret Societies, while itsho^ve(l the malevolent feelings by which they were actuated, evinced downright madness nnd ignorance of Constitu- tional Law. Then came the University Bill, the District Council Bill, the Assessment Bill and the School Bill- all founded on the most democratic principles. Tht>y continued to press upon the Governor the most obnox- ious appointments — they became petulant and way- ward — they winced under the gaHin I ^1 I n- *^^ ■ 1 1 ( 1" i^ i ■tH! If If mr 'n 84 whole force. Mr. Morris moved an amendment, to the effect that it was an infringement on the Rules of the House. This amendment was lost, the numbers being 13 to 17 ; on which Mr. Morris, with 12 others, retired from the Council, a step which was followed by the immediate resignation of the SpeakershipbyMr.JTame- son. Sir Charles desired to bestow the Speakership on one of the retiring Members. It was offered to Mr. Justice Sherwood, but refused. The Council named Mr. Viger ; but that did not meet the wishes of the Governor ; and finally, Mr. Caron, of Quebec, was ap- pointed. The retirement of the 13 Conservative Coun- cillors placed the victory completely in the hands of Sir Charles. It is true, they who remained quickly as- sented to every measure sent up from the Lower House. But Mr. Baldwin saw that his favorite measures, the University and the Secret Societies Bills were gone. Still he imagined the country was with him ; and still the President declared that their feet were on the necks of the Tories. The triumphant return of Me. Murney for Hastings, and the events of the night of his arrival in Kingston, showed they were tottering. The odds were fearfully against them, and by their stub- bornness and mai-adroitness they hastened the catas- trophe. Now was displayed on the ^>art of the Governor General, what even his enemies admit to have been a master stroke of policy ; forcing a Council, with a ma- jority of 21, in a House of 84, supported by the whole of one section of the Province, and an almost equality in the other, to resign ; and that too, on a question which they had only one way of escape. On the Sa- turday previous to their resignation, one of the Council, in the hearing of the writer of this, declared that they would soon bring old Square«toes to his bearing; and even when they waited on His Excellency, they had no idea that he would have accepted their resignation ; and it is notorious that many of them delayed in Kings- ton, certain that they woulq be recalled. 35 On the 25th of November the Council, with the ex- ception of Mr. Daly, resigned, and on the 27th the ex- planations were made in the House ; these have been so frequently before the country, that I need not here further allude to them than to say, that on the 30lh of May, 1844, the House of Commons fully sustained Sir Charles Metcalfe — all parties uniting in bearing testi- mony to his character and judgment. On the 9th of December Parliament was prorogued ; and on the 13th a Provisional Government was formed, consisting of Messrs. Viger, Daly and Draper. No sooner was the resignation of Mr. Baldwin known, than universal joy seized the whole Province — addresses of thanks poured ^n; and New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, by their Pai liamentSf thanked Sir Charles for the service he had rendered the country. An anecdote mentioned to me by a gentleman who was present, will illustrate the sanguine expectations of a speedy return, entertained by the Council and their Iriends: — On the day whenMessrs. Baldwin and Hincks started for Toronto, oddly enough, their fellow passen- gers were two gentlemen of the Orange Deputation, which had presented a petition with five thousand sig- natures, against Mr. Baldwin's pet measure. After leaving the North American Hotel, it was discovered that something had been forgotten, so the stage return- ed. One of the most ultra of the Radical supporters was standing at the door, '* what," said he, " back al- ready ; that's a good sign — ^you may as well remain." "No," replied Mr. H. "he will have to send lor us, if he wants us." " Well then," rejoined the first speaker, « we'll see you back soon." Such was their confidence of a recall ; but they reckoned without their host ; they had allowed the only chance of victory to escape, and that was refusing to resign* and forcing the Governor General to appeal to the country, they retainirta power, pending the Election. But it was no\ the weak arm of Sir Charles Bagot that held the reins, and to the infi- %• ' I r ! ).» ill .4 V -I; n ii'l :' i: 86 nite delight of every loyal man in Canada, they were hurled from their places — it is hoped, never to return. No sooner did they perceive that their case was hope- less, than they endeavored to throw every obstacle in the way of the formation of a Council ; but happily, the enduring patience and great talent of Lord Met- calfe overcame all difficulties, and he has left us a Go- vernment, which, however objectionable many of their acts undoubtedly are, is far preferable to the one suc- ceeded, and which, could its chief members forget their political wanderings in the paths which lead to place, is likely to endure some time. In the course of the fall of 1844, the Parliament was dissolved and a new one called ; on the assembling of which. Sir Charles had the gratification to find his views supported by a majority which, although small, was, when we consider all the circumstances of the case, truly astonishing. The terrible disease under which he la* boured had, it was hoped, been checked; but in 1845 it again resumed its virulent character, and on the 2dth of November he bid farewell to Canada, with the touch- ing and kindly prayer of, " May God bless you ail." He arrived in good spirits at Boston, and sailed for England on the 1st of December. He had been cre- ated Baron Metcalfe in 1844. Of the private character of Lord Metcalfe, 1 need not speak. He was a good man, kind, generous and affable, with a heart overflowing with christian charity, and a hand ever ready to assist the needy ; his public acts of beneficence bear a small ratio to those the world knows not of. His sojourn among us was short, but even in that brief period, how many have had cause to bless his name ; on how many hearts is the record of his unbounded charity engraven; and with what plea- surable feelings must they who were admitted to his society, recall the good old man, his benevolent atten- tions and his unvarying kindness. To his indomitable 87 ament was steadfastness of purpose, he lias, (lerhaps, sacrificed his life. He would not resign the government of the coun- try, when the absence of toil and anxiety might have alleviated the terrible disease witii which lie was af- flicted; but true to his prinriplcs, he maintained his {))st, exposing himself to the shafts of bitter party ma- evoience, and rancorous hate, such as could only dwell in minds lost to every horijrable feeling, and dead to every sense of shame. May heaven avert from this Province, the curse, the witncring curse, of having its government again trusted to hands which could pen such unfeeling notices of suflfering humanity ! Lord Metcalfe has departed, but he has left here, as elsewhere, the sweet incense of an honored name, long to be held in remembrance by a grateful people. Fain would I hope that his government may not be unmark- ed by some lasting memorial — some tribute of our ad- miration, for no more noble name could grace a column, than that of — Charles, Baron Metcalfe. I have completed my task. For 43 years 1 have traced the course of this noble and upriglit man ; more I could have said, but deemed it unnecos ary. Many imperfections and omissions will be found in what I have written, but I pray the indulgence of my readers, when I plead the limited sources of reference I have at my command. On a consideration of the whole life of Lord Metcalfe, we find him fully justifying the character of a fitting Representative " of such a Monarch as the Sovereign of England—dignified in his language — mild in his power—just in his decisions — amiable in his private life— and generous in his charities." May his successor possess the same qualifications ; then indeed will Cana- da be a happy land, and have reason to bless her cpn- neclion with England. ii^i . n ■■i ■ 'I ii i " UNCLE BEN."