DIARY OF THE CONFEDERATION NEGOTIATIONS, 1870

According to appointment we proceeded to the Govt. Buildings and met Sir G. Cartier, whom we found in his shirt sleeves, hard at work. He, as usual, was exceedingly pleasant, gave us sherry, and introduced us into the Privy Council, Mr. Trutch being told to occupy the Gov. General [sic] seat, I upon his right and Carrall the left.¹

We were informed that the Council had agreed to appoint a deputation from their body to confer with the delegates and discuss the various points submitted by/from the Govt. of B.C. Mr. Tilley explained to the Council, that the Delegates considered they were here to give every information and explanation required or desired, 2nd to support the terms of their own Govt., 3rd That they had no power whatever to bind the Colony to any terms, but that the terms as agreed upon would be submitted to the people as proposed and already determined upon by the Governor of B[ritish] Columbia.

From the remarks of various members of Council, it appeared as tho the Govt. of Canada would grant everything they possibly could or that they could get the parliament to agree to. Sir Francis Hincks thought the 120,000 population clause a very ingenious manipulation of figures, and advised that we should bring all the information upon which it was based. After conversing generally and pleasantly it was agreed that we should meet the committee at 3 o'clock to-morrow to proceed to business.

The Committee being Sir George Cartier, Honble. Mr. Tilley, and Sir Francis Hincks. We have every reason to be pleased with our reception-the cordial feeling exhibited towards us-the plainness & simplicity of manner and the studied endeavour to be agreeable and to conduct the business in a fair, plain and upright manner.

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June 3

June 7

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1. This was in reality the first business meeting of the negotiation. An endorsation by Sir John Young on the dispatch of Governor Musgrave introducing the delegates reads: "6 June, 1870. Acknowledge receipt and say I have placed these gentlemen in communication with the Council of the Dominion. They are to have their first meeting this morning." Musgrave to Young, May 7, 1870. Canada Public Letters Received, G series, no. 1493 (Public Archives, Ottawa).

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