Dorchester to Sydney, 8^th November, 1788

Guy Carleton was made a baron when he returned as governor of Québec (after 1791, Upper and Lower Canada) from 1785 till 1795. He was then known as Lord Dorchester. Thomas Townshend, first Viscount Sydney, was the British secretary of state for the Home Department from 1783 till 1789.

Document Summary:
This letter replies to the letter written by Sydney above. Dorchester informs Sydney that the merchant class is responsible for the calls of an assembly as French Canadians are incapable of forming an opinion, the clergy is neutral, and nobles are opposed.

He also notes the dangers of an Assembly elected by uneducated and simple people, and indicates that he is opposed to a division of the province, but proposes a boundary line.