Papineau to Wilmot, December 16^th, 1822

Louis-Joseph Papineau was speaker of the Legislative Assembly ] of Lower Canada and leader of the Parti Canadien. At the time of this letter, his views were still moderate. As the union movement gained strength, he was forced to go to London to oppose it more directly. Sir Robert Wilmot was a British Member of Parliament, part of an influential family.

Document Summary:
In this letter, Papineau objects to the proposed bill of union. He also denies the charges made regarding the lack of loyalty of the French-speaking inhabitants of Lower Canada and makes his claims on the basis that all Canadians are British subjects and should therefore enjoy certain rights.