Glenelg to Gosford, July 17, 1835

Charles Grant, Baron Glenelg, was secretary of the Colonial Office from 1835 till 1839. He was forced to resign partly as a result of his handling the rebellions. Archibald Acheson, second Earl of Gosford, was governor Lower Canada 1835 to 1838, and a royal commissioner to inquire into the state of affairs in Lower Canada.

Document Summary:
These long instructions call for a "full platform of conciliation" towards French-Canadian reformers. They indicate that the Crown is prepared to take certain action to satisfy the Assembly in Lower Canada:

• Give control over expenditures to the Assembly in exchange for a civil list (which would ensure the salaries of government officials).
  
  
• Keep judges independent of the Assembly.
  
  
• Continue giving out pensions.
  
  
• Allow for the independent management Crown lands.

Glenelg believes that an elected Legislative Council should only be considered with caution. On the topic of public conventions to determine the opinion of the people, "His Majesty commands me to oppose his direct negative" (i.e.: no).