Instructions to Lord Durham from Lord Glenelg, 20 January, 1838


Historical Note

John George Lambton, first Earl of Durham, was appointed to investigate the 1837-38 rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada. 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.

Document Summary:
This document contains the instructions given to Lord Durham. Durham is charged with:

  • Preparing as quickly as possible the way to a return to normal government, and

  • Creating a committee which is to:
    • Determine whether the provinces of Upper and Lower Canada
      should be united, and
    • What changes to be made to the Legislative Council.