And if further proof were wanting that these gentlemen deserved the
previously-quoted strictures of the Duke, always bearing in mind the
trouble, responsibility and expense incurred, mainly at their instance,
upon the Pacific project, the following gives it: -
"No. 1107. SECRETARY'S OFFICE, QUEBEC,
"1st Augt. 1863.
"SIR,
"I have the honour to inform you that your letter of the 27th ultimo,
addressed to the Hon. John S. Macdonald, has been transferred to this
Department.
"I am now directed to state, in reply to the inquiry therein made, that
the details of the scheme for the promotion of telegraphic and postal
communication across the Continent of British North America have not,
as yet, been placed before the Provincial Government in such a definite
shape as to enable them to determine the course which it may be
advisable to take in relation to that important undertaking.
"The Government will, however, be prepared, whenever a sufficiently
matured scheme shall be submitted for their consideration, to give the
subject their most earnest attention.
"I have the honour to be, Sir,
"Your most obedient Servant,
"E. A. MEREDITH,
"Assistant Secretary."
"EDWD. W. WATKIN, Esq.,
"Montreal"
Two days after the Duke's last letter, came the following: -
"KELHAM, NEWARK,
"8 Jany. 1863.
"MY DEAR MR. WATKIN,
"Since your letter of the 6th (received to-day), you will partly have
learnt why I could not answer some of your private letters, but as
regards the official letter respecting the Western project, I think you
will see that I cannot answer it without consulting my colleagues.
I cannot grant a subsidy, and on the other hand I should
be unwilling to refuse it.
