He kept it some time, and then re-
directed it to me without remark. Afterwards, I received a verbal
message to the effect that "It would not do at all." I became convinced
that nothing "would do at all" with a small band of men - who, at that
time, had objects of their own - in Upper Canada. Some of them - few in
number, I am happy to know, and impecunious - appeared to consider the
old corporation of the Hudson's Bay in the light of Blucher, when
driving through the streets of London, "Mein Gott! what a plunder."
Some of them tried their best to confiscate the property; and once or
twice, by weakness and vacillation in London, they almost gained the
day.
Governor Dallas and I also carefully considered the telegraph question;
the route, the cost, and the best agencies to complete its very early
construction.
The two agreements, which, as matter of history, I here copy, were
intended to bring about the complete connection of the Hudson's Bay
territories direct with England and with the United States.
"Memorandum of Agreement between Mr. Edward W. Watkin and Mr. O. S.
Wood (subject to the approval of the Montreal Telegraph Company and the
United States Telegraph Companies, affected by this Agreement, and also
by the Governor and Committee of the Hudson's Bay Company) for
completing telegraphic communication between the Atlantic and Pacific.
