"We are threatened with a Fenian invasion in the course of
June next. We are preparing to meet it. It is too bad that the
Imperial Government should allow such an hostile organization to
be formed in the United States without a word of remonstrance.
In the hope of hearing from you at your earliest convenience,
"Believe me, my dear Mr. Watkin,
"Your sincere and grateful friend,
"GEO. ET. CARTIER.
"E. W. WATKIN, Esq., M.P. London."
PERMITTED INVASION.
Sir George Cartier's allusion to the neglect by our Government in
permitting, without remonstrance, the repeated invasion of Canada,
makes one shiver with shame. As President Johnson said to me in 1865,
"Why don't your people remonstrate?"
My countrymen may feel assured that if remonstrances, firm and
dignified, had anticipated each known intended outrage - English and
Irish-American conspiracies would have not been as now.
"ROSE HILL, NORTHENDEN, near MANCHESTER,
"12th August, 1868.
"MY DEAR SIR,
"I, gladly, enclose a copy of the Gazette notice of your Baronetcy.
"I have had the fees at the Heralds' College, and also the stamps and
expenses, through the Home Office, duly paid, and I will send you the
papers and receipts as soon as I receive them.
"The completion of this matter will close the somewhat intimate
connection which now for some years has given me, if trouble and
anxiety, still deep pleasure and satisfaction, - in reference to your
now united Provinces.
"With best wishes allow me to remain,
"Yours very faithfully,
"EDW. W. WATKIN.
"To the Hon. Sir G. E. CARTIER, Bart.,
"Montreal, Canada."
"OTTAWA,
"18th September, 1868.
"MY DEAR SIR EDWARD,
"The last English mail has brought us the happy news that the honor of
knighthood has been conferred on you by the Queen.
"Allow me to offer you, Lady Watkin, and your dear son and daughter, my
sincere and heartfelt congratulations on the bestowal on you of so well
deserved a distinction. You must bear in mind that I do not forget that
the honor so recently bestowed on you would have been conferred on you
a long time ago, had not your generous feelings towards me prompted you
at one time to decline the same distinction. Lady Cartier and my
daughters gladly unite with me in this expression of congratulation,
which I now offer you, Lady Watkin, and your son and daughter. I hope
that your future election will not give you much trouble, and that
Canada and the British people will have again the benefit of your
presence in Parliament.
"I may see you before long in England. Be kind enough to accept for you
and Lady Watkin the assurance of the kindest regards of myself, Lady
Cartier, and my daughters, "And, believe me, my dear Sir Edward, "Yours
very truly,
