The dinner was certainly about as non-political and as innocent as any such assembly could be. Mr. Vallandigham left for Niagara the same night. I saw him into the train. He declined a friendly loan; but he accepted a free passage to Niagara, where, later on, I spent two or three pleasant and interesting days in his society; our little party being Governor Dallas, of the Hudson's Bay Company, D'Arcy McGee, Dr. Mackay, who had acted as correspondent of the "Times," Professor Hind, my son, Mr. Watkin, and myself. The "consul" had, no doubt, misrepresented our proceedings. Now this is the whole story. I never after this got any answers to letters to Mr. Seward; and, as stated above, I never knew of the grievance till spoken to by Mr. Bright, who had received a letter of complaint of me from somebody at Washington. CHAPTER XXI. _Letters from Sir George E. Cartier--Question of Honors_. The "Act for the Union of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, and the government thereof, and for purposes connected therewith," received the Royal Assent on the 29th of March, 1867. The following letters may be of some interest to the friends of the late Sir George Etienne Cartier, and to mine: "W. P. HOTEL, LONDON, "30 April, 1867. "My DEAR MR. WATKIN, "I leave to-morrow for _Liverpool_ on my way to _Canada_. Allow me, before my departure, to convey to you personally and for 'Canada' the most sincere and grateful thanks for all the kindnesses you have bestowed, on me since my _sojourn in_ London, and for all the political services you have rendered to 'Canada' in having so _efficiently helped_ the carrying of the _great confederation measure_. I hope that before long we will see you again in Canada, and rest assured that we will be delighted to demonstrate to you _our gratefulness_. "Be kind enough to present my best respects to Mrs. Watkin, and to ask her to accept from me the within-enclosed photograph taken at 'Naples,' which I think is very good. "Good bye, my dear Mr. Watkin, and believe me, "Yours very truly, "GEO. ET. CARTIER. "E. W. WATKIN, Esq., M.P." MISTAKE ABOUT HONORS.