"Accept my most sincere thanks for your such unappreciable kindness in having made common cause with me in reference to the late distribution of honors in Canada. I do really think, and I am convinced, that you have allowed your good heart to go too far in having declined the honor and distinction offered to you, and which you so well deserved in every respect. I hope that _my matter_ will not stand in the way of you having your public and political services in England, as well as in Canada, sooner or later fully recognized, and well rewarded by a proper and suitable distinction. I hope so, for your own sake as well as for that of Mrs. Watkin and your son and amiable daughter. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has written you a very nice letter, indeed. With regard to my _matter_, would you imagine that the Duke of Buckingham has written a _confidential note_ to Lord Monck, telling to this latter that there _being no precedent_ for a resignation of the C. B., the only way to have my wishes carried out would be by the _Queen_ directing by _order_ in the Gazette my name to be struck out from the Order, which proceeding, the Duke adds, would be _construed_ by _outsiders_ and _uninitiated_ that it was for _misconduct_. Lord Monck having communicated to me the substance of the Duke's communication, I have asked Lord Monck to obtain from the Duke leave to communicate to me the substance of his note in _no confidential_ manner, in order that I may reply to it. I do really think that the intention is to _frighten_ me, in order to induce me to withdraw my letter asking leave to resign the C. B. That I _will not do_, and when the Duke's communication is under my _eyes_ in _no confidential manner_, I will send such a reply that will make people understand the _injury done_ to me, and the _slight_ so absurdly _offered_ to a _million_ of _good and loyal_ French Canadians. As a matter of course, all that I say to you in this letter is _strictly_ in confidence to you. "Mrs. Cartier and myself have had the pleasure, yesterday, to have the company at _dinner_ of your friends Mr. and Mrs. Sidebottom. They are really a very nice couple, and we thank you for having given us the opportunity of making their acquaintance. Be kind enough to present on my behalf, and on that of Mrs. Cartier and my daughters, our best respects and regards to Mrs. Watkin, and to believe me, my dear Mr. Watkin, "Your devoted friend, "GEO. ET. CARTIER. "E. W. WATKIN, Esq., M.P., London." "OTTAWA, "24_th November_, 1867. "MY DEAR MR. WATKIN,