All this is, of course, manifestly disingenuous, and does not impose on Heriot's superiors in the general post office. The secretary of the general post office in discussing Drummond's complaints, has words of commendation for Heriot's zeal and alacrity. He always considered Heriot a judicious, active and efficient officer. Governors, he affirmed, too commonly entertain the idea that the whole revenue of the post office should be devoted to extending the communications. Whatever view might be held as to the principle, Heriot at all events was precluded by his instructions from acting upon it without the express authority of the postmaster general. While Heriot had, beyond question, given ample grounds for irritation on Drummond's part, it should be remembered, in dealing with the demand for Heriot's dismissal, Drummond was told that he had been sixteen years in the service, and had on many occasions received the thanks of the board. It might be sufficient to enjoin upon Heriot a more respectful attitude towards the governor, and consult with him as to the extension of communications, and the interests of the revenue. The postmaster general concurred in the secretary's views. But the quarrel was now past mending, and when after repeated requests to be relieved, Heriot declared that no motive of interest or advantage could induce him to stay in the service longer than was necessary to appoint his successor, the postmaster general decided to accept his resignation. FOOTNOTES: [155] _Can. Arch._, Br. P.O. Transcripts, III. 388. [156] Hugh Gray, _Letters from Canada_, London, 1809. [157] _Can. Arch._, C. 284, pp. 1-16. [158] _Can. Arch._, C. 283, p. 42. [159] _Can. Arch._, Br. P.O. Transcripts, III. 388. [160] _Can. Arch._, C. 284, p. 172. [161] _Ibid._, Br. P.O. Transcripts, III. [162] _Can. Arch._, C. 284, p. 114. [163] _Ibid._, Q. 115, pp. 112, 113 and 121. [164] _Can. Arch._, Br. P.O. Transcripts, III. [165] _Can. Arch._, C. 284, p. 105. [166] _Ibid._, Br. P.O. Transcripts, III. CHAPTER VII Administration of Daniel Sutherland--Postal service on the Ottawa river, and to eastern townships--Ocean mails. On Heriot's retirement, a number of London merchants who traded to Canada, recommended that the postmaster of Montreal, Daniel Sutherland, be appointed as his successor, and the appointment was made in April 1816.[167] Sutherland entered upon his duties with full knowledge of the postal service in Canada, as he had been postmaster of Montreal since 1807.