The Struggle for Imperial Unity: Recollections & ExperiencesDenison, George T. (George Taylor)
History
The Struggle for Imperial Unity: Recollections & Experiences
Denison, George T. (George Taylor)
Canada -- History -- 1867-1914
When the delegates were appointed at the convention the undersigned,
as well as some fifty others of the loyal people, were in prison on
account of having obeyed the Queen's proclamation issued by Governor
Macdougall. Riel had possession of the Fort, and most of the arms, and
a reign of terror existed throughout the whole settlement.
When the question came up in the convention, Riel took upon himself to
nominate Father Richot and Mr. Scott, and the convention, unable to
resist, overawed by an armed force, tacitly acquiesced.
Some time after their nomination a rising took place to release the
prisoners, and seven hundred men gathered in opposition to Riel's
government, and, having obtained the release of their prisoners,
and declared that they would not recognise Riel's authority, they
separated.
In the name and on behalf of the loyal people of Red River, comprising
about two-thirds of the whole population, I most humbly but firmly
enter the strongest protest against the reception of Father Richot
and Mr. Scott, as representing the inhabitants of Red River, as they
are simply the delegates of an armed minority.
I have also the honour to request that Your Excellency will be pleased
to direct that, in the event of an audience being granted to these
so-called delegates, that I may be confronted with them and given an
opportunity of refuting any false representations, and of expressing
at the same time the views and wishes of the loyal portion of the
inhabitants.
I have also the honour of informing Your Excellency that Thomas Scott,
one of our loyal subjects, has been cruelly murdered by Mr. Riel and
his associates, and that these so-called delegates were present at the
time of the murder, and are now here as the representatives before
Your Excellency of the council which confirmed the sentence.
I have also the honour to inform Your Excellency, that should Your
Excellency deem it advisable, I am prepared to provide the most ample
evidence to confirm the accuracy and truth of all the statements I
have here made.
I have the honour to be
Your Excellency's most humble and obedient servant,
JAMES LYNCH.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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