Edmund Burke supports the proposed constitution for Canada, saying that: "To attempt to amalgamate two populations, composed of races of men diverse in language, laws and habitudes, is a complete absurdity. Let the proposed constitution be founded on man's nature, the only solid basis for an enduring government."
Charles James Fox declares that "Canada ought to remain attached to Great Britain through the good-will of the Canadians alone."
Lord Grenville, denying that Canadian attachment to French jurisprudence is due to prejudice, says it is founded "on the noblest sentiments of the human breast."
George Vancouver leaves England to explore the west coast; Alejandro Malaspina also explores the northwest coast for Spain.
In response to Loyalist demands, the Constitutional Act 1791 divides Quebec into Lower Canada (mostly French) and Upper Canada (mostly English who recently migrated from America). In so doing, the Crown hopes to create a stable society that is distinctly non-American. Although French-Canadians retain the privileges granted by the Quebec Act, the Anglican church receives preferred status, including the clergy reserves.
An Anglo-French colonial aristocracy of rich merchants, leading officials, and landholders is expected to work with the royal governors to ensure proper order. Legislative assemblies, although elected by propertied voters, have little real power.
Population of Lower Canada is 160,000. Population of Upper Canada is 14,000.
New constitution brings hope that people will not split into parties and will reject "ridiculous distinction of old and new subjects"[12]
Observance of holidays, labelled "idleness" costing nation and families of those not allowed to work, is declared voluntary by Bishop of Quebec[13]
As "part of the Provisions sent out from England[...]for the Relief of this Province," sale of flour is restricted to families and local bakers only[14]
Visitor to Lower Canada declares "Canadians are perhaps the worst farmers in the world," with worst cattle but best horses[15]
Farmers should grow potatoes because of their long season, success in all soil types, food value to humans and cattle, etc., etc.[16]
Elizabeth Monney, 15, guilty of stealing 16 shillings, is liable to death penalty but, on jury's recommendation of mercy, is sentenced to 15 lashes[17]
"Young Negro Lad" for sale, about 18 or 19, "strong and very healthy, has had the small pox and measles," and speaks English, French and German[18]
Novena held in Quebec City includes Monseigneur's "eloquent and strong sermon upon fasting[, and] nothing so pleases the people as to hear him"[19]
Besides school with classes in English, French, geography etc., James Tanswell is to publish English grammar and exercise book for francophones[20]
"Montreal Society united for free Debate [is founded for] the investigation and discussion of the most useful moral and political Truths"[21]
Reader wants all lawyers to take oath to seek justice, act only on facts "founded in law and truth," and never "mislead the minds of a jury"[22]
"Far from having an immoral tendency," young men's theatre activities prepare them "for the world, by the ease, confidence and grace they inspire"[23]
Brief description of Upper Canada with its "industrious, hardy race [of] excellent farmers" and its "fish, particularly trout, of an incredible size"[25]
Rich soil, warmer climate, coal and lead - "The English may certainly render West Canada through time a most delightful country"[27]
Government to get "Civil Officers [who make their offices] respectable and useful" and governor "esteemed for[...]good sense [and] professional merit"[28]
Description of Fundy coast reflects notion of "terra nullius" by calling it "in the rude state of nature, and without an inhabitant"[45]
Many Indigenous people canoe Saint John River, taking their children to schools with teachers hired by government, which clothes and feeds children[46]
Red Jacket tells U.S. officials his people rely on British advice because it comes with wampum, and that British explain U.S. texts they cannot read[56]
St. John's Island's Lt. Gov. Fanning tells Council and House of Assembly "want of cash[...]seems to be a difficulty very generally felt and lamented"[58]
^"From Colonel A. Gordon to Lord Dorchester" (July 4, 1791), Records of Niagara; 1790-1792 PDF frames 85–6. Accessed 17 August 2023
^Anonymous "Letter from Niagara" (November 24, 1791), Records of Niagara; 1790-1792 PDF frames 89–91. Accessed 17 August 2023
^"General Account of the Characters, Dispositions and Numbers of the Indians in North America," (Quebec) Herald, Miscellany & Advertiser, Vol. II, Num. 20 (April 11, 1791), Page 1 of 8 (left column; note: article begins on Page 5 of 8). Accessed 10 August 2023
^"An Address to the People of England[....]; Englishmen! we desire to live in peace[....]" The Saint John Gazette, and Weekly Advertiser Vol. V, Numb. 250 (February 25, 1791), Page 2 of 2 (lefthand page, centre column). Accessed 1 August 2023
^"Nova Scotia and Canada"A Brief Examination of Lord Sheffield's Observations on the Commerce of the United States (1791), pgs. 20–2. Accessed 1 August 2023
^"Agriculture; On the History, Culture and Qualities of the Potatoe, Recommended to the Farmers of Canada," Supplement to The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1328 (April 28, 1791), pgs. 5–6. Accessed 11 August 2023
^
"On Thursday last the Sessions of the Court of King's Bench[....]," The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1347 (May 19, 1791), pg. 2. Accessed 15 August 2023
^"Quebec, March 17, 1791; To Be Sold[....]," (Quebec) Herald, Miscellany & Advertiser, Vol. II, Num. 17 (March 17, 1791), Page 5 of 8 (front page). Accessed 10 August 2023
^"Evening School" (October 13, 1791), Supplement to The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1372 (October 20, 1791), pg. 1. Accessed 16 August 2023
^"Quebec, September 15; Communication of a Correspondent," The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1366 (September 15, 1791), pg. 4. Accessed 15 August 2023
^"Quebec, March 3," The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1336 (March 3, 1791), pg. 3. Accessed 11 August 2023
^"Quebec, January 20; It is with no small satisfaction[....]," The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1329 (January 20, 1791), pg. 2. (See also further praise (pg. 2) for young Canadian actors) Accessed 11 August 2023
^"Quebec, December 22," The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1381 (December 22, 1791), pgs. 3–4. (See more earthquake news (pg. 4)) Accessed 16 August 2023
^"Quebec, April 21; New Settlement in Canada," The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1343 (April 21, 1791), pg. 4. Accessed 14 August 2023
^"Proceeding of Land Board" (February 1, 1791), Records of Niagara; 1790-1792 PDF frame 60. (See also letter (PDF frame 72) re "the full accomplishment of Governor Haldimand's promise") Accessed 17 August 2023
^"Rev. Hugh Graham to Rev. Dr. Brown" (September 9, 1791), Collections of the Nova Scotia Historical Society, Vol. III, Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 1 January 2024
^"Halifax, Sept. 27; Extract of a letter from the Honourable Henry Dundas[...]6th August 1791," The Royal Gazette: and the Nova-Scotia Advertiser Vol. III, No. 131 (September 27, 1791), Page 2 of 3 (left column). (See also notice (Page 2 of 8, lower page, right column) to Blacks wishing to leave to gather in Halifax in December, notices (Page 3 of 4, centre column) of shipping requirements and timeline, and illustration (following PDF frame 112) of town in Sierra Leone) Accessed 4 August 2023
^"The Whole Proceedings" The Trials of George Frederick Boutelier and John Boutelier for the Murder of Frederick Eminaud[....] (1791), pg. 1. Accessed 11 August 2023
^Patrick Campbell, "St John's River and Town"Travels in the Interior Inhabited Parts of North America; In the Years 1791 and 1792, pgs. 19-20. Accessed 18 December 2023
^"Convention between His Britannick Majesty and The King of Spain; Article V" (October 28, 1790), The Royal Gazette: and the Nova-Scotia Advertiser Vol. II, No. 94 (January 4, 1791), Page 1 of 4 (front page). (See also editorial "Spanish Convention" (Page 3 of 4) detailing immense value of rights obtained on Pacific coast, and "London, December 4; Nootka Sound" report (Page 3 of 4, centre column) that Royal Navy is to seize Spanish fort and claim territory "northward of Santa Fee") Accessed 2 August 2023
^"From the Gazette of the United States," Supplement to The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1369 (October 6, 1791), pg. 1. Accessed 16 August 2023
^"New-York, Aug. 2; The Speech of Tsekuyeaatbaw[...]commonly called red Jacket[...]In Reply to a Charge of Partiality for the British," The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1367 (September 22, 1791), pg. 3. (See also that Six Nations chiefs tell British they need help reading U.S. documents (PDF frame 69)) Accessed 15 August 2023
^"*** These very important news[....]," The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1369 (October 6, 1791), pg. 3 (bottom). Accessed 16 August 2023
^
"British America" (November 12, 1790), (Quebec) Herald, Miscellany & Advertiser, Vol. II, Num. 17 (March 17, 1791), Page 5 of 8 (front page). Accessed 10 August 2023
^Letter of Alexander Mackenzie to Roderick Mackenzie (March 2, 1791), Images 45–7, Letters of Sir Alexander MacKenzie University of Saskatchewan Libraries. Accessed 18 April 2023
^"I; From Okkak, dated August 25, 1791"1790-1795, vol. 01: Periodicals Accounts Relating to the Missions of the Church of the United Brethren, pgs. 85-7 and after (frames 93-5+), Memorial University of Newfoundland. Accessed 18 August 2023