Elgin to Earl Grey, July 13, 1847

James Bruce, eighth Earl of Elgin, was governor general of the Province of Canada from 1847 to 1854. Henry George, third Earl Grey, was secretary of state for the colonies 1846 till 1852.

Document Summary:
Elgin gives Grey his vision of the governor's powers with respect to the new responsible cabinet government. He, as governor general, will give constitutional support to ministers, but will also support opponents when those ministers lose public support.