Voices of the People

Nova Scotia House of Assembly Petitions and Correspondence

9 March 1811

Draft of opinion of the Council with regard to the proposal of a special agent. "His Majesty’s Council are of opinion the services of Mr. Bernard will still continue to be useful and beneficial to this Province and that any alteration whereby he might be displaced would be prejudicial to the Interests of this Province. 2d. His Majesty’s Council are fully satisfied of the many important Services rendered to this Colony by Mr. Atcheson and that he is not through the Solicitations of the London Committee of Merchants of which he is secretary endeavouring to procure many objects of the first importance to the interests of this Province. 3rd. His Majesty’s Council consider the meritorious exertions of Mr. Atcheson highly beneficial to all ranks and descriptions of His Majesty’s Subjects in this Province as well as to the Merchants, and it is the opinion of His Majesty’s Council that Mr. Atcheson ought not to be paid for his services at the expence of a few public spirited individuals but that the sum which shall be considered a Compensation for his services ought to be paid by the province at large. 4th. That the most eligible mode of continuing the beneficial services of Mr. Atcheson is to obtain the approprobation of His Exy. the Lt. Governor to a vote of both Houses granted such sum as the Assembly may think proper to Mr. Atcheson as a reward for the services he has rendered this Colony in soliciting and obtaining from his Majesty’s Government many great advantages to the Trade and fisheries of this Province. lastly His Majesty’s Council consider this Mode of proceeding would Effect the Object which is wished by both Houses without interfering with the established agent and particularly as Mr. Atcheson does not stand in need of any Credential from the Government of this Province to obtain the attention of His Majesty’s Government to any representations he may make in our behalf." Then crossed out "They have communicated their opinion which they have stated to us to His Excellency who is pleased with the Measure proposed and will give his assent to granting Mr. Atcheson a Sum of Money for his services." (There is no sign of this in the Journal.)

Reference: Nova Scotia House of Assembly Nova Scotia Archives RG 5 Series A volume 17 number 55