Letter in Secretarial Hand marked ‘Copy’, to Sir John A. Macdonald, dated Fort Garry, 12 Dec., 1872

Fort Garry: 1872. An important letter to the Prime Minister discussing the arrest of Louis Riel and the issue of amnesty for the insurgents in the Red River Rebellion of 1869-70. Morris had just been appointed (Dec. 2) Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba and the North West Territories. “I wrote you on the 11th since which little has transpired. I have however ascertained, that the deputation and the questions put were a plan devised at a meeting at which Riel was the central figure and they came from the meeting upon me, without malice or warning. “I found that Royal was aware of their coming but did not advise me. On reflection I feel that I could have taken no other course than I did. I gave them the amplest satisfaction as to the lands – but when asked to promise that those who had taken part in the troubles should be “inquieté” troubled, I felt it my duty at once, to explain how the law stood, as a warrant for Riel’s arrest may issue at any moment and it was right that they should know that they would resist the law, if they attempted a rescue. I was then asked and this was part of the plan of the meeting, if an amnesty had not been promised and to that I could only give the one reply, that I knew of no such promises. It was an evident trap sprung upon me without malice but it has failed. Schmidt the spokesman admits their blunder, and it may lead Riel to leave the country, so Clarke and Royal think...Clarke asked me to...you, about Blake and the Amnesty. “I believe that Jetté and H? would from here have been negotiating with Blake and McKenzie for the amnesty, the aid of the French here to be given, to bring over their compatriots in Quebec, I am certain that such negotiations have been going on for some time. The Bishop called on me five days before the deputation on the same subject claiming promises and sent me a copy of a memorial for Mitchell (?)...alleging promises from Lord Lisgar & Sir Clinton Murdoch, addressed to the Queen. It was sent to Lord Lisgar but never acknowledged or replied to, and the same fated attended the address of the House on the same subject last session. They talk now of sending a deputation to England. I don’t think the Bishop has decided on his course, but is searching for letters or I understand he considers the course of the deputation and explains my reply by my official oath etc. etc. & that I was not yet Governor & had not as I told them been instructed from Ottawa, so long as Riel is in the country there will be agitation. He has a party of strong adherents and an arrest would probably lead to blood-shed. “The Imperial Govt. ought to deal with the matter and declare either a special or general amnesty on their own responsibility. If Lord Lisgar & Sir C.Murdock gave pledges they should be fulfilled. Promises are also alleged from Cartier but I cannot reconcile this with a letter to Howe from Bishop Taché on the subject & a reply from the council. This transpired while you were in Washington for Howe wrote the reply, I received it & Cartier gave it the finishing touches. You had better see it and send me a reply. I trust you will approve my action...”. folio. pp. 3. (horizontal & vertical folds, tears along some folds – no loss of text)