44 HISTORY or PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND.

on all loyal inhabitants to recognize his title to the governor« ship. But Patterson issued, on the following day, a counter proclamation, declaring that. he was the accredited represen- tative of' His Majesty, and enjoining the people to pay no attention to the pretensions of a usurper.

A correspondence passed between the rivals. From manu/ script copies, now .before us, it appears that Patterson and Fanning had entered into an agreement on the seventh of November, 1786, by which the latter gentleman’s appoint- ment was to remain in abeyance for some time. Patterson, on the arrival of Fanning, had intimated his intention of meeting the assembly as governor; but Fanning contended that Patterson had promised to give up the government after the legislative business which he wished transacted was finished. This was emphatically denied by Patterson, who asserted that the command was, by mutual consent, to re- main with him till the weather permitted his departure from the island, or more distinct orders were received from Eng- land, to which representations of the state of matters were forwarded by both parties. On the 17th of February, Patterson addressed a bitter letter to Fanning, complaining of his violation of the agreement solemnly made between them, in which he wrote: “ “Tas it consistent with that engagement that your warrant was exhibited to a large: company at your own table, and afterwards to the public by one of that company, in order to prove your right to the command? Was it. consistent with that engagement that my avowed and notorious enemies were almost constantly adopted as your confidential friends? You will not be sur- prised at my faith in you being put to a severe trial when I heard that the court of justice was disturbed, and a copy of your warrant there read by a gentleman very much in your confidence, questioning the judges as to your right of com-

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