66 OUR ISLAND STORY At this juncture the following correspondence between the Lieutenant Governor and the Hon. James C. Pope took place: Government House, 15 April, 1873. Dear Mr. Pope : My Government having this day resigned, I propose calling on you to form a new one,—on the understanding that you will do your best to carry Confederation during the coming session on the terms which have recently been submitted to the people, if none better can be procured from the Dominion Authorities. On my part (though as I have told you, I look upon the terms already conceded as liberal) I will do all I can to help you in obtaining better, so long as you set about it without such de¬ lay as would defer the matter beyond the present session of the Canadian Parliament. Under ordinary circumstances I should not consider it nec¬ essary to ask for such an assurance as this; but, as matters stand I feel that Her Majesty's Government would not hold me blame¬ less were I, at this juncture, to entrust the formation of the new Administration to any one unwilling to give it. If you can assure me that personally you will do your best to carry Confederation on the terms named, if better cannot be procured, I shall be happy to see you as soon as you have con¬ sulted your friends. Believe me, Yours faithfully, TU „ _ _ y William Robinson . lhe Hon. J. C. Pope . To this communication Mr. Pope sent the following reply: Raven wood, M r, t • , 15 APril 1873. My Dear Lieutenant Governor :— of tV h,Te' **? .hODOr WCknowledSe the receipt of your letter of tins day s date, m which you inform xne of the resignation of your Government and that you purpose calling upon me to form