Читать книгу Documents Relating to the Constitutional History of Canada 1759-1791, Part I - Adam Shortt - Страница 84

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By His Excellency Jeffery Amherst, Esquire, Field Marshal, Commander in Chief of the troops and forces of His Majesty the King of Great Britain, in North America, and His Governor General for the Province of Virginia, etc., etc., etc.

Be it known, that we have constituted and appointed Mr. Gage, Brigadier of the King's armies, Governor of the town of Montreal and of its dependencies; and that in like manner we have appointed Mr. Burton, Colonel of His Majesty's troops, Governor of Three Rivers and its dependencies.

That all the inhabitants of the Government of Three Rivers who have not yet given up their arms, are to give them up at the places named by Mr. Burton.

That for the better maintenance both of good order and police in each parish or district, their arms shall be delivered up to the officers of militia; and if thereafter there shall be any of the residents who desire to have them, they must ask for a permit from the governor, to be signed by the said governor, or by his subdelegates, so that the officer of the troops, commanding the district in which these persons are residing, may know that they have the right to carry arms.

That according to our instructions, the governors are authorized to nominate to all posts vacant in the militia, and may begin by signing commissions in favour of those who have lately enjoyed such posts under His most Christian Majesty.

That in order to settle amicably as far as possible all differences which may arise amongst the inhabitants, the said governors are charged to authorise the officer of militia commanding in each parish or district, to hear all complaints, and if they are of such a nature that he can settle them, he shall do so with all due justice and equity; if he cannot decide at once, he must send the parties before the officer commanding the troops in his district, who shall in like manner be authorised to decide between them, if the case is not sufficiently serious to require its being brought before the Governor himself, who in this, as in every other case, shall administer justice where it is due.

That the troops, in the towns as well as in their cantonments, are provided for by the King in kind, and that it is expressly ordered that they shall pay for all that they buy from the inhabitants in ready money and specie.

That all proprietors of horses, carts or other vehicles who shall be employed, either by the troops, or others, shall likewise be paid in specie for each journey, or by the day, when they shall have been thus engaged, and the latter shall be according to the tariff and at the rate of ten shillings, money of New York, per day for each cart or sleigh carrying a thousand pounds weight, and a horse by the day at the rate of three York shillings.

Masters of posts shall be careful neither to let out nor furnish to any one soever, without a written order from us, or from the Governors Gage, Murray, or Burton, either horses or carriages belonging to the offices of the said posts, and those to whom they shall be furnished, as above stated, shall pay for a horse at the rate of 17 cents, money of New York, for every three English miles or French league; those who shall take a horse and carriage shall pay double, but two persons shall be allowed to go in it.

That the meagre support which Canada has received from France for the past two years having exhausted her wealth, her supplies, and her necessaries, we have for the common good both of the troops and the habitant, given orders in our letters, to the different governors of the English colonies nearest to Canada, to post up and publish notices to their colonists to repair hither with all sorts of provisions and supplies, and we flatter ourselves, that we shall see this project carried out without delay; and, as soon as it is done, every one will be notified so that he may have his share in it, at the current rates, and without duty.

Trade will be free to everyone without duty, but merchants will be obliged to take out passports from the governors, which will be furnished them gratis.

As it is specially enjoined on the troops to live with the habitants in harmony and good fellowship, we likewise recommend the habitant to receive and treat the troops as brothers and fellow-citizens. It is further enjoined upon them to hearken to and obey all that is commanded them, whether by us or by their governors, and those having authority from us and them; and so long as the said habitants shall obey and conform to the said orders, they shall enjoy the same privileges as the ancient subjects of the King, and they may rely on our protection.

We desire and require that our present ordinance be read, published and posted in the usual places.

Given at Montreal, the 22 7ber 1760, signed by our hand and sealed with the seal of our arms.

(Signed,)Jeffery Amherst.