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The definite acquisition of Canada by the Treaty of Paris directed attention to the question of the establishment of civil government. The commissioners for Trade and Plantations advised that the Canadian constitution should be modelled on the government of the American colonies, and that a public declaration should be made of His Majesty’s intentions in order to give confidence and encouragement to such of his subjects as seemed inclined to settle in Canada. Accordingly, on October 7, 1763, a proclamation was issued declaring with reference to the colonies of Quebec, East Florida, West Florida and Grenada that the governors had been authorized, whenever circumstances would permit, to call assemblies similar to those of the British colonies in America. ‘In the meantime,’ it declared, ‘and until such Assemblies can be called as aforesaid, all Persons Inhabiting in or resorting to our said Colonies may confide in our Royal Protection for the enjoyment of the Benefit of the Laws of our Realm of England.’ To this end directions were given for the constitution of courts for determining all causes, civil and criminal, ‘according to Law and Equity, and as near as may be agreeable to the Laws of England.’ In the November following James Murray was appointed governor-in-chief of the Province of Quebec. The commission to Governor Murray contains an outline of the first written constitution granted to Quebec. In brief, the government was to consist of a governor and council, and, if considered desirable, of a legislative assembly.