CHAPTER X

THE ASSEMBLY AT LAST

1776-1791

THE CONSTITUTIONAL ACT OF 1791

REOCCUPATION BY BRITISH--COURTS REESTABLISHED--CONGRESS’ SPECIAL OFFER TO CANADA--LAFAYETTE’S PROJECTED RAID--UNREST AGAIN--THE LOYALTY OF FRENCH CANADIANS AGAIN BEING TEMPTED--QUEBEC ACT PUT INTO FORCE--THE MERCHANTS BEGIN MEMORIALIZING FOR A REPEAL AND AN ASSEMBLY--HALDIMAND AND HUGH FINLAY OPPOSE ASSEMBLY--MEETINGS AND COUNTER MEETINGS--CIVIC AFFAIRS--THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PROJECTED “CHAMBER OF COMMERCE”--THE FIRST NOTIONS OF MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS--THE MONTREAL CITIZENS’ COMMITTEE REPORT--THE UNITED EMPIRE LOYALISTS--THE DIVISION OF THE PROVINCE PROJECTED--THE CONSTITUTIONAL ACT OF 1791. NOTE: MONTREAL NAMES OF PETITIONERS IN 1784 87