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To John C. Hamilton, Esquire.
WEST POINT, June 29, 1849. MY DEAR SIR: The news from the Parliament of Great Britain this morning must, I think, increase the discontents of our neighbors on the other side of the St. Lawrence and the lakes not a little ; and that those discontents may in a few years lead to a separation of the Canadas, New Brunswick, etc., etc., from England seems equally probable. Will those Provinces form themselves into an independent nation, or seek a connection with our Union ? I think the probability is greatly in favor of the latter. In my judgment the interests of both sides would be much promoted by annexation the several Provinces coming into the Union on equal terms with our present thirty States. The free navigation of the St. Law rence is already of immense importance to, perhaps, a third of our present population, and would be of great value to the remainder, After annexation, two revenue cutters below Quebec would give us a better security against smuggling than thirty thousand custom-house employes strung along the line that separates us from the British possessions on our continent. I am well acquainted with that line, and know a great deal about the interests and character of the Provincials. Though opposed to incorporating with us any district densely peopled with the Mexican race, I should be most happy to fraternize with our northern and northeastern neighbors. What may be the views of our Executive Government on the subject, I know absolutely nothing ; but I think I cannot err in saying that two thirds of our people would rejoice at the incorporation, and the other third soon perceive its benefits. Of course I am opposed to any underhanded measures on our part, in favor of the measure, or any other act of bad faith toward Great Britain. Her good will, in my view of the matter, is only second to that of the Provincials themselves, and that the for mer would soon follow the latter considering the pres ent temper and condition of Christendom cannot be doubted. The foregoing views I have long been in the habit of expressing in conversation. I give them to you for what they may be worth. Faithfully yours, WINFIELD SCOTT. J. C. HAMILTON, ESQ.