The Diary and Selected Papers of Chief Justice William Smith, 1784-1793 [2 volumes]

Toronto: The Champlain Society, 1963 Book. Fine. Hardcover. 2 volumes [1963; 1965]. First edition. Volumes XLI and XLII of the Champlain Society. Both volumes printed in a limited edition for subscribers. Edited by L. F. S. Upton. Pp. lv, 295, xv + xli, 335, xix. Frontis portrait, index. Red cloth, gilt. A fine set. Smith's diary covers January 24, 1784 to May 18, 1787. The selected Papers include those from 1785 to 1793. "Politically, the Diary is important for the way it illuminates a period of hesitation in British policy towards Canada, providing a wealth of information about personalities and influences behind the scenes" (Preface). Smith is chiefly remembered in Canada as a distant advocate of a confederation that was achieved almost three-quarters of a century after his death..