In a letter outlining the political campaign of 1854, he says in so many words:
My belief is that there must be a material alteration in the character of the new House. I believe also that there must be a change of Ministry after the election, and, _from my friendly relations with the French_, I am inclined to believe my assistance would be sought.[9]
Meanwhile the cleavage in the Reform ranks was daily becoming wider. Indeed, as has been said, the Radical section of the Upper-Canadian representation, known as the Clear Grit party, were frequently to be found voting with the Conservative Opposition, with whom they had nothing in common save dislike and { 36} distrust of the Government. The result of the elections of 1854 showed that no one of the three parties--the Ministerialists, the Opposition, or the Clear Grits and Lower-Canadian Rouges combined--had an independent majority. Upon one point, however, the two last-named groups were equally determined, namely, the defeat of the Government. This they promptly effected by a junction of forces. The leader of the regular Opposition, Sir Allan MacNab, was 'sent for.' But his following did not exceed forty, while the defeated party numbered fifty-five, and the extreme Radicals about thirty-five. It was obvious that no Ministry could be formed exclusively from one party; it was equally clear that the government of the country must be carried on. In these circumstances Sir Allan resolved upon trying his hand at forming a new Government. He first offered Macdonald the attorney-generalship for Upper Canada, and, availing himself of his young ally's 'friendly relations with the French,' entered into negotiations with A. N. Morin, the leader of the Lower-Canadian wing of the late Cabinet. Morin consented to serve in the new Ministry. The followers of MacNab and Morin together formed a majority of the { 37} House. The French leader, however, was most anxious that his late allies in Upper Canada--Sir Francis Hincks and his friends--should be parties to the coalition. Hincks, while not seeing his way to join the new Administration, expressed his approval of the arrangements, and promised his support on the understanding that two of his political friends from Upper Canada should have seats in the new Government. This proposal was accepted by MacNab, and John Ross (son-in-law of Baldwin) and Thomas Spence were chosen. The basis of the coalition was an agreement to carry out the principal measures foreshadowed in the speech from the throne--including the abolition of the Seigneurial Tenure[10] and the secularization of the Clergy Reserves.