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On
May 18, 1785 the two towns of Carleton and Parrtown amalgamated to form
the «City
of Saint John» - Canada's first
incorporated city.
London
had instructed Governor Carleton to call elections for the Legislative
Assembly in New Brunswick at an early date. He delayed this action for
over a year, however, using the time to establish the strong central
authority that he felt was indispensable to good government. In late
October 1785, Carleton issued the rights for a general election.
Saint
John City and county together would elect six of twenty-six members in the
Assembly and the vast majority of voters lived within the city. Two slates
of candidates materialized. The "Upper Covers" included Attorney
General Johnathan Bliss, Solicitor General Ward Chipman, and other
notables who supported town officials and the Carleton government.
Tertullus Dickinson headed a slate of "Lower Covers" which won
the backing of dissatisfied soldiers and businessmen. The election
campaign was short and hard fought. Saint John's residents overwhelmingly
elected the Lower Cove candidates.
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New Brunswick Community College - Saint John.