Series consists of records created and maintained by the Minister's Office for the period 1862-1868. It contains mainly correspondence and recommendations for promotions. The researcher interested in the role of the Minister of Militia should also remember that for the years where both a Minister of Militia and an Adjutant General were appointed, correspondence addressed to the Minister have been maintained in the Adjutant General's classification system.
United Canada. Office of the Minister of Militia : Lord Monck, Governor of United Canada, informed the Duke of Newcastle on 28 December 1861 that "he had appointed Mr. Macdonald, Attorney General Upper Canada, special Minister for Militia Matters, as the business of that department will now very greatly increase and I think it desirable to have one of the ministers specially charged with the duties connected with it." John A. Macdonald remained in charge of militia matters until 23 May 1862. His successor, John Sandfield Macdonald, was minister, 21 June 1862 to 29 March 1864. Colonel E.P. Taché, a former Deputy Adjutant General for Canada East, was appointed minister on 4 June 1864 and 7 August 1865, John A. Macdonald once again assumed responsibility for the department. The Ministers of Militia were John Alexander Macdonald, December 1861 - May 1862 and August 1865 - June 1867; John Sandfield Macdonald, June 1862 - March 1864; and Colonel E.P. Taché, June 1864 - July 1865.