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William Lyon Mackenzie (1795-1861) was an outspoken journalist and a passionate politician. He was a Member of the Legislative Assembly, the first mayor of Toronto, a leading figure in the Rebellions of 1837 - a central figure in pre-Confederation political life.

Mackenzie’s early political career was contentious, and his criticism of corruption of local politicians led to libel suits, threats and his printing press being thrown into Lake Ontario. Mackenzie eventually decided to run for office and was elected into the Legislative Assembly as the representative for York County. He was thrown out of the House several times, but repeatedly re-elected, and in 1834 was elected as Mayor of Toronto. The governing elite mounted a compelling campaign against him, and in 1836 he was voted out of office.

Enamored with the ideals and successes of the American Revolution, Mackenzie organized an armed revolt of his own. Unsuccessful, he was exiled to the United States for a period of 12 years. He was eventually granted amnesty, and returned to Canada where he hoped to reestablish his career in publishing.

This letter was written the year of Mackenzie’s pardon. Addressed to George Bruce Esquire, owner of a New York type foundry, the letter requests an additional loan, despite previously incurred and outstanding debts. Lilian F. Gates, author of After the Rebellion: The Later Years of William Lyon Mackenzie (1988), writes that Mackenzie had initially intended to reestablish his publishing house in Montreal upon returning to his native country with the financial support of George Bruce. The circumstances surrounding his initial visits to Toronto and Montreal caused him to reconsider introducing a large sum of borrowed capital into Canada. Upon his return Mackenzie made a small living contributing to the Examiner, the Niagara Mail and the New York Tribune while he prepared to return to political life.