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On November 27, 1860, the Attorney General of Canada West, John A. Macdonald, hosted a public dinner in his hometown of Kingston, Ontario. He had held previous dinners in other communities including Brantford, Guelph and Simcoe, but appearing before his friends, family and peers was a special occasion. The event was to take place at the Anglo-American Hotel, but overwhelming numbers led to a last-minute venue change. A local paper reported that Mr. and Mrs. Milsap of the Anglo-American Hotel provided catering services on just four days’ notice, and although the cost of the ticket was one dollar, the meal was worth three, much to the pleasure of Mr. Macdonald and his guests. A second local reporter concluded that, “Mr. Macdonald’s reception was of the most enthusiastic kind…This banquet was the greatest political demonstration ever witnessed in Kingston, or perhaps in Canada and nothing could exceed it.”

Macdonald presented an engraved serving tray to Mr. and Mrs. Millsap (sic) in recollection of their culinary efforts.

Macdonald would go on to play a leading role in the drafting of a federal system in which the central government held unmistakable dominance over the provincial governments. His great constitutional expertise, ability and knowledge were quickly recognized. Lord Monck, former Governor General of the Province of Canada, and the first Governor General of the Dominion, appointed Macdonald as the first prime minister of Canada on July 1, 1867. He was also created Knight Commander of the Bath, becoming Sir John A. Macdonald.