Lord Dufferin, author, traveller, linguist and professional diplomat was Governor General of Canada from 1872 to 1878. During his term of office, he and Lady Dufferin travelled extensively throughout the country. Holding strong views about his office, he refused to remain a figurehead and played an active, often partisan role in the political battles of the day, notably those arising from the Pacific Scandal, the Lépine amnesty case and the British Columbia railway issue. He was also instrumental in the reconstruction of a part of the Québec ramparts and the terrace named in his honour.