He was a man of rather aggressive and combative disposition.

The writer met him in London long after he had retired--and this was some thirty years ago, and though the judge was then upwards of three score and ten, he was yet a man of force and decision.

A graduate of Aberdeen University, Adam Thom had come to Montreal as a lawyer, and was for a time on Lord Durham's staff.

He had taken high ground against Papineau's rebellion, and was known as one of the strongest newspaper controversialists of the time.

He was a determined opponent of the French-Canadian rebellion, as he was of rebellion in any form whatever.
Evidently, Governor Simpson chose a man "after his own heart" for the difficult task, of introducing law and order among the turbulent Nor'-Westers.
The arrival of the new Judge in the Red River Settlement gave rise to much comment.