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1861- Report from Commissioner Indian Affairs
Report from Indian Commissioner Chearnley, stated that Indian population of Pictou County was 179 people., "County of Pictou...174.", Public Archives of Nova Scotia, RG1, Vol. 431 (Indian Commissioner Series), file 124.
1861- Report of Dr. Murray- Physician for the Mi'kmaq of Pictou
Report of Dr. Murray, who outlined his work with the Mi'kmaq of Pictou at several different locals. Letter is basically asking for the government to pay for his medical work with the Mi'kmaq. Mentions several individuals by name and outlines treatments., “New Glasgow Feb. 22, 1861 Capt. George McKenzie Fraser M.T.T. Dear Sir, I forward to you my a/c [account] for attendance on sick Indians. And trust you will use your influence to get the Committee on Indian Affairs to grant it. Mr. Roach thought the Committee On Indian Affairs the proper persons to address this petition to. And in accordance with his advice I have done so. But if it should be necessary to present the petition to the house of assembly before the Committee can act on it, you will please either yourself or ask A.C. McDonald to make the necessary alterations, and you can sign my name to it. At your own suggestion I have placed the balance due on last year’s a/c at the head of this years. That you may be then better able to advocate my claims before the Committee, and answer the objections of last year’s committee for not granting me the full amount of last year’s a/c. I will as briefly as I can refresh your memory with regard to last year’s a/c (a copy of which I enclose to you, containing Dr. Webster’s reasons why the Committee did not grant the full amount). You will perceive that the first charges are for attending Francis Fraser. His camp when I attended him was in the woods between the East and Middle Rivers about 1 ½ or 2 miles from New Glasgow. As you are aware yourself there is now no open road in that direction, the old road being closed up and in many places ploughed. The weather being soft and open at the time, the fields through which (the late William Fraser []) I had to travel over were so soft that I could not take my horse, and consequently had to foot it. That there was need for all the visits I paid him, I think [pg.2] No better proof is required than that as you are aware this poor fellow died of his disease (inflammation of the lungs). As my charge for travelling being too high, you may ask any medical man in Halifax, if they would perform the same services cheaper, taking into account the state of the travelling. Dr. Webster says that the Committee thought I “charged too little for medicines.” I of course should find no fault with them for this, only if they thought I charged too little, they ought in future to have given me more. The other charge in the a/c is for a visit “to Louis Tom and dressing badly cut leg, 4[].” Now the times I was called on to see him was immediately after a heavy snow storm (another medical man having previously refused to visit him at all, on account of the travelling I presume). His camp was in the woods on Frasers Mountain between the old and new Merigomish roads somewhat on the New Glasgow side of “Farmer McLean’s.” The road up the mountain was altogether impassable from snow-drifts. I had to go down the little Harbour Road and up Andrew Marshall’s firewood road to his house, than through the fields and snow drifts as best I could, until I got to “Farmer McLean’s” where I left my horse, and then travelled on foor for better than a mile through the woods having no track before me and the snow between 3 or 4 feet deep, to his camp. Now if Dr. Webster or any other medical gentleman will perform that amount of travelling through the snow, take up and tie the “Anterior Labial Artery” which the poor fellow had cut, then I am satisfied. The fact is medical men in large cities would charge more than 4 [] for taking up and tying the artery itself, which is often an operation of no little difficulty and requiring a considerable amount of professional knowledge. I think that [pg. 3] This will suffice as to last year’s a/c. Now for this year’s. Michael Phillip’s Squaw the time she was sick had her camp beyond what is called the “Wash Brook” in the woods, off the “Marsh road” as you may proabably remember yourself. She was a long time sick, and although I did not visit her very often ^as the account shows^, she gave me a great deal of trouble as scarcely a day passed without her husband or some of her family calling on me for something either medicine, food, or clothing. The fact is I gave her more food and clothing for herself and family for which I received nothing, and never will, that’s what I have charged for medical attendance and medicine all together. The next charge is for visiting Matthew Paul and squaw, their camp was on the point below the narrows on the East River. They were both very ill with what is called “typhoid fever.” I attended to both, and as they were between 2 and 3 weeks sick, the necessarily required a good deal of medicine. The other two charges is for medicine given to the Indians named in the a/c, and is not higher than they would be charged for the same at any respectable druggists. The foregoing will I think enable you to give all necessary information to the committee, and I hope that this year’s committee may come to a more righteous decision that last years. I have no news of any importance to give you. Your friends are all well in New Glasgow. Joe Howe has certainly done his part well, so far this session. But he will better be cautious how he speaks in favor of the Catholics. I think he just wants far enough for the good of the Liberal Party. In his last speech, in answer to Johnson and []. He has [Pg. 4] Nothing or his party either to expect from them, so he should be very careful not to alienate the affections of many good and conscientious men, who voted for his party last election, in opposition to the Catholics and without whose support the Liberal party could not successfully win another election. The Earl of Mulgrave has placed the leaders of the opposition in a most contemptible position before the country in the official correspondence. His answer to Johnson’s Memorial is I think the ablest state paper I have ever read. It is clear, concise, and convincing. The Tories here do not like to speak of it at all. I understand the people of Barney’s River are applying to you for some money for the road on the west side of the River. And have nominated Walter Murray for the commission to expand it. I am aware myself that it very much needs it. And if compatible with the interests of other parts of the county I would be much pleased if you could grant them the prayer of their petition. Wishing you give him a good time in the capital. I remain your ablest, etc. George Murray P.S. Perhaos it might do no harm to read the portion of this letter having reference to my a/c to the Committee on Indian Affairs. I see by the papers there is a majority of Liberals on it, which perhaps may be of some little advantage to you., Public Archives of Nova Scotia, RG1, Vol. 431 (Indian Commissioner Series), file 125.
1862- Relief for Pictou Mi'kmaq and Census
Letter from the parish priest in Pictou (possibly named Mclean) that outlines a shortage of blankets that was to be distributed to the Mi'kmaq in Pictou. Letter also contains a census of all male heads of family and their immediate family., “Pictou Jan’y 11th 1862 To the Honorable the Provincial Secretary of Nova Scotia Sir, I received some time ago a supply of blankets for the poor Indians of this county which I distributed amongst them as far as they went. I am sorry to say that the supply was this year so very small that I could not even give one blanket to each family, and what is one blanket for a family of seven or eight? I hope the finances of the Province have not just fallen so low as not to afford a few blankets to keep the poor creatures warm at this inclement season of the year. I only gave a list of the Indian families in this quarter with the number of souls in each, I am sir, Your most obdt. And humble servant, Alexr. [] P.P., Pictou [Pg. 2] Number of Indian Families in Pictou and Merigomish Nathan Paul Chief… 8x (No. in family) Joe Toney…8x Capt. Tonnie…3x Francis Paul…4x Peter Paul…4x Peter Paul…2x John []…4x Gregor Paul…6x Michael Francis…2x Noel Francis…4x Peter Paul…4 Matthew Paul…5x Frances []…8x Widow James Prosper…6x Abram Kettle…7 [] [] Widow…2x Thomas Wilmot….9 Kepham Noel…4 John Beetle…3x John Cape Breton…3 Joe Phillip…4x Michael Phillip…6x Joseph Phillip…5 [] []…1 [Pg. 3] Sapier Paul…3 Harry Mahone…3x Peter James widow…3x Louis Tom Louis…2x Louis Tom…6x Peter Sapier…3x Widow [] []…1x Simon Sapier…3x Noel Joe…6 Anapauline [?] Sapier widow…1x Joseph Labob…5 John []…2 Peter Tom very []…1 Frances Paul Fraser…2 John Toney…3x [] Wilmot…3x N.B. Those marked with a cross [x] have got a blanket, and those with no mark after their names got nothing. I trust in God these poor creatures will be [] to further delay for they are really in a state of suffering. J. Mclean, P.P., Public Archives of Nova Scotia, RG1, Vol. 431 (Indian Commissioner Series), file 133
1863- Report by Indian Commissioner Fairbanks to Sir Joseph Howe
Letter from Indian Commissioner Fairbanks to Sir Joseph Howe outlining the state of Indian land in the province of Nova Scotia. Fairbanks reported that the land the Mi'kmaq occupied at the mouth of the harbour should be purchased and made into an Indian Reserve., "A proposition has been submitted for purchasing a tract of land, situate about one mile from the town of Pictou, for the purpose of settling a number of Indians in that County, where there are no Indian Reserves. I most earnestly recommend this proposal for the consideration of the Legislature; and that the land should be paid for out of the Indian Fund. At a proper time I shall be prepared, with such evidence of the importance of such a purchase, as I think cannot fail to satisfy the government and the Legislature, that it would be a wise and judicious measure, giving the Indians of the County of Pictou a home, from which they are now wholly destitute.”, Samuel P. Fairbanks, Indian Commissioner, to Joseph Howe, Provincial Secretary, February 9 1863, in Journal and Votes of the House of Assembly for the Province of Nova Scotia, 1863 Session, Appendix No. 18, pg. 1-2.
1863- Report of Committee on Indian Affairs
Report on Indian Affairs in Nova Scotia from a series of Commissioners. Letter reports on various Counties and Mi'kmaq lands. Commissioners emphasized that although Pictou County had one of the largest Mi'kmaq populations, they had no lands reserved for their use., "In the report of last year, the Committee on Indian Affairs noticed the fact that although Pictou contained the largest Indian population of any county in the province, there was no Indian reserves in the county. In order to provide a home, and encourage the settlement of the Indians, we recommend the purchase of a lot of land for their exclusive benefit, to be vested in the Commissioners as in other counties, the payment to be made from the general Indians fund, at their credit with the province. The appointment of a suitable person in the county to conduct the purchase, your committee think desirable, provided it can be done without expense.", William Ross, et. al, Indian Commissioners, April 1 1863, in Journal and Votes of the House of Assembly for the Province of Nova Scotia, 1863 Session, Appendix No. 37, pg. 1-2.
1863- Series of Letters pertaining to land survey for Mi'kmaq of Pictou County
A series of letters discussing the survey of land in Pictou County for the Mi'kmaq. The letters show that while the government had plans to survey lands for the Mi'kmaq in this region, they never did so, and the issue was left in limbo. These letters highlight the need for Mi'kmaq land and there seems to be a sense of urgency in pushing forward with surveys., “Truro 10 June 1863 W.H. Keating, Esq. My Dear Sir, Mr. R.P. Grant writes me that no commissioner has even been sent to Mr. J.D.B. Fraser appointing a commissioner to purchase the Indian lands at Pictou which by the report of a committee of the Assembly were directed to be bought out of the proceeds of sales of Indian Lands. [Pg.2] The matter was talked over in Council and I was under the impression the appointment had been made but cannot be sure. Please look into it and acquaint Mr. Grant with the results. If the matter was not decided on of course, that ends it, till there is somebody else to [pg.3] Advise. Yours Truly, A.J. Archibald [This writing appears on bottom of letter and perhaps is a response] The appointment was made but up to this date the Report has not secured any lands. What instructions are to be given to are to be given or is the purchase [] what locality – [] Report No. 37 Dear Sir, In consequence of a note received from the Attorney General, I write to inform you that the late Governor appointed Mr. J.B.B. Fraser to be the Commissioner for purchasing Indian lands at Pictou – but with a direction not of [gazette] the appointment – no commission has therefore [pg. 5] Opened, and it would be necessary that it should be accompanied by more definite instructions as to the extent and value of the purchase which if agreed upon have not been intimated to me. I presume therefore that the question will remain for the decision of the present Council. Yours respectfully, W.H. Keating 18 June 1863", Public Archives of Nova Scotia, Indian Commissioner Series, Vol. 431, File 137.
1864- Letter containing details for purchase of land for Mi'kmaq at Fisher's Grant
Letter from Indian Commissioner Fairbanks to the Provincial Secretary, reporting that land had been purchased for the Mi'kmaq of Pictou County. The letter reports that the Mi'kmaq had taken possession of the land and were highly satisfied with the 50 acre lot. Of course, this land would be seen as insufficient within a decade, with more land being added over the next 50 years., "The recommendation of the committee of the House during its last session, that a tract of land should be purchased for the Indians in the county of Pictou, has been carried out, and they are in possession of it. There were no reserves in that [pg.2] county, and hence the necessity of providing a home for them which I believe has afforded much satisfaction.", Samuel P. Fairbanks, Indian Commissioner, to the Provincial Secretary, February 1 1864, in Journal and Votes of the House of Assembly for the Province of Nova Scotia, 1864 Session, Appendix No. 37, pg. 1-2.
1864- Report of Committee on Indian Affairs
Report on Indian Land Commission that eventually purchased land at Fisher's Grant for the Pictou County Mi'kmaq. This report discussed the use of money from the sale of Mi'kmaq lands in Cape Breton to purchase Mi'kmaq land in Pictou County to create the reserve at Fisher's Grant., "We cannot agree to the 4th clause on the grounds that we conceive the Indian lands were originally granted for the benefit of Indians throughout the Province, and not for any particular section of them. In the county of Pictou the Indian population is larger than that of any county, except perhaps that of Cape Breton; and we are of opinion that the Indians of Pictou are entitled to a fair proportion of the provision afforded by the funds arising from the sale of any portion of the large quantity of lands set apart for Indians in the Island of Cape Breton.", Donald Fraser, and Robert Robertson, Indian Commissioners, to Provincial Secretary, in Journal and Votes of the House of Assembly for the Province of Nova Scotia, 1864 Session, Appendix No. 37, pg. 5-7.
1865- Letter Pertaining to Payment for House built by Mi'kmaq man in Pictou County
Letter written by Indian Commissioner Samuel Fairbanks asking about a request for payment from a Mi'kmaq man in Pictou County. Fairbanks stated that the House of Assembly in Halifax granted permission for four Mi'kmaq (one in Pictou, three in Antigonish) to be repaid $20 for building houses, which would come from the Indian Fund (which was an account where all monies from land sales were placed). Fairbanks was unsure if this was the correct way to fund house building, as the fund was supposed to be used to clothe and feed "distressed" Mi'kmaq people., 27 [October] 1865 Sir During the last sitting of the House of Assembly the Committee on Indian Affairs recommended that the sum of twenty dollars each should be paid to four Indians viz one in Pictou and three in Antigonish Counties towards building their houses- and to be paid out of the funds granted for the supply of clothing for the Indians generally. I am now called upon by the Indian at Pictou, to pay the amount allotted to him – and have a satisfactory Certificate that the house was erected. I have doubts however whether I am justified in paying these sums – for the report is at variance with the law which restricts all allowances to the supply of clothing – and if sanctioned, it will no doubt be followed by other applications – and the charitable intention be obfuscated. At various times by order of the Government and to mark an immediate cause of distress – small sums have been awarded – but in making my purchases – it is to be very [] if I cannot be certain of the amount [pg. 2] At my disposal. The proceeds of the Indian Reserves, which in accordance with the act are paid into the fund should in my opinion contribute to the fund from which these allowances ought to be made – The representations from [C, J?] Barton have influenced our opinions, that the portion [] from the sales of the Islands ought to be appropriated exclusively to the Indians residing there. I may observe in annum to this, that they got their fair share of the annual appropriation for clothing, that they often change their abode to this province – and that it would be in every way more convenient to regard the proceeds as a common fund for the benefit of the whole tribe. I have no doubt there will be sufficient to meet the provisions of the act, for I dear but few of them will be disposed to settle on the land. I am anxious to have all [] amount as to my course in these matters, and have therefore been more particular in my remarks on the subject. If the government approves of these sums being paid from the Indian fund in the Treasury, I have respectfully to request an [Pg. 3] Order to that effect – and the necessary Certificates will be obtained, before payments are made. I am Sir, Your Obedient Servant, Samuel Fairbanks Indian Commissioner, Public Archives of Nova Scotia, Indian Commissioner Series, Vol. 431.
1865- Report of Indian Commissioner Fairbanks
Indian Commissioner Samuel P. Fairbanks annual report. Lists a "Rev. Thos. Sears" at Pictou as receiving 62 blankets and 10 great coats for Indians in Pictou County in 1864. Also reported that $401.25 was spent to purchase Fisher's Grant IR no. 24 in 1864., "Less- Amount Paid, purchase land, Pictou....$401.25", Samuel P. Fairbanks, Indian Commissioner, to Provincial Secretary, in Journal and Votes of the House of Assembly for the Province of Nova Scotia, 1865 Session, Appendix No. 19, pg. 1-4.
1866- Letter from James Lang discussing Mi'kmaq land in Pictou
An interesting letter from a man named James Lang, from River John. The letter discussed various subjects, including the abolishment of slavery in Great Britain, but mostly focused on the need for Mi'kmaq reserves in Pictou County. The letter pointed to several acts passed in Parliament and in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly that legislated various land rights to the Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia. It is unclear whether James Lang is a Mi'kmaq man or a settler, but the prose of the letter suggests he may have been Mi'kmaq., My Lord, God stirred up the Spirit of Cyrus who gave the Jews their own land with gold, silver, cattle amd goods to settle it that was god’s plan, tho [sic] the wicked opposed it. Ezra, Chapter 6 verse. Great Britain gave [pounds] 20,000,000 to free the Negros 3 days in the week for three years, when the money was paid Daniel O. Bond carried a resolution in Parliament that they be set free, government obeyed and sent an order to free them, it gave him an immortal name in History. Great Britain gave the Indians of this Province thousands of acres of land to settle on in 1859, the [humble?] took it all from them, and the Act distinctly states when they pay there [late?], it is to be left to the government weather [sic] they get it or not. In 1860 Joseph Howe carried a resolution that said an Indian was to receive a deed of a hundred acres to be sold only to Indians only. Forever the government has failed to give deeds according to that resolution. In 1862 I offered the dividends and interest of $100 in Pictou [] [] yearly to Rev. McDonald, Priest, if it was in his power to get a lot of land (as I had failed with the M.P. who had for the Law of 1859 who excluded them except at the option of the Government) he got 50 acres immediately. Two Indians settled on it. He applyed [sic] to the Committee of the Assembly of 1865 for Deeds butt [sic] failed. [] the same committee reported that two Indians had settled in Cape Breton but did not say they were to get Deeds nor any of the Infians of these over $1000 did they recommend for there [sic] encouragement, butt [sic] recommended to sell a part of the lands. $5000 is granted to help the foreigners who immigrate to help him to settle, butt [sic] not a cent is for Natives. Yours Truly, James Lang River John 27 January 1866, Public Archives of Nova Scotia, Indian Commissioner Series, Vol. 431, file 144.
1869-Colony of Canada,Annual Report of the Secretary of State for the Year 1868 (Ottawa: Hunter. Rose & Co., 1869), 30.
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) and Library Archives Canada (LAC) maintains the published annual reports from various Indian agencies in Canada from 1864 to 1990. Each report collected information from Department employees, such as Indian Agents, and compiled them into a comprehensive bound book. The reports contain census data, health and 'morality' reports, discussion of events and happenings in specific communities and districts, and financial information about the Department. Many of the letters printed in the reports may also appear in the correspondence files, which might result in duplication in this database., Census information reported that the "Indians of Pictou County numbered 195" (30).
1871- REPORT OF THE INDIAN BRANCH OF THE DEPARTMENT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE PROVINCE, 1871
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) maintains the published annual reports from various Indian agencies in Canada from 1864 to 1990. Each report collected information from Department employees, such as Indian Agents, and compiled them into a comprehensive bound book. The reports contain census data, health and 'morality' reports, discussion of events and happenings in specific communities and districts, and financial information about the Department. Many of the letters printed in the reports may also appear in the correspondence files, which might result in duplication in this database., “Indians of Picton [sic]” reported as 125 in 1871., There had been little reported for Nova Scotia in terms of census data is surrounding years. And, the census takers expressed the difficulty of taking population numbers as people often moved around at different times of the year.
1873-11-03
General census of the Pictou Landing Indian Reserve. Census data was incomplete as many families were not present when the census taker collected data., "Sir, I send you enclosed the Indian Census of my district. It may not be strictly correct but it is the nearest proximate I can make with the means at present within my reach. I regret that I am under the necessity of returning to your office a Blank School Report. We have no schools and no means of building school houses. I am Sincerely Rev. Macdonald"
1873-11-03
General census of the Pictou Landing Indian Reserve. Census data was incomplete as many families were not present when the census taker collected data., "Census Return of the Micmac Indians of district no. 4 Pictou N.S. made on the 3rd Day of November 1873. Adults: Men 40, women 45; Youths: Males 20, Females 17; Children: Males 22, females 42. Total 192. Decrease from last census 18. Remarks: The decrease can be explained by taking into account that several famalies have for the present removed from this district."
1873-11-03
Forward of Mcdonald's info about Pictou Reserve, states that there is no fund for school house.
1873-Report of the Indian Branch of the Department of the Minister of the Interior, For the Year Ended 30th June 1873.
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) maintains the published annual reports from various Indian agencies in Canada from 1864 to 1990. Each report collected information from Department employees, such as Indian Agents, and compiled them into a comprehensive bound book. The reports contain census data, health and 'morality' reports, discussion of events and happenings in specific communities and districts, and financial information about the Department. Many of the letters printed in the reports may also appear in the correspondence files, which might result in duplication in this database., "Province of Nova Scotia...Indians of Pictou" listed as having a populatio of 192 in 1872, and a population of 174 "when last heard from" (31). The was represented as a decrease in population by 18 persons., Census takers in these years complained that the same people were not always present when they arrived to conduct their census work, thus resulting in different calculations. Therefore, it is likely that this decrease in population does not represent a decrease in population due to death. It is likely more indicative of seasonal travel.
1874 Census Returns of the different Indian Tribes in the Dominion of Canada, by Provinces.
Census data provided for the Annual Report for the Department of the Interior, 1874., "Indians of Pictou: Population in 1873: 174. Population when last heard from: 196. Increase: 22."
1874 Financial Return for Province of Nova Scotia
Financial Accounts for various districts in Nova Scotia, for the year of 1874., Financial Records stated that Reverend R. MacDonald (Indian Agent for Pictou District) was paid $125.00 for duties between April 1st 1873-30th June 1874. District 4 (Pictou) was also alloted $357.12 in payments distributed "for relief and for purchase of seed grain...".
1874-07-27
General census of the Pictou Landing Indian Reserve., "Census Return of the Micmac Indians of the County of Pictou N.S. made on the 27th Day of July 1874. Adults: Men 40, women 50; Youths: Males 33, Females 27; Children: Males 22, females 24. Total 196. Increase from last census 4."