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1874-Report from Indian Agent R. MacDonald on Indians in Pictou District
Superintendent General of Indian Affairs sent a circular to all Indian Agents asking them to report on various things in their district. This is the Indian Agent for Pictou County's response. It highlighted various buildings, implements, and equipment owned by the band, and also commented on education and morality., No. 19. DISTRICT NO. 4, N.S., Pictou, 30th June, 1874. SIR, - In answer to a circular* from the Indian Office, dated August 28th, 1874, I beg leave to submit to you the following report on the condition of the Indians of my district. 1. The number of Indians settled in District No. 4, which includes the whole of the County of Pictou, may be put down at about 200. I find an actual increase of four since I took the census last year. It is, however, difficult to ascertain, owing to their migrating dispositions, their precise number. 2. The Indians of this district own but little personal property. Five small boats, one net, a small quantity of other fishing gear, 30 guns, as many dogs, some coopering tools, and a few rude house utensils, would be a full inventory of their effects 3. Twelve small houses, one large barn, one church, comprise all the buildings belonging to the tribe. they have some wigwams which vary in number and quality, according to the time and circumstances. 4. The area of the reserve is about 90 acres. The Indians of Merigonish had this year about 10 acres under cultivation. There are 60 acres of the reserve under wood. 5. I have no sub-agent. 6. The produce raised by the Indians of this district is confined to wheat and potatoes. Of the former, they raise perhaps about 120 bushels. It would indeed be difficult to tell the number of potatoes they grow, as they use them early in the season, the quantity not being sufficient to supply them for two months. 7. Their farming implements consist of a few hoes and spades. 8. They own no live stock. 9. There is no timber or wood sold under license by the Indians of my district. 10. The quantity of fish taken by the Indians is considerable, but as they invariably sell their fish fresh, every morning as it is taken, I have no means of arriving at a correct estimate of the quantity caught, or of the amount realized. 11. There are no fur-bearing animals now killed by the Indians, with the exception of a few muskrats. 12. The amount of money sent for distribution by the Department varies each year. During the year included in this report I received and distributed $371. 13. There was no seed received for distribution. The money allotted for farming purposes was given to the chief and his captains, and they made the appropriation under my supervision. All monies designed for provisions or blankets I applied myself. 14, 15. I do not perceive any notable progress in civilization among the tribe, if I except a very perceptible improvement in sobriety, and a slight improvement in industry. 16. We have no schools, for the good reason that we have no school-houses. I would on this point humbly suggest to the Department that, if we cannot hope to receive a special Government grant to aid us in the erection of at least two school-houses, we be authorized to appropriate a part of the money allotted for farming for school purposes. All of which I most respectfully submit. R. MACDONALD, P.P., Indian Agent., Rev. R. MacDonald, Indian Agent, to Lawrence Vankoughnet, Superintendent General of Indian Affairs, 30th June 1874, in Annual Report of the Department of the Interior for the Year Ended 30th June 1874 (Ottawa: Maclean, Roger & Co., 1875), 45.
1874-Report of the Deputy Superintendent of Indian Affairs
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., NOVA SCOTIA Another Indian District has been added to the seven into which this Province had previously been divided. District No. 6 which formerly embraced the Counties of Richmond and Cape Breton, being found too extensive to be supervised by one agent, was divided; and the Rev. Mr. McIsaac appointed to the new district thus created. This district comprises the County of Cape Breton, but Mr. McIsaac having shortly after his appointment left that county, the Rev. Mr. McGillivray has been appointed to succeed him. Considerable trouble had been caused by the intrusion of squatters upon the reserves at Whycocomah, Middle River and Malagawatch, and so determined were they to hold on to the lands occupied by them that the Department was obliged to adopt the most stringent legal measures to effect their removal. Mr. J.B. Macdonald, the Indian agent for the locality, has displayed commendable zeal and energy in the successful performance of this unpleasant and somewhat dangerous duty. A school for the Indians has been established at Whycocomah, in a tenement vacated by one of the intruders. This is the only school for the benefit of the Indian youth in the Province of Nova Scotia. The importance of education has been frequently pressed by the Department upon the notice of the local agents, and it is hoped that they will be able at an early day to induce the Indians to take an interest in this important matter. As the land reserved for the Indians near the harbor of Pictou is devoid of timber, and the Indians were suffering from the want of fuel, measures were initiated for the purchase of a lot containing 89 acres of wood land at Fisher's Grant, in the county of Pictou. This purchase has recently been fully effected. The duties of the Indian agents of this Province consists, in distributing among the Indians the aid sent them every spring and autumn, in protecting their reserves from trespass and the timber from spoliation, in seeing that the sick receive proper medical attendance, and in looking generally after the affairs and wants of the Indians. A statement of the amounts sent to each agent for distribution will be found in tabular form attached to this report, as well as details of expenses paid on account of medical services & c., to Indians within the Province" (7)., This is an excerpt from a longer letter discussing other parts of Canada.
1875- Census for Indian Population in Nova Scotia
Census for Nova Scotia Mik'maw, 1875., Indians of Pictou County, population in 1874: 106. Population "when last heard from": 206. Increase of 10.
1875- Report on Indians of Nova Scotia
Annual Financial Report from Robert Sinclair, the Department of Indian Affairs Accountant., Document reported that Rev. R. MacDonald was paid $100.00 for his services as Indian Agent for Pictou County. Pictou County (District 4) also received $150.00 for relief and $150.00 for seed grain. Sixty-five Mi'kmaq from Pictou where vaccinated by a Dr. Fraser for $30.00. Document also noted that "The Indian Office pays one-half of the cost of medical attendance on the Indians; the remaining half being paid by the Overseers for the Poor for the counties in which medical services are rendered. This rule does not, however, apply to the cost of vaccinating the Indians; the whole charge for this service being borne by the Indian Office, from the Legislative Grant."
1875- Report on Pictou County Indians
At the request of the Department of the Interior and the Department of Indian Affairs, Rev. R. Macdonald (Indian Agent for Pictou County) forwarded a report on the Indigenous inhabitants of Pictou County., No. 19. INDIAN DISTRICT No. 4, N.S., PICTOU, 23rd Nov., 1875. The Honorable The Superintendent General of Indian Affairs, Ottawa. SIR, - I have the honor to submit for the information of the Indian Office the following report of the Indians and the Indian Reserves within my District. The total number of Indians in the County of Pictou, which comprises District No. 4, is about 210. Within the last few years I perceive a very appreciable improvement in their industrial habits. Several of the able-bodied young men of the tribe are employed in the Public Works at remunerative wages. Others engage in fishing at the proper season, and sometimes with good results. Once a year, a month before St. Anns, all men and women simultaneously betake themselves to coopering - making butter firkins; this they regard as the most legitimate, as well as the most lucrative, branch of the Indian profession. The women are most industrious. The Micmac woman is indeed seldom idle: she is either discharging the duties of housekeeping, or making baskets; and if she has nothing else to do she goes a-begging. Farming, of all other employments, is the one to which Indians seem most averse. Nothing can induce them to take the requisite interest in the cultivation of their Reserves. When there is anything to be done on their farms they almost invariably hire. The consequence is there is no system in their farming, and no marked improvement. The area of Indian Reserve in this County is now considerable; if properly cultivated it should be sufficient to support all the Indians of the District. We have a farm of fifty acres at Indian Cove; a farm of ninety odd at Indian Harbour, lately purchased by the Dominion Government; and the two fertile islands in Merigomish Harbour, Chapel and Moley Islands. All the Indians of my District are Roman Catholics. All of which I most respectfully submit. R. MACDONALD, P.P., Indian Agent., Annual Report of the Department of the Interior for the Year Ended 30th June, 1875 (Ottawa: Maclean, Roger & Co., 1876), 21.
1875-03-20
The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected., "Sir, Re the purchase of lands lately [] in the country of Pictou for the benefit of the Indians, it has occurred owing to the position of said lot, that the interests of the adjoining holder of lands has been seriously comprimised. The positon of the lands is this, the Indians held a lot of land for many years past coneyed to them by the Provincial Govt the lot lately purchased by your department is separate from their former lot by a lot owned by James Sproull and the effect of this last purchase is that [] the Indians have the most convenient access to their old land and the public highway through the property of the said James Sproull. Thereby doing his property great injury and virtually making it valueless. You will readily understand the difficulty that exists in enforcing the law against trespass against Indians. It is therefore proposed by Sproull that an arrangement be made by which he will transfer to the Indian Commission a portion of his land in exchange for a like portion or a [] value of lands held for the Indians and thus connect their two lands, mark the land really well servicable and available to the Indians and obviate the necessity of them trespassing his lands and by doing so [] [] [] as [] we would propose that you would be pleased to [] hat reason such arrangement is proposed be made and that you can asked Rev. Macdonald the Indian Superintendent for his support on the subject. We are confident Mr. Mcdonald will give particular heed, that an arrangement made with the authority of the department, the interests of the Indians will be given every consideration, and that no injustice will be done to them. "
1875-04-16
The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. This letter forwarded Sproull's request to Indian Agent Macdonald, and states that Sproull wants to trade an "equally valuable" piece of land for part of the lands reserved for the indians.
1875-09-09
The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. Indian Agent MacDonald reported, upon inspection of the land, that it would be equally beneficial to both Sproull and Pictou Landing to exchange these tracts of land., "Sir, I have until now delayed to answer yours of the 16th April (no 4671) with the view of being able to reflect as accurately as possible. I have gone over with much care the portion of the Indian Reserve which Mr. Sproull desires to get in exchange for a portion of his own farm. I have also examined the [] of the lot which Mr. Sproull offers to the Indian Department. I have come to the conclusion that the proposed exchange cannot compromise the interest of the Indians of my district. In fact I am of opinion it would benefit the Indians quite as much as it would Mr. Sproull. If however your department should decide on making the exchange I would beg to suggest that care should be taken that Mr. Sproull's title is indisposable and also that no more of the Indian Reserve should be deeded to Mr. Sproull then would be an equivelant for the quantity in exchange. Very especially yours, R Macdonald JP"
1875-09-20
The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. This letter discusses the next stages of the process to exchange the land, which involved ensuring that Sproull held proper title to the land in question., "Memo Re the proposal to obtain right of way through Mr. Sproull's property for the Indians of Pictou by giving him part of their reserve in exchange therefore. I suppose the first step necessary is to ascertain as to Mr. Sproull's title in the property claimed by him. The agent of the Honorable the Minister of Justice at Halifax, Hon. Mr. Smith, made enquiry into Mr. [Jones?] title to the property deeded by him to govrrnment for the Indians. He would doubtless need the [] Re this exchange if asked by the minister of justice to do so. I think Mr. Sproull should pay at leasy one half of the expenses attending such enquiery as would of any subsequent proceedings in the matter. [Text on next page- unclear if it is same author but writing is similar]" Please ack. Mr. McD's letter of 9th Inst + request him to state whether there is no side road by which the Inds. can have [] with their woodland without traversing Mr. Sproull's property, and whether Mr. Sproull is [] [] to reach them for [] [] [] land is obliged to or does [] the Indian Reserve. [to/in fact?] - say [] in order tp comprehend the facts of the position [ ] it is desirable we should show on a rough sketch the relative position of the lands insisted it one another. [] to the possible [] [] [] [].... (illegible)
1875-09-21
The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. This letter discusses the responsibility of Sproull to allow right of way across his land if no proper roads connect the two reserves, and requests that a sketch of the vicinity be drafted., "On enquiry at the Dept of Justice as to the Indians being entitled in law to a right of way this being Sproull's property- I am informed that if there is no other way provided for the public to get from the one point (the wood land) to the other (the Indian Reserve) that Mr. Sproull is obliged in law to allow such right of way- it was suggested that our agent at PIctou be requested to inform us whether there is or is not means of access to their properties open to the Indians other than thru Mr. Sproull's property. LVK Sept 21/75 [Text on next page- unclear if it is same author but writing is similar]: " Please ack. Mr. McD's letter of 9th Inst + request him to state whether there is no side road by which the Inds. can have [] with their woodland without traversing Mr. Sproull's property, and whether Mr. Sproull is [] [] to reach them for [] [] [] land is obliged to or does [] the Indian Reserve. [to/in fact?] - say [] in order tp comprehend the facts of the position [ ] it is desirable we should show on a rough sketch the relative position of the lands insisted it one another. [] to the possible [] [] [] [].... (illegible)"
1875-09-28
The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. This letter discusses the responsibility of Sproull to allow right of way across his land if no proper roads connect the two reserves, and requests that a sketch of the vicinity be drafted. Also discusses proposed roadway in the region, but it is not clear if the road is currently built or would be in the future., "Dear Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge the rect of your letter of the 9th inst. Reporting in compliance with instructions contained in my letter of the 18th April last on the proposition of Mr. Thomas Sproull of Pictou County to exchange a portion of his lot for land reserved for the Indians. You will please state whether there is a side road by which the Indians can have communication with their woodland without crossing Mr. Sproull's property and whether Mr. Sproull, in order to reach the highway from his land is obliged to or does cross over the Indian Reserve. With a view to a [public] understanding perfectly the limits in question of the [], it is desirable that you should forward a rough sketch shewing the relative positions to one another and to the public highway of the lands in question as well as any side roads from these lands to such highway. I am ++ [Next Page note]: "Ack. I say with ref. to that part of his letter that he states that Mr. [] has promised a road and is ready to give it at any time if required. is that the sketch included by Mr. MacD- does not show how such road would be so as to [] the highway and thus afford the Indians access to their woodland. Request Mr. MacD to supply this omission and inform him that it is presumed that the road would be given by Mr. [Jess - settler on north of sketch] free of charge. LVK Dec 11 75"
1875-10-18
The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. Rev. MacDonald (Indian Agent) provided a sketch map and reported that the roadway discussed had not yet been built, but arrangements had been made to construct it "at any time.", "Sir, In reply to yours of the 28th Inst no. 4671, I beg to state. 1st, there is actually no side road by which the Indians may have access to their wood lot. Mr. [Joes/Jess] has promised a road and is ready to give it at any time. If required. 2nd. Mr. Sproull in crossing to the highway does not cross the Indian Reserve. 3rd. The enclosed sketch will give you an idea of the relative positions of the relative positions of the proposed changes. The part dotted and marked A in the plan represents the portion of Mr. Sproull's farm which he proposes to give. The part dotted and marked B of the Indian Reserve is what I propose giving in exchage and which I think would be fair equivalent. C represents the position of Mr. Sproull's dwelling. The Indians are now residing in lot No. 1. I am most respectfully, R. Macdonald JP."
1875-12-09
The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. J.M. Carmicheal (Member of Parliament) asked for the land exchange to be approved, stating that it would be of benefit to both parties., "Sir, I take the liberty of enquiring if you have received the report of Rev. R.M. MacDonald in reference to exchange of a portion of land between the Indians and Mr. Sproull. I brought this matter to your notice when in Ottawa last session and understand from Rev. Macdonald that he has had some correspondence with you on the subject and that he recommended in the interest of the Indians that the land should be exchanged as proposed. I am assured the change will be to their benefit and is also a matter of [] to a working farmer who in the present position of its land is subjected to serious and continual annoyance and []. Would you be good enough to give the matter your consideration and if approved direct the necessary steps to be taken to effect the exchange asked. I am, sir, your obedient servant, J.M. Carmicheal"
1875-12-14
The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. Vankoughnet inquired as to the proposed location of a road that would allow the Pictou Landing Indians access to their woodlot, and how this would relate to the exchanged parcels of land., "Sir, With reference to that part of your letter of the 18th Oct last which states that Mr. [Joes/Jess/Jones] has promised a road and is ready to give it at any time if required, I have the honor to inform you that the sketch enclosed in that letter does not shew how such road would run so as to strike the highway and thus afford the Indians access to their wood land. You will have the [] to supply this omission and also state what are the respective areas of the parcel proposed to be exchanged. I may add that it is presumed from the year of your letter that Mr [Jones/Joe/Ives?] will give his road free of charge."
1875-12-15
The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. This letter contained a sketch map of proposed changes to Indian Land in Pictou Landing, highlighting proposed roadways and plots of land to be exchanged by Sproull and the Pictou Landing Indians.
1875-Tabular Statement, Shewing census, progress in agriculture, fish and furs taken, and other industries pursued, money distributed
Tabular statement sent to the Department of Indian Affairs by Rev. MacDonald, Indian Agent for the Pictou County Mi'kmaw., Name of Tribe of Band Micmacs District 4 (Pictou); Census: Males 98; Females 108; Total 206; Increase. Value of Improvements on Reserve 100.00.Value of Personal Property: 100.00. Dwellings: 12. Area of Reserve: 180 acres. Reserve Occupied by Indians:12 Under cultivation; 30 Under pasture; 128 under wood; 20.00 value of reserve per acre. Total Value of Reserve and Lands: 3,600.00.Total value of real and personal property, exclusive of cash invested in hands of government, for which see Return C: 4,600.00. Agricultural Implements:No ploughs, harrows, waggons, fanning mills, thrashing machines. Band has 5 hoes. No Stock Animals. Crops raised in 1875:112 bushells of wheat; 200 bushels of potatoes; 10 bushels of hay. Fish: 40 cwts. valued at 120.00. Furs: Muskrats valued at 30.00. Other Industries: Coopering valued at 300.00. Relief and grain seed valued at 300.00. Number of children in Band: 51; Children of an age to attend school: 45; Attending school: none.
1876- Financial Returns for Indians of Nova Scotia
Annual financial report on account for "Indians of Nova Scotia." Includes information on Pictou., "Rev. R. MacDonald, Agent, District No. 4, 12 months to June 30th 1876; paid $100.00." "Distribution for relief of distress, and for the purchase of seed grain in the following proportions: In District No. 4 [Pictou County], Relief 300.00; Seed Grain 150.00; Total 450.00." "Miscellaneous Expenditures: Smith and McCoy, for conveyance of title of 89 acres of land purchased from W. Ives, as a reserve for the Micmacs of Pictou County, cost 10.00.", No medical expenses collected for District 4. This could mean there were no expenses, or that the Indian Agent did not submit charges. Given MacDonald's record of submitting reports, it is likely that there were no charges for medicine on the District No. 4 account.
1876- Report on the Condition of Indians in District No. 4, Pictou County
Annual Report sent to the Department of Indian Affairs, written by Indian Agent Rev. R. MacDonald., INDIAN DISTRICT, No. 4. PICTOU, October 23rd, 1876. The Honorable The Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs, Ottawa. Sir, - The condition of the Indians of my District has so little changed since my last report, that I have no new information that can be of any great service to your Department to transmit at present. For the last few years I perceive a very marked improvement in the Indians of my District. They are less given to their former habits of intemperance; they are more industrious, and as a consequence enjoy more of the comforts of civilized life. I regret, however, that they manifest but little interest or progress in the knowledge of farming. The nomadic dispositions of their ancestors which in some degree they still inherit, make them impatient of the slow and uncertain returns of agriculture. I have again to report that my District is destitute of school-houses: the time in which the youth of the Band receive instruction is limited to a few weeks, in July of each year, when they meet in the audience room of the Church of St. Ann. The instruction then given is, of necessity, of a religious character. All my Indians are Catholic, All of which I most respectfully submit. R. MACDONALD. Indian Agent.
1876-01-12
The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. Reverend Macdonald forwarded sketches to EA Meredith (Secretary of Indian Affairs), and inquired whether or not the consent of the Indians would be required., "I speak in the interest of the Indians, who I urge on the department the propriety if not the necessity of accepting the exchange offered by Mr. James Sporull." [Note on margin] "will it be necessary to obtain consent of Indians - this land was bought for them and if not it will at least be necessary I think if time willing ... []." [Second page]: "write to the minister of Justice and request him to have the goodness to ascertain and inform the Supt Gen [] if Mr. James Sproull has clear title to the lot of land occupied by him at Fisher's Grant in the County of Pictou which lies betweem the old Indian Reserve and the parcel of woodland...purchased by the Indains of that place from Mr. [Hues]- Mr. Sproull being desrious of trading a portion of his land for part of the land purchased for the Indians."
1876-02-04
The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. This letter asks for confirmation that James Sproull had proper title to the land he was offering for exchange., "Sir, I have the honor by direction of the Supt. Gen. of [Indian Affairs?] to reqiest that you will have the goodness to instruct your agent at Halifax to ascertain for his information whether Mr. James Sproull has a clear title to the parcel of land occupied by him at Fisher's Grant, in the county of Pictou Nova Scotia. The land in question lies between the old Indian Reserve and the woodland recently purchased for the Indians at that place from Mr. Ives. Mr. Sproull is desrious of exchanging a portion of his land for part of land purchased for the Indians."