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1876-04-11
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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. John Dawson approved the exchange, and MacDonald's note stated that they were waiting for word that Sproull held the title to the land., "Dear Sir, when in Ottawa, I spoke to you about James Sproull and his piece of land that us going to be exchanged to him from the Indians. You then stated that you had written the Commissioner here for some information on the subject. If you have received such, I wish you could get the matter settled []. As I am, fairly [truncated] by the factors indicated. I will be until all is completed. You well know how I am activated all I am to the [][] and if I [] to take them. Case in hand, I am [alloted]. If you can [] have the matter settled I will much oblige, Yours Truly, John A. Dawson. [Second page] "Ack. I say Mr. Sproull's title to the land he desires to exchange is being enquired into by the Dept. of Justice and so as soon as a report has been received the matter will receive early attention, RM [Rev. Macdonald]."
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1876-04-21
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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. The government was waiting for word on Sproull's title to the land in order to facilitate the exchange., "What action has been taken on the [] this letter of Feby 4th/76 to the Minister of Justice RE Sproull's land at Pictou, Nova Scotia? L. Vankoughnet agreed [] M. of Justice at Halifax was contracted to look after the matter in February and has not yet reported his actions. If you wish a report you will obtain it by letter or telegram as []. "Mr. Richardson, Think you'd better telegraph your agent to report- LVK, APril 21/76."
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1876-04-23
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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 that Sproull's title was currently being investigated and he would report as soon as he had news., "Sir, In reply to your letter on the 11th Inst. I have to inform you that Mr. Sproull's title to the land he desires to exchange is being inquired into by the Dept. of Justice and as asoon as this office is furnished with a report from that Dept, the matter receive immediate attention."
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1876-05-11
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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. Unknown author recommends that Indian Agent MacDonald conduct a surrender at Pictou Landing for the portion of their land to be exchanged with Sproull., My Dear Mr. Meredith, I have been detained here since Monday evening by ice in the straits, the mail steamers not being able to cross from the Island. Had I been at work in my officel till now I wonder have been [] []. I have seen Rev. Mr. McDonald, the Indian Agent here. He says received no instructions from the Department about getting a surrender of the land from the Indians [] 1/2 [] of [] it with adjoining lot. Tell Mr. Vankoughet to write a letter authorizing him for me to call a meeting of the band to take a surrender. He may as well call also use a form of surrender with the blanks for the description saying that the surrender to be taken for the purpose of an exchange they made with the government. They know nothing about surrenders here, and it all have time to [] a [], wat can be [] from one of there made in certain. The department would also be authorized to employ a surveyor to make a plan of the peive to be exchanged as well as that to be [] in my []. [] There [] [] is going on right in the department. I remaind, Yours sincerely, [] [].
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1876-05-17
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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. Letter reported that the Department of Justice has confirmed that Sproull's title to land to be exchanged with the Mi'kmaq at Pictou Landing is "good and there is no incumberences."
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1876-05-17
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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 explained that Sproull's title was deemed to be good, and that any premature action to gain a surrender would have been unnecessary., My dear Sir, The deputy Minister has shown me your letter to him of the 11th Inst. Relative to the proposed surrender by the Indians near Pictou of a part of their wood land to be exchanged with Mr. James Sproull for land belonging to him and adjoining said woodland. The Dept. of Justice was requested on 4 Feby. last to investiget and report on Mr. Sproull's title to the land he is desirous of exchanging, and instructed their agent at Halifax in the same month to make the necessary enquiries. On the 21st ultimo the attention of the Dept of Justice was again called to the matter, and they in turn reminded their agent at Halifax. On enquiry I find that only this morning was a report from their agent received and which is favourable to Mr. Sproull's title. I will accordingly have the necessary documents for the surrender and [] [] prepared and forwarded to Rev. Mr. Macdonald our agent at Pictou with all possible despatch. You will doubtless agree with me that it would have been premature to have taken a surrender from the Indians previous to being assured of the validity of Sproull's title to the land he proposed giving us in exchange.
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1876-05-19
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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. Mostly illegible letter, but the third page has some text which looks like Vankoughnet Is preparing a list of instructions for the exchange of land at Fisher's Grant. Page 3- "Chief and principle men of the band. After which Mr. MacD. and the chief or one of the principal men must ceritfy the fact of their assent having been given or [] before a judge. For any further information which Mr. MacD may require for his prudence in connection with the taking of the surrender he should refer to the sections (25 and 26) of the Indian Act of 1876 relative to the subject.", Page 3- "Chief and principle men of the band. After which Mr. MacD. and the chief or one of the principal men must ceritfy the fact of their assent having been given or [] before a judge. For any further information which Mr. MacD may require for his prudence in connection with the taking of the surrender he should refer to the sections (25 and 26) of the Indian Act of 1876 relative to the subject."
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1876-05-23
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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 asked for surveys of each parcel of land to be completed, including a description of land and the boundaries. Once the survey was completed, MacDonald would hold a meeting of the Pictou Landing Indians to gain consent to surrender from the majority of male members of the band., "Sir, In reference to previous correspondence on the subject of the proposed exchange pf lamd at Fishers Grant between Mr. Sproull and the Indians, I have to request that you will have a survey made by a land surveyor of the two parcels of land in question and have a plan and description of each by limits and bounds prefaced - one half the expense of the services will be paid by the Dept and the balance will be charged to Mr. Sproull. Upon Completion of the survey plans and descriptions, you will please transcribe the descriptions of each properrty on whichever of the forms of conveyance enclosed herewith it refers to [page two] and attach the original plan and description to that conveyance. After filling up the blanks in the conveyance from Mr. Sproull to her Majesty, of the price of land to be surrendered by himself and wife (if he has one) you qill have the same duly exectued in duplicate and attested by the subsiding witness to the []. Thereupon you will being duly authorized and [] [] by the Supt. of I.A. attend to a council of the band of Indians owning the reserve at Fishers' Grant to be surrendered [] [with] the rules for the purpose of surrendering a part of their reserve - by the consent of a majority of the male memebers of the band of a full age of 21 years is given to Mr. Macdonald to surrender that portion of the reserve which it is proposed to be exchanged with Mr. Sproull. You will, after filling in all the blanks on the form of surrender enclosed, have the same executed by the chief and Principal men of the Band. After which you and the Chief or one of the principal men must swear an oath before a judge the fact of such assent having been given. For any further information which you may require in connection with the taking of the surrender, I will refer you to sections 25 and 28 of the Indian Act 1876 - a copy of which is enclosed."
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1876-11-08
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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 forwarded the transfer papers to the Department of Indian Affairs for approval., Sir, By this day's mail I forward to your office the papers of transfer per Mr. Sproull to the Indians. Have the goodness to see this [] [] [] [] the transfer made on the part of the Government to Mr. Sproull. Very Sincerely yours.R. Macdonald
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1876-11-14
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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. Letter reported that Sproull was to receive 5 more acres of land in the exchange, and that he should be charged $65 for this extra acreage. Sproull was also responsible to pay for half of the costs associated with the exchange, including title search, surveying, and expenses of taking surrender of land., "Mr. McNeill: Ask and say that as the parcel of land which it is proposed to convey to Mr. Sproull contains 5 acres more than the land the Indians are to receive from him in exchange. Mr. Sproull should pay for the balance at the rate of $13.00 per acre or $65.00 for the 5 acres being the price paid Mr. Ives [Hues?] for said land - Mr. Sproull should also pay one half of the expenses connected with the survey of the tracts proposed to be exchanged and of the search into his title to the land, expenses of taking surrender , attending the same, etc. etc. Say that the expense of search into title was (BLANK) and the proportion therefor payable by Mr. Sproull is therefore $(blank). With regard to the other expenses, the Dept not having been advised thereof it will be for MacDonald to [] [] the amount paid, obtain payment of one half of sum from Mr. S and deposit that amount together with the sums above described $65.00 for the land and $1/2 exp. of search in the Pictou Branch of the Merchant's Bank of Canada to the credit of the Recv. General on a/c of Indian funds and form in Dupl and trip [duplicate and triplicate] certif. of Dep and draft to this office. Return the conveyance (in dupl) from Mr. Sproull and wife to Her Majesty .To Mr. Macdonald. Information being that the [] [] witness has to [] sign the affidavit and requsition . I think the [] would be [] [illegible]. LVK.
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1876-11-16
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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 is basically a summary of the letter from 1876-11-14, asking macdonald to send the info specific places and with directions on where to deposit the funds.
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1876-11-21
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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. Dawson reported that the difference in land sizes (five more acres being alloted by Sproull) was made up for by the fact that the land given up by Sproull was of better quality. Dawson also stated that the Pictou Landing Indians had already built houses on the exchanged land and had occupied it for some time., "Dear Sir, I have just seen a letter under date of Nov 15th from the Deputy Minister of the Inrerior addressed to Rev. R. Macdonald, Indian Agent Pictou. In [] to the transfer of a piece of Indian land to a person named James G. Sproull, Fishers Grant. In this letter a proposition is made that Sproull on account of getting five acres more than he is giving, shoud pay a sum of sixty five dollars to the Department being at the rate of $13.00 an acre. The amount the Dept paid an acre for the land for the Indians. I may here say that it is not my wish to interfere in this matter, but from what I know of the circumstances of this case, it would be unfair to the party who applied for the transfer of the lands were I to remain silent. The facts are as follows. In the first place, the land purchased for the Indians should not have been bought. Not that they did not require more lands but from the fact that the lands purchased interfered with the rights of the white settlers and particularily that of Mr. Sproull, the Indians at all times are troublesome neighbours and can not be [] from constantly cutting wood on adjoining properties, tearing down fences and burning them in the winter season when wood is hard to be got. And if you will examine the plan of the property you will see that by the purchase Mr. Sproull had the Indian lands on both sides of his property and the Indians have virtually no means of access to the peice of their property except through the lands of Mr. Sproull, and in order that the trouble might be avoided, Mr. Sproull proposed that an angle line should be drawn through the properties, as shown on the plan and agreed to by the Commissioner [] which I have no doubt he correspondences will show. By this proposal, Mr. Sproull gave away a good peice of fine dry upland, while the land he was getting in exchange is over one half swamp and can never be used for agricultural purposes. Although this division [] [] gives Mr. Sproull nearly five acres more land than he gives away, yet the land given to the Indians is of far more value than what he is receiving and from what I do know about the matter, it is altogether out of question to ask Mr. Sproull to pay any money to the Department as the Indians have the best of the bargain as it is. And by this change have access from the point to the east of their lands without trespassing on any others property. I may also say that the Indians have already taken possession of the property transfered and have built some small houses upon it and are otherwise using it. What Mr. Sproull is guilty of trying to have his matters settled up. Mr. Sproull is one of our old residents in this county and from this situation of his property being in close proximity to the Indian lands, has always been suffering at their hands. And when he made this proposition of the transfer, he thought he was going to have some satisfaction. But if you ask him to pay the Dept any money- you do what is very [] and you may say to Mr. Blacke from me that the Department should do all justice make the transfer as shown on the plan final and give Mr. Sproull his[] at once with it asking him a dollar. Hoping this matter may be satisfactorily arranged, I am yout obediant servant, John A. Dawson
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1876-11-28
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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. MacDonald reported that the proposal for the land exchange understood the differences in the size of lands to be traded, and that if Sproull was asked to pay for the extra acres he would likely not accept the deal., Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of yours of the 28th []. I herewith return the documents connected with the transfer signed as directed. I beg to inform you that your letter is written under a misapprehension of the precise nature of the negotiations which [] this matter have been initiated between Mr. Sproull and myself. The proposal was was this. Mr. Spence offered ten acres of good land for a quantity which was then supposed to consist of fifteen acres of very inferior quality. On the parcel being measured a discrepancy was found in the supposed [] [] giving Mr. Sproull two acres more than originally bargained for. The exchange was given much inquiry by the Indians, and Mr. Sproull, there are [] continual expenses [] and the making of the [] and plan. Now that the conditions of the agreement are considerably changed, I am not sure I can enduce Mr. Sproull to accept them."
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1876-11-29
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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. Deputy Superintendent General of Indian Affairs Vankoughnet requested that EA Meredith (secretary) read the report by James Dawson and advise him on the subject., "Will Mr. Meredith please read the letter of Mr. Dawson, of Pictou, dated 21st inst. In reference to the transfer of a piece of Indian land by the Rev. R. Macdonald, Indian Agent at Pictou, and advise me on the subject."
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1876-11-30
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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 is Vankoughnet's memo on the subject as proposed by Sproull and Macdonald.
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1876-11-30
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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. Unclear author, poorly copied file. Appears to say that neither Sproull and the Pictou Landing Indians will equally benefit from the exchange of land.
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1877- Financial Return for Indians of Nova Scotia
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Financial Return outlining purchases and expenditures for Indian Department in Nova Scotia., "Rev. R. MacDonald, Agent, District No. 4, paid $100.00" for services as Indian Agent. "Expended by Agents in the purchase of supplies for destitute Indians, and for the purchase of seed grain in the following proportions: District No. 4, $150 in relief, $150 for seed grain." "Medical attention and medicines: In District No. 4, J.D.B. Fraser, M.D., $2.50" (133-135)., The medical expenses for District No. 4 are considerably less than those of other districts.
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1877- Report No. 19- Indian District No. 4
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Annual report on happenings in Pictou County Indian District No. 4., No. 19.
NOVA SCOTIA,
INDIAN DISTRICT No. 4, PICTOU, 5th October, 1877
The Honorable
The Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs, Ottawa.
SIR, - My Report this year must be necessarily meagre. Apart from the information conveyed in the accompanying Tabular Statement, there is nothing of special interest to which to call the attention of your Department.
In industrial habits I flatter myself that I discern a very marked and gratifying improvement, and in their comforts a corresponding one, among the Indians of my district. Farming to which of all other pursuits they heretofore showed the strongest aversion - they seem of late years to take to somewhat more kindly. They also give more attention than formerly to fishing and are rewarded with more encouraging results, the value of fish taken as set down in the Tabular Statement is merely approximate; the exact value, owing to the manner in which sales are effected, it would be difficult to ascertain.
The moral status of my Indians - occasional cases of intemperance excepted - is decidedly good.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant,
R. MACDONALD.
Indian Agent.