1876-11-21
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1876-11-21In collections
Metadata (MODS) |
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|---|---|
| Titles | 1876-11-21 |
| Name | John A. Dawson |
| Name | Laird (Minister of the Interior) |
| Genre | Personal correspondence |
| Abstract | 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. |
| Subject Topic | Land Survey-- |
| Subject Topic | Boundaries-- |
| Subject Topic | Exchange-- |
| Subject Topic | Indian Reserve-- |
| Subject Topic | Land |
| Note | "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 |
| Identifier | RG10, Reel C-11121, Vol 1957, file 4671. |
| Identifier | 1876-11-21.pdf |