| Note |
“Halifax, 23rd April 1808
To His Excellency Sir George Provost [Governor of Nova Scotia]
Sir,
As Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Nova Scotia, I have the honor to inform your excellency, that on the 20th of October last, the Province was divided into twelve Indian districts and a confidential correspondent stationed in each, by a circular letter, of which a copy is herewith enclosed. That, from these correspondents, and otherwise, I have been informed that the Indians expect the province will be invaded, and it appears generally to be their intention in case of such an event, to remain neutral until they can form an opinion of the strength of the enemy; and then in their own words, to join the strongest party. That the Indians of Cape Breton have agreed with those of Nova Scotia in that determination. That several Indians went last autumn from Pictou to Quebec, as it was understood, to establish a communication with the
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The Indians of Canada. That [five] Nova Scotia Indians who had been sometime in Canada returned to the Province last summer, and informed a man employed in the Indian Department, that there were many men from the United States with the Canada Indians, and much talk of War among them. That in the District of Pictou, some Indians have declared they will not accept anything from Government, as they expect the country will be invaded, and conquered – and one of them was heard to say, that in case of war, he, and a few others, could scalp all the Inhabitants in two nights. That at Sable River the Indians refused to account for there being [absented] in a greater number than usual; and insolently expressed a determination not to accept of anything from government, now that war was expected, as nothing had been offered to them during the last Peace. That the inhabitants of Shelburne have been alarmed by the [] of some Indians in that neighbourhood. That in some other Districts the Indians are better disposed; and, in Cumberland, they have declared that it is their wish to remain neuter [neutral], “but if they are compelled
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Compelled to fight, it shall be for their King George.” And that while part of the Militia were imbodied in their Garrison, the Policy of drawing the Indians from their undefended towns and remote settlements led to the measure of giving some powder, shot, provisions, and other articles to those who came to Halifax, and applied for such assistance.
The Indians of this province are of the Mickmack [sic] tribe; which formerly was numerous and received liberal presents from Government, and latterly, occasional relief. They are now degenerates to a race of wanderers, frequently suffering from want. Several of them cultivate lands that have been allotted to them; and a few work occasionally for farmers. They are so continually moving from place to place, that it has not been practicable to ascertain their numbers: but the Men and Lads now within the present limits of Nova Scotia, able to use arms, are reckoned to be from 350-400.
Small as this number is, if they should take part with an invading enemy, they might harass, and destroy the scattered inhabitants of new settlements.
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Should it be deemed advisable to establish a system for the management, and relief of the Indians, I would beg leave most respectfully, to suggest the measure of having a Dept. of Arms, Ammunition, Clothing, and Provisions, in each Indian District, for the use of them, who with their families would become stationary and give a Religious test of their fidelity, and readiness to serve, when ordered. That thereupon the correspondents on Indian Affairs in the several districts, together with a parish Priest, should, nearly at the same time, assemble the Indians and ascertain their numbers in each, and cause them to [] some one from amongst themselves, and propelling their confidence, to wait upon your Excellency, and be nominated their leader, or chief; and in that character to receive all orders respecting them, through the resident correspondent, or superintendent. That such assistance of Implements and seed should be given to those who incline to clear and cultivate land, as would induce others to follow their example and become reconciled to a stationary residence, and occupations affording a certain subsistence.
It would be in the power of the Roman Catholic
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Catholic Priests in this Province, who I am convinced are all well disposed to assist in persuading the Indians to change their way of life, their habits, and their [gods], and to become orderly subjects. It is a custom with the Indians particularly to visit their Priests: and this custom, frequently calls them together from considerable distances along the coast, on the rivers, and lakes, and through the forests; during which their subsistence depends upon the game they find in their way. This custom is a principal cause of their continuing their wandering life. Were their [sic] priests to recommend the cultivating small fields in villages, and regularly to visit the Indians in these settlements, and commend their dealings, and industry, it would be a great inducement to a change of life and habits.
When it is considered that the Province of Nova Scotia, being a Peninsula, has no back country for the Aborigines to retreat to, as the population and improvments by their conquerors occupy the rivers and forests that were the sources of their means of subsistence, it is obvios that they must resort to other means, or suffer from want. Those means
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Means would probably be obtained by encouraging them to become stationary, and granting a regular continuance of the charity of government, to these should conform to the conditions of settlement required of them, and in such articles as would lend to produce the comforts resulting from labour and industry in society.
The Indians could make their own clothing of such coarse, cheap materials as could be procured in Halifax as they are wanted. Provisions and Implements for clearing and cultivating land could also be procured for this Province, as there might be occasion for either.
The annual expense of such an establishment would depend upon the numbers that might avail themselves of that means of subsistence, and upon the allowance of pay to the persons employed to give effect to the measure. Therefore, the amount cannot be now ascertained, but, I am of opinion, hat supplies of provisions, clothing, seed, and implements to each family, on an average to the amount of 30 [pounds] for the first year, 20 [pounds] for the second, and 10 [pounds] for the third year would leave them in a situation to provide for themselves afterwards. Compensation to the Superintendent, Store keeper, Clerk, Resident Correspondents, travelling
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Travelling expenses of Priests, and fees of Office for Grants and Surveys of lands, would be, whatever government should think proper; and would probably be determined by the time they were occasionally employed.
I have the honor to be with high and unfeigned respect,
Sir,
Your Excellency’s most Humble and Obedient Servant,
G.H. Monk |