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Handwritten letter from Roger Pocock with a NWMP detachment in Regina to his [sister] Ethel. Only the first two pages of the letter are extant.

Fragment of a map of Canada, focusing on Saskatchewan, Assiniboia, Manitoba, and surrounding area.

A small string-tied, 15-page notebook with Roger's named stamped on the front cover and N.W.M.P. written in ink on the cover. The inside pages include handwritten notes and statistics compiled by Pocock about kit prices; Troop Depot Divisions and expenses; discharge statistics; pay rates; rations; ranks; death statistics and other short notes related to events from 1883-1885 involving the NWMP. Included in the booklet is a clipping detailing trail distances in Western Canada.

A watercolor sketch of a seated NWMP member, wearing his NWMP uniform, including a pill box hat and tall boots. The sketch is most likely drawn by Roger Pocock, but the only name appearing on the bottom corner of the sketch is Montgomery (Monty), and the year 1885 also appears on the page.

A handwritten listing of supplies including food and non-food items written on one side of a lined and folded sheet of paper; on verso a line of writing and two numerical figures. The supplies list was possibly created for a NWMP journey/expedition.

A description of three men deserting from Pocock's troop. Covers the conversations that Pocock had with the deserters and with those investigating it the next day. The desertion happened on the '9th inst' (meaning the 9th of this month), though exact month is unclear. Incident likely happened in early spring according to another letter.

2 images and 1 note:
-1 image is a newspaper imprint titled "A Manitoba Farm." (6.1 x 10.2 cm)
-1 image is an original pencil sketch titled "A Kootenay Tepee" with the artist's initials "E.H.W." (14.5 x 11.5 cm)
-Note is about the time and place of an accident. There is no description of what the accident was. (3.7 x 7.9 cm)

Letter from Pocock to his family. First part of letter may be missing as there is no greeting or date. Pocock writes about his gratitude for the criticisms of his essays and of a painting of a sunset he is to send along with the letter. It seems that one of his sisters had a celebration for either marriage of coming of age and Pocock laments having missed it. The last part is directly addressed to his father and Pocock expresses frustration at how the North West is portrayed so favourable by the press; he wants to write truthfully about it so that new settlers are not deceived upon arrival.

Letter from Pocock to father sent from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, dated 19 May 1886. Pocock writes of how he is not suited for deep study or thoughts; he would rather be a 'gentleman and a soldier'. He then writes about a nightmare he had while he was unconsciousness from chloroform during the removal of his gangrenous toes. This nightmare caused anxiety and new avenues of studies for Pocock. He then shares his thoughts on the subjects of pain and God. He then brings up that the NWMP is being reorganized and he may be asked to leave the force because of his injury. The last part of the letter is missing.

Letter from Pocock to mother dated 10 August 1886. Pocock writes about wanting to improve the metre of his poetry and asks his mother to look for and send him a treatise on metre. He tells his mother of his apprehension to attend Trinity College, arguing that he is not smart enough for such a level of education. He closes the letter by describing how he bested a Methodist in an argument.

Letter from R.P. to his mother sent from Prince Alberta, Saskatchewan, dated 11 October 1886. Pocock reports on an epidemic of typhoid in Battleford, Saskatchewan, and lists those who have died from it. He then writes about an incident in which he wrote to his friend, Harry Keenan, about how some of the NWMP officers were drinking hospital-issued alcohol, and how one of those officers read his postcard. Pocock suspected that he would be reprimanded by the commissioner, but that did not happen. Pocock has been promised by Captain Perry to be sent to Regina as soon as possible. Pocock requests that one of his stories be sent to Harper's and then complains about the poor quality of poems that get published. One of his stories was published in The Week and he criticizes it. Pocock responds to the news that Lady MacDonald, John A. MacDonald's wife, is staying with his sister Rose. He hopes to use the connection to secure himself a pension.

Letter from Pocock to his mother dated 12 May 1886. Pocock writes about his cigar selling business and its success. He plans on selling iced beverages in the recreation room to make more money. He then writes about the happenings of the week, commenting on the snowy and cold weather. He then describes his room and its contents.

Letter from Pocock to his mother dated 14 March 1886. Pocock describes his displeasure with 'morning Church parades' as they are compulsory and force the troop to work on a Sunday morning; he participated in a silent protest with the rest of the troop during the sermon. He then describes the seriousness of his recent frost bite and his recovery from that injury. Uncertain whether the last part of this letter is missing.

Letter from Pocock to his mother dated 17 August 1886. Pocock anticipates that he will go with a party of about 30 men to Battleford on 25 August 1886. Pocock describes four men from Montana who were falsely arrested and have been staying in their camp. He ends the letter with a description and sketches of 'Mexican type' spurs.

Letter from Pocock to his mother dated [May?] 1886. Pocock writes about having ennui and how he is unhappy with the men in his troop, calling them 'piebiters'. He then describes in great detail his friend, Monty. He writes that he is also sending a picture of his camp from the perspective of his room. It seems he also sends a group photo of his troop and identifies and describes some of the men in the photo. He also sends several sketches of men in typical costumes and a 'roll of dogs'.

Letter from Pocock to his mother dated 20 July 1886. Pocock describes a recent highway robbery, his debts, and the weather. He also describes an incident of dealing with an intoxicated man who was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct the night before. The man had drunk a concoction of copper sulphate and tartaric acid, which was called 'cider'. The man selling the 'cider' was fined $50; Pocock then writes about how the 'cider' has become a problem in Prince Albert.

A handwritten letter from R.P. to his mother. Roger describes in great detail two companions, Beeby and Williamson.

Letter from Pocock to his mother dated 28 February 1886. He writes about attending a kit inspection and how it gave him the opportunity to claim a buffalo hide coat as his personal property; the coat was a gift from a friend by the name of Gilchrist who had since passed away. He also writes about rumours of the NWMP being turned into a militia corps, which in Pocock's opinion is damaging to the positive reputation that the NWMP has developed. He also talks about his income and debts and asks his mother to inquire about cigar prices; he plans to sell cigars to his troop at a discounted rate than is currently offered. Pocock also describes how he was charged and tried for a misunderstanding regarding his duties conflicting with his sick leave. The last part of the letter is missing.

Letter from Pocock to his mother dated 28 June 1886. Pocock describes a priest he was acquainted with back in Hamilton, Ontario. He then describes the scenery around him during the sunset. Pocock has written a murder mystery story and describes the setting and characters.

Letter from Pocock to his mother. This multi-part letter describes his surroundings and the events as he and his troop move west along the prairies, starting at Sugar Creek [a tributary of Lake Winnipeg] on a Friday, moving to Eagle Creek, Saskatchewan, on Saturday, then to Battleford, Saskatchewan, on Sunday. There is then a final entry dated the 31st written from outside Battleford. If the dates given are sequential, then the letter dates from the 28-31 May 1886. Includes three sketches and a sketched map of the area around the confluence of the North Saskatchewan River and Battle River.

Letter from Pocock to his mother dated 30 August 1886. Pocock details a conversation he had with Captain Perry, the leader of his troop. They had a discussion about Pocock's injury, where Pocock wanted to go to Regina to receive treatment but Perry warns against this because Pocock would miss the commission on all cases of injuries received during the Rebellion. Perry also informed him that through this commission Pocock is likely to receive a life-long pension. After this conversation, Pocock learns from others that the pension will likely be larger than Perry had said.
Pocock writes that the F Troop in Regina was inspected by John A. McDonald and thus received the nickname "Sir John's Pets." He also writes how many who were under fire during the rebellion were receiving medals and land grants, of which Pocock had received neither.

Letter from Pocock to his mother dated 30 March 1886. Pocock's manuscript about the [Riel] Rebellion was rejected by the Brockville Times. He also speaks of a petition he started to have the bodies of deceased members of his Troop relocated from Carlton to be buried 'here', presumably Prince Albert. Pocock writes that he has started selling cigars and notes how much he is selling them for. He also describes the tension between his old comrades and the new recruits.

Letter from Pocock to his mother sent from Battleford, Saskatchewan, dated 4 September 1886. Pocock and his troop have moved and set up camp outside the fort that is South West of the Battleford plain. He describes the a building of the fort and supplies a sketch of it. He writes of walking along the rivers and meeting a recruit from another troop. He also describes the weather, which is cold and snowy. He describes the scenery outside his tent and provides a sketch of the fort.

Letter from Pocock to his mother dated 6 August 1886. Pocock writes of his anticipated sick leave. He will receive treatment in Regina, but does not want to stay there for the recovery; he will put in a request to have his sick leave in either Toronto or Banff. He then anticipates being discharged and having to find a place to settle that has mild winter temperatures because of his frostbitten foot. He writes about setting up a cigar shop in Vancouver and selling the land once real estate prices go up.
He mentions an incident involving his friend Monty over a revolver; he then describes the revolver in detail supplied with a sketch of it. Pocock writes about his new found confidence and his preferences in fashion and personal grooming.
He mentions that there was a hailstorm the previous night from which there was "immense damage"; he sketched the size of the hail stones. Pocock purchased four [paintings?] of Lake Superior by Fred Bingham. He is writing essays on religious topics and is not ready to submit them.

Letter from Pocock to his mother dated 7 July 1886. Pocock has found a new supplier for cigars. The majority of the letter covers Pocock's adoration for the 'wild county' and how difficult it would be for him to live in a big town.

Letter from Pocock to his mother sent from Regina, Saskatchewan, dated 7 November 1886. Pocock asks his mother to gather up and send several of his stories and poetry to "The Witness" in Montreal. Pocock celebrated his 21st birthday on 9 November 1886 and writes about his birthday. Pocock is about to travel home to Ontario and responds to his father's ideas for accommodation and work. He writes of the various routes he may take to Ontario. He shares news of five men who robbed and deserted the previous week.

Letter from Pocock to his mother and father dated 20 April 1886. Pocock writes about how the recovery of his foot has regressed and how the camp doctor had moved on to Fort McLeod. He also describes the spring weather conditions including the ice break-up and prairie fires. Pocock's cigar selling is going well and he records his sales and profits. He has moved into the barracks and is very happy about the move. Pocock is then reading "Life of Christ" by Frederic Farrar. The most popular sport for the troop is curling. He ends the letter by worrying about upcoming payments for a dance and mess expenses and how he had to pay to replace stolen items.

Letter from Pocock to his mother dated February 1886. He writes about a party from Regina of new recruits to be added to their troop and about the improvements he has been doing to the camp's recreation room. He also goes over his debts and how his troop bands together to help someone in debt through a raffle system. He closes the letter by writing about the weather in January, the average, high, and low temperatures.

Letter from Pocock to his mother dated June 1886. Pocock writes of his improved confidence in writing and of the stories and essays he is planning to write. Pocock then writes about how the sunset and sunrise differ between the seasons and describes the summer night sky 'light show' he recently witnessed and provides a sketch of the scenery. Pocock had gone on a long drive with a friend and describes their journey and sketches the wagon they rode on. He ends the letter by discrediting recent reports published in The Globe of the North West.

Letter from Pocock to his mother dated June 1886. Pocock is sending his mother his diaries. He first describes some of the highlights for each diary covering the years 1883-1886. Pocock the describes an incident of that week where he helped the drunk quarter master back into his building, which he was locked out of. Captain Perry has departed and the troop has been celebrating and drinking the whole week. Pocock writes about the changes within the camp because of Perry's departure. He also describes several other happenings around camp.

Letter from Pocock to his mother sent from Battleford, Saskatchewan, dated September 1886. Pocock describes the area around Battleford and includes a map of the confluence of the North Saskatchewan River and Battle River and the locations of Battleford, the fort, the old town, the government building, and two troop camps. He also includes a sketch of the typical buildings in Battleford and a describes the town, the typical events, and people that live there.

Letter from Pocock to his mother. The letter is undated but according to Pocock's description of the weather it was written in the spring and before May. Pocock has written several stories about Lake Superior that he plans to publish and asks his family to read and review them. Four deserters were captured and sentenced to 12-months imprisonment each. Pocock also describes a sermon on creation, the weather, and local costume.

A letter from Pocock to parents. The first part of letter missing as there is no greeting or date and the text starts with an incomplete sentence. Pocock writes about a forthcoming dance, how he has helped to prepare for it, and who has been invited to attend. He also talks about the fees associated with retrieving a gift from the post office in Prince Albert.

Letter from Pocock to parents. First part of letter is missing as there is no greeting or date to the letter. Roger writes about his church attendance, having joined a 'porridge club', and trying to sell his stories to English story papers.

Letter from Pocock to parents (unspecified) dated simply as 'Wednesday'. Pocock writes that there are rumours and evidence that Indians are surrounding the town [Prince Albert?] and are preparing to attack. He then outlines a story he is working on.

Letter from P to parents dated as 'Wednesday afternoon' 1886; the exact date of the letter is unknown. Pocock writes that most of his troop has gone, leaving only himself and about 20 other men; he lists the duties he has been assigned while the troop is away. In response to his father, Pocock will try to put together sketches that illustrate some of his stories submitted to Harper's. In the future, Pocock plans on writing a series of stories about every region that he has visited and will visit. He is currently reading 'Vestiges of Creation' and describes the subject matter of it.

A handwritten letter from R.P. to his sister Ethel. Roger talks about a memorial service being held in honour of the anniversary of the Duck Lake Fight as well as a sermon held on the anniversary of the 'panic'. Roger talks of the mail he received, including a revolver; he then goes on to describe the revolver and includes a sketch of it. He also discusses the watercolour paintings he has been working on. Lastly he talks of a new order from his commanding officer that "any man found wearing any article of civilian clothing" has to pay a fine of two dollars. Roger implies that this will lead to a mutiny if enforced.

Letter from Pocock to his sister Rose dated 6 April 1886. Pocock writes about his entrepreneurial venture of selling cigars and about the desertion of four recruits from his troop.

News clipping of article 'A Night-halt' from the Chambers's Journal, dated 10 September 1887. Seems to be written by Pocock. Describes the same journey that Pocock wrote about to his mother in an undated letter.

A list of dogs' names from and their rank in the F Troop dated 19 May 1886.

Order form for goods and supplies. For R.P. from [W.J.?] Barker. Written in Battleford, Saskachewan, dated 14 July 1889. Order consists of preserved foods and stationary.

An undated pencil and water colour sketch of 'F Detacht Camp' showing a landscape of conical tents around a fireplace.

Statement of cash forwarded from Pocock to his [father?]. Pocock specifies the amounts he made each month, amounts paid for tithes and expenditures, and how much is for his father and mother to keep. He then gives advice as to how his father should handle the money.

Photographs glued onto scrapbook board of people and scenes from Pocock's 1889 sealing expedition on the Behring Sea.

Photographs glued on to scrapbook board of Pocock's sealing expedition in the Behring Sea.

Photographs glued onto a scrapbook board of people and scenes from Pocock's sealing expedition on the Behring Sea.

Photographs glued onto scrapbook boards of people and scenes from Pocock's sealing expedition in the Behring Sea.

Pocock's article, "Nine Men who 'Discovered' America," published in The Cornhill Magazine, no. 417, in March 1931. His article covers historical accounts of men who 'discovered' America before Columbus. The rest of the magazine consists of short stories, serialized novel chapters, poems, opinion pieces, and advertisements.

Typed manuscript of a biography of Pocock by Flora Steele.

Typed manuscript titled "Humours of War" by Roger Pocock. This manuscript became a chapter in Chorus to Adventures (first published in 1931).

A map of Washington published by Rand-McNally in 1913. There are handwritten notes in Pocock's hand about distances between various landmarks.

Memorandum of Agreement between Pocock and Wid Cunning dated 13 March 1925 regarding the sale of motion picture rights for Curly.

Memorandum of Agreement between Pocock and John Murray dated 6 October 1914 regarding the publication of The Splendid Blackguard.

Memorandum of Agreement between Messrs, Basil, Blackwell & Mott Ltd and Pocock dated 1 December 1922 regarding the publication of The Wolf Trail.

Photograph of five indigenous men in full regalia sitting on a curbside. Men are likely from the Nakoda (Stoney) or Niitsitapi/ Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) Nations. Writing on reverse reads "Indian Medicine Man; Note dead crow; Cure for D.T.S ?".

Music score: "Love Under Arms", words by Roger Pocock and music by Stanley Hawley; issued by the Legion of Frontiersmen, 1907

Negative of a man sitting behind a table. Man could be Pocock but it is difficult to make out his facial features.

Negative of man sitting in winged chaired beside fireplace. Man may be Pocock but it is difficult to make out his facial features.

Negative of man sitting in winged chair with a book on his lap. Man may be Pocock but it is difficult to make our his facial features.

Newspaper clipping about the departure of the boat the S.Y. Frontiersman from London, the ship used to refuel the plane for the World Flight. Undated, likely from 1922.

A clipping of a newspaper article called "Concerning Tramp Steamers." The newspaper source and date are unknown, though someone has written '[January] 96' in pencil at the top of the article. The author is also not stated but it is very likely written by Pocock.

A clipping of a newspaper article called "Ocean Tramps." The newspaper source and date are unknown, though someone has written '95' in pencil at the top of the article. The author is also not stated but it is very likely written by Pocock.

Newspaper clipping from The Daily News dated 10 July 1903 announcing the release date (16 July 1903) of A Frontiersman.

Note of rejection from the magazine Bachelor undated. Handwriting on reverse is difficult to read and the subject is unclear.

A brief note in Pocock's handwriting addressed to "Gentlemen" which states "With reference to Mr. Stanley Hawley's music, set to poems for Miss Ashwell's recitation." There is no date and the address "10 Bedford Row" is written at the top. On the reverse is written "JB Thompson, Hotel Britannique, 20 Avenue Victoria, Paris".

Travel notes written on piece of paper with the Tulameen Hotel letterhead, undated. This was a hotel in Princeton, BC. The notes are about travel details going from Princeton to Hope, BC. Denotes distances between various landmarks and where 'feed' can be found. It is unclear if these were notes on a planned journey or from a completed journey.

A newspaper obituary of Pocock. The newspaper source and date are not stated, though someone has written 'Times Nov 13th' in pencil at the top of the article.

An undated pamphlet of the title and descriptions of Pocock's 'popular' lectures.

A photocopy of the biographic entry for Pocock in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History and Literature (Oxford University Press), published in 1970. The envelope they were found in is address to Harwood Steele from The Geographical Journal, postdated 22 October 1970.

Photograph of three men, "Bill" in the middle of two Indigenous men in full regalia, who are likely from the Nakoda (Stoney) or Niitsitapi/ Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) Nations. Notably behind them are signs for "Calgary" and "[Hudson's] Bay Company". Writing on reverse reads ""Bill" [Vaudreuil?]; Late R.N.W.M.P.; with his old pals. V is wearing Legion Button."

Photograph of several of the Niitsitapi/Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot) Nation in full regalia on horseback. Writing on reverse reads "Blackfeet tribe".

Photograph of Bonnington Falls near Nelson, BC. Writing on reverse reads "Bonnington Falls".

Photograph of Bonnington Falls near Nelson, BC. Writing on reverse reads "Part of Bonnington Falls Nelson."

Photograph of bridge over river in forested area. Writing on reverse reads "Park Bridge where the [porkies?] ate our reins. Hamill Creek, Selkirks".

Photograph of brick building with two men standing in front of it. Building is likely a part of Charterhouse in London, and the man on the right appears to be Pocock.

Photograph of Captain Malins and Captain MacMillan of the World Flight in 1922. Writing on reverse reads "Capt. Geoffrey Malins O.B.E. & Capt. Norman Macmillan M.C., A.F.C. From Chorus to Adventurers by Roger Pocock (John Lane, The Bodley Head Ltd. London)".

Photograph of three unidentified men in front of wooden enclosure, one of which is branding a cow. Writing on reverse reads "Branding cattle."

Photograph of a river after cleared of log jam. Writing on reverse reads "No. 3".

Photograph of a snowy, mountainous coast line taken from a ship. Likely Magdalene Bay in Norway.

Photograph of a coney in a rocky area. Writing on reverse reads "Coney."

Photograph of an unidentified man standing in front of tent. Writing on reverse reads "Cook tent at Grady's Camp. Kootenay R."

Photograph of a horse-drawn covered wagon. Writing on reverse reads "Old Schooner; Replaced today by the Ford."

Photograph of cows being milked by machines and two unidentified men overseeing the process. Writing on reverse reads "Milking cows by machinery".

Photograph of Diné [Navajo] family sitting outside of a log house. Text on reverse reads "Navajo family near Bluff, Utah." and "Charles Goodman. Bluff, Utah."

Photograph of four Caucasian men standing in stable door. Writing on reverse reads "3rd from left is Bob, an old cowboy at Big John's Stable, Vernon."

Photograph of gopher standing on hind legs. Writing on reverse reads "Gopher at front door.".

Photograph of ten grain elevators along railway track. Writing on reverse reads "Grain Elevators."

Photograph of man by a horse holding its reins. Writing on reverse reads "Henry Steinmetz of the Farmer's Stable, The Dalles, Ore."

Photograph of horse drinking water in large pond. Writing on reverse reads "[Antler?] of Lake Windermere a horse drinking".

Photograph of a house being moved on a large horse-drawn carriage in unknown location. Writing on back reads "house moving - the Canadian equivalent of shooting the moon".

Photograph of a man standing in front of bushes and fences. Writing on reverse reads "Jon Ollerhead of Vernon".

Photograph of ranch in Utah. Writing on front reads "K Ranch; Garrison Photo" and test on reverse reads "A Mormon ranch in Utah, 1899."

Photograph overlooking the town of Kaslo, B.C. Writing on reverse reads "Kaslo".

Photograph overlooking Kaslo, BC, taken from hilltop. Writing on reverse reads "Kaslo".

Photograph of a letter from Lord Kitchener to Pocock dated 11 April 1909. Writing on reverse reads "Letter from Lord Kitchener; From Chorus to Adventurers By Roger Pocock; John Lane, Bodley Head Ltd. London)".

Photograph of a log jam over a cliff side. Writing on reverse reads "180 000 [lies?], 140,000 logs, 1/2 mile long, 60 ft high".

Photograph of the snowy, mountainous shoreline of Magdalena Bay and the schooner Terningen taken from the shore. The schooner. Location and ship identified from Pocock's book A Chorus to Adventurers (1931, p. 242).

Photograph of an unidentified man laying down and four horses grazing at base of Comb Ridge, Utah. Writing on reverse reads "no 5; A wonder of the Desert; The Comb Ridge 150 1' high 100 meters long; like a sea breaker rushing straight at you" ; "[line?] on sky [shoner?] not [shown?]" ; and "Pictoral Mag". Text reads "Horses and pack-ponies near Comb Ridge in Utah."

Photograph of an unidentified man and woman holding hands sitting in front of a water pump. Writing on reverse reads "A settler's first duty on Canadian Plains".

Photograph of an unidentified man holding a net in a mountainous area. Writing on reverse reads "at [Joker?] Mine [head of S Far] Kaslo [Cr] Kootenay".