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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 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.

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. 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 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 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 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 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.

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

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

Loose items removed from diary, including hand-written notes as well as a small photograph of a woman and inscribed on verso: "A souvenir of the trip of the Press Association to the N.W.T. [J.I.C.] Notes from officers who received medals for their services with Steele's Scouts.

Correspondence sent to Colonel Steele in his capacity as Commander of the Lord Strathcona's Horse; continued general correspondence and memoranda around final payments, and tying up loose ends; includes a list of the non-commissioned officers and constables of the NWMP who served with the Corp under Steele's command and a letter from Minister F.W. Borden acknowledging Steele's request that men from LSH be allowed to join the South African Constabulary.

Letters sent to Colonel Steele, re: acquiring a sculptor to create a monument erected to the members of Lord Strathcona's Horse who fell in action in South Africa, for placement in Calgary. Includes an explanatory letter from SBS describing the horses used by LSH (and with the NWMP and Canadian Mounted Rifles).

Cloth fibre map of the Dominion of Canada, published by the Department of Railways & Canada, Collingwood Schreiber, Engineer in Chief, Government Railways.

This map pre-dates the establishment of the NWMP but likely used by the Force after its establishment in 1873.

Annotated on the back of the map: "Col. S.B. Steele From Vivian"

Plan showing the proposed posts from Lake Superior to Red River Settlement; compiled from Messrs Dawson and Napier's maps.

The map pre-dates the establishment of the NWMP, but likely used by the Force after its establishment in 1873.

Color is added to highlight the Pigeon River route and the the Kaministiguia Route.

R.N.W. Mounted Police - To Accompany Annual Report, 1909: 1. Districts in the Provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan 2. Districts throughout Canada Two published, folded maps

Correspondence and document s around the inquiry into the ‘compulsory retirement’ of Lt. Col. L.W. Herchmer from the NWMP. Handwritten; typewritten

Correspondence sent to and from SBS in his capacity as Colonel in Command of Military District #10, based at the Fort Osborne Barracks in Winnipeg; includes correspondence to and from R.J. Gwynne, with SBS questioning reports that Gwynne has stated his dissatisfaction with Steele’s treatment of Saskatchewan officers; letters around the appointment of another officer for the District 10, and changing the District to a Division; the resignation of the Commander of The Cameron Highlanders; and other matters. There is a letter sent to SBS from O.W. Evans who served under Steele with the N.W.M.P. in the Yukon. Handwritten; typewritten

Correspondence sent to and from SBS in his capacity as Major-General, C.B., M.V.O. , Canadian Headquarters, Shorncliffe, England; includes confidential letters written to and from General J.E.B. Seely, Doctor Howard (Lord Strathcona's son-in-lawm married to Margaret) and others, regarding the command and service of Lord Strathcona’s Horse regiment; a letter (with attached copies) sent from SBS to Sir Robert Borden, regarding the Royal North West Mounted Police; and other general matters. Handwritten; typewritten

Correspondence sent to and from SBS in his capacity as Colonel at Valcartier Camp, established as part of the mobilization of the Canadian Expeditionary Force at the onset of the First World War; includes correspondence to and from Sam Hughes, re: what SBS’s role will be in terms of the First Canadian Contingent; letters from individuals volunteering for military appointments; letters from SBS to Robert Rogers expressing frustration at the way he is being treated and at Hughes actions; etc. He is particularly upset by Hughes' dismissal of Henry Norland Ruttan whom Steele had recommended for brigadier. Handwritten; typewritten

Monthly report of Superintendent S.B. Steele at Dawson City, Yukon; type-written.

"Extracts of monthly reports to the Commissioner North West Mounted Police by Superintendent S.B. Steele at Battleford"; hand-written but not Steele's handwriting. 5 pp.

Nominal roll of 'E' Division, NWMP, Calgary; black leather note book with covering explanatory note written by Harwood Steele (ca. 1969). Includes a roll of horses of 'E' Division.

Nominal roll of 'D' Division, NWMP, Battleford; black leather note book.

NWMP Officers' Roll; hand-written copy on folded paper.

A handwritten report sent to Col. S.B. Steele from an underground NWMP officer, Alfred J. Thomas, reporting on claim owners on Hunker Creek defrauding the Dominion Government. 5 pp.

Approximately twenty (20) items regarding the regulation of liquor in the North West Territories of Canada in the late 1880s and early 1900s. The difficulties faced by the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) in enforcing the unpopular permit-based liquor laws of the time are given particular attention.

Bills, invoices, and supply lists.

Bills, invoices, and supply lists.

Bills, invoices, and supply lists.

Bills, invoices, and supply lists; includes a signed note from Steele to Cowdry Bros. Bankers.

Bills, invoices, and supply lists.

Letters, to and from, Superintendent Steele while stationed at Fort Macleod.

Memoranda and letter, re: owed money and payment for cattle herding; private letter from Fred White, re: financial questions around an inquiry; insurance payment notice.

Letter from [Herchmer] in Regina discussin this views of service in the police force.

Letters and documents relating to a claim by Trooper Edward Cole for payment of a horse used by Steele's Scouts in the North-West Rebellion of 1885; includes a letter from General Strange.

Hand-written letter marked private from [...owski], providing information about the situation in Kootenay, and a handwritten letter from the citizens of Lethbridge wishing SBS and the "Officers and Non-Commissioned Oficers and Constables of 'D' Division N.W.M.P." all the best in their future as they depart from Lethbridge to quell troubles in the Kootenay district of British Columbia. The letter is signed by many citizens of Lethbridge. 3 pp., n.d.

Letter from Deputy Minister of Militia and Defence, along with a forwarding covering letter, informing Steele that a certificate for scrip is being sent to him in Kootenay, B.C.

Correspondence received by Steele while stationed in B.C.; includes letters from Commissioner L.W. Herchmer.

Two letters from Commissioner Lawrence Herchmer, re: NWMP clothing and discipline.

Letters from James Ross, supervisor of construction of the C.P. Railway, with an attached copy of a letter sent to Sir John A. Macdonald, recommending Steele for promotions within the NWMP.

Two hand-written letters sent to Steele from Commander R. Burton Deane (Commander of K Division, Lethbridge), marked 'private'.

Letters from United States Indian Department agents discussing topics of concerns to both sides of the border, and a letter dated October 23rd, 1894 to SBS from the Office of the Commissioner, NWMP and marked private. The letter details the need for ensuring the force does not grow too large, and economic restraints are recognized. The letter is signed by [J.H. McIlree].

Correspondence to Steele from Comptroller Fred White discussing Steele's NWMP pension; enclosed with White's letters is a copy of the order retiring Steele from the NWMP (March 1, 1903), a copy of a statement detailing Steele's pay received and to be received as pension, and a copy of a letter from the Auditor General concurring with the statements made by White, re: Steele's pension payments.

Correspondence to Steele from Comptroller Fred White discussing NWMP land warrants and pension rights for Superintendent A.R. Macdonnell's widow; also a pension payment notice and letter from NWMP Comptroller Lawrence Fortescue.

Submitted proposals for building boats for the NWMP for use in the Yukon; a letter from Fred White warning Steele to avoid friction with Major Walsh; a memo from [R.] Belcher describing conditions on the Chilkoot Pass; a letter expressing concern about custom duties.

Correspondence sent to Steele related to his duties in the Yukon, including that of Commission Council member, from Commissioner Ogilvie and Comptroller Fred White; several items relate to budgetary matters for the Yukon NWMP Division.

Correspondence sent to Steele related to his retirement from the NWMP and his superannuation.

Correspondence sent to Steele related to his duties in the Yukon from Fred White, Yukon Commissioner James. M. Walsh, A.B. Perry, and William Pearce, Superintendent of Mines; includes a completed Chilkoot Pass duty form and instructions for Steele's transfer to Dawson.

Correspondence sent to Steele from Comptroller Fred White, discussing (in both an official and private capacity) Steele's transfer back to the North West from the Yukon and the decision to transfer Inspector Harper back to the Territories; a letter from a John Gillespie, discussing his return to Dawson; and a letter marked personal sent to SBS from [J. Burstall] regarding monies owing SBS.

Hand-written letter on NWMP stationery and written from Lethbridge [W.S. Morris?].

Correspondence sent to Steele related to his duties in the Yukon from Commissioner William Ogilvie, and others (one partial, undated letter); includes a letter appointing Steele as License Commissioner of the Yukon Territory.

Telegrams sent to Steele from NWMP Comptroller Fred White and from Inspector Jarvis; also letters from Comptroller White informing Steele that he is being selected to lead a Western contingent of Infantry (many NWMP Officers) for the Boer War, and another letter providing details about his pay account.

Letter from NWMP Comptroller Fred White to Steele, discussing the sailing of the new Canadian Contingent under Colonel Evans, and providing news about NWMP activity in Canada.

Letters from Father Nicholas Coccola, Kootenay Mission and William O'Brien, Steele's Officer in Charge with the Simcoe Foresters, writing in response to Steele's request for letters of support, re: an appointment to Commissioner.

Letters to both C.A. Harwood and Mrs. Steele from Comptroller Fred White discussing the Police Officers' Pension Bill and Steele, a newsy letter to Steele from White on various matters; a letter to Steele from White acknowledging his request for a further extension on his leave of absence from the NWMP and application for superannuation; further letters from White regarding Steele's retirement and pension allowances; general pension-related correspondence.

Telegrams related to Steele's appointment for duty in the Yukon and information about establishing customs stations at Dyea and Skagway.

Letter and certificate naming Superintendent Steele a Justice of the Peace for the county of Nanaimo, B.C.

Correspondence sent to Steele related to his duties in the Yukon, including that of Commission Council member, from Commissioner Ogilvie and others; includes a report and letters concerning the collection of mining royalties.

Correspondence sent to Steele from Comptroller Fred White and Assistant Commissioner J.H. McIlree, various matters; also a letter from Yukon Commissioner William Ogilvie.

Telegrams and information sent to S.B. Steele, related to his upcoming assignment to command the customs posts for the Yukon Gold Rush.

Correspondence sent to Steele related to his duties in the Yukon, including that of Commission Council member, from Commissioner Ogilvie and others; includes a petition related to establishing a dental association in the Yukon Territory.

Correspondence sent to Steele related to tying up loose ends and a letter sent to [Captain] Macdonnell from NWMP Commissioner Herchmer. Also includes a letter sent to SBS from F.L Cartwright, a NWMP officer who served with Steele in the Yukon, and now writing from Grand Forks, B.C. Cartwright discusses the injustice of SBS's removal from the Yukon, and expresses interest in signing up for the Boer War.

Correspondence to Steele from Comptroller Fred White discussing Steele's NWMP pension with attached letter sent to the Manager of the Molson's Bank in Calgary.

Correspondence sent to Steele related to his duties in the Yukon from Fred White, L.W. Herchmer, and A.B. Perry.

Correspondence sent to Steele from Minister Clifford Sifton and Comptroller Fred White outlining plans for policing the Yukon and the role Steele will have in this; telegram from May Steele.

A warrent appointing S.B. Steele a member of the Council to aid the Commissioner in the administration of the Yukon Territory, 07 July 1898. (vertical orientation)

Correspondence sent to Steele related to his duties in the Yukon, including that of Commission Council member, primarily from Comptroller Fred White; subjects discussed include superannuation, a theft of money and gold from a police safe in Dawson, administrative matters, etc. Included is a letter to Steele from [Inspector R.] Belcher based in Grand Forks, and a letter from Commissioner Herchmer discussing [Inspector] Harper's problems.

Hand-written letters to Steele from J.H. McIlree and L.W. Herchmer, re: Herchmer's replacement by A.B. Perry as Commissioner of the NWMP.

Hand-written letter from NWMP Officer [Sanders] discussing his Boer War experience and return to the Force in Calgary.

Letter to Steele from the citizens of Lethbridge stating their regret at his transfer to B.C., and extending best wishes for his future (photocopy).

Type-written letter from Commissioner L.W. Herchmer informing Superintendent Steele that he is to lead a Division of Mounted Police to Kootenai (sic), British Columbia; detailed instructions are provided in this letter.

Letter from T.B. Strange discussing in detail the 1885 North-West Rebellion and the lies now being told by General Middleton.

Letter from Commissioner [Lawrence] Herchmer, re: movement of the officers, recruitment, etc.

Two hand-written letters sent to Steele on NWMP stationery, although both marked 'private'; from ?

Correspondence sent to Steele related to his duties in the Yukon from Fred White, J.H. McIlree, A.B. Perry, Z.T. Wood, [Charles Constantine] and the Yukon Commissioner's Office.

Correspondence sent to Steele related to his duties in the Yukon, including that of Commission Council member, from Commissioner Ogilvie, NWMP Commissioner Herchmer, and others, re: police administration, customs collecting, a police case, and his invitation to the 4th of July celebration in Dawson.

Correspondence sent to Steele from Comptroller Fred White; one letter informs Steele that he has been granted a further leave of absence from the NWMP in order to serve with the South African Constabulary.

A letter sent to the aunt of Major Jarvis, NWMP from Lord Strathcona, commenting on Jarvis's NWMP assignment to the Arctic regions.