Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Quadra Mountain and Bident Mountain viewed from Consolation Lake. Postcard has handwritten message, handwritten address, incomplete postmark, and one 1920s King George V postage stamp on back. It features an R style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Quadra Mountain and Bident Mountain as viewed from Consolation Lake. It features an R style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Quadra Mountain and Bident Mountain as viewed from Consolation Lake. It features a K style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Quadra Mountain and Bident Mountain as viewed from Consolation Lake. It features an M1 style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Quadra Mountain and Bident Mountain as viewed from Consolation Lake. Postcard has handwritten date and note on back. It features an M2 style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Quadra Mountain and Bident Mountain as viewed from Consolation Lake. It features a P1 style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Quadra Mountain and Bident Mountain as viewed from Consolation Lake. It features an M1 style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Quadra Mountain and Bident Mountain as viewed from Consolation Lake. It features a P1 style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Quadra Mountain and Bident Mountain as viewed from Consolation Lake. It features an R style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Quadra Mountain and Bident Mountain as viewed from Consolation Lake. It features an R style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Quadra Mountain and Bident Mountain viewed from Consolation Lake. Postcard has handwritten message, handwritten address, postmark, post office stamp, and one 1940s King George VI postage stamp on back. It features an R style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Quadra Mountain and Bident Mountain as viewed from Consolation Lake. It features an R style back.
This fill-in-the-blank contract is for employment between Forsyth Richardson & Co. and Antoine Parizeau.
This series contains all items in the collection created between 1800 and 1809.
A printed form contract in French. Signed in 1801 by Louis and Joseph Belair, Pierre Champoux, and public notary Maurice deGlandons. By this contract, Pierre Champoux signed on with McTavish, Frobisher & Co. as a voyageur.
A letter-press printed form contract. This fill-in-the-blank contract is for employment as a voyageur with McTavish, Frobisher & Co. This contract is signed by A[?]ais Gregoire.
A letter-press printed form contract. This fill-in-the-blank contract is for employment as a voyageur with McTavish, Frobisher & Co. This contract is signed by Jacques Roy, with Mr. Frederick Singer signing for the company.
A printed form contract in French. By this contract, Jean Baptiste Carzaubon signed on with McTavish, Frobisher & Co. as a voyageur.
This is a fill-in-the-blank printed form. It is a contract of employment with McTavish, Frobisher & Co., signed by Alexandre Lacombe.
This fill-in-the-blank contract was originally for employment with Parker Gerrard & Ogilvy, but this name is crossed out and replaced with Alexr. Mackenzie. It is signed by Michel Dantigny, who signed in Montreal.
This fill-in-the-blank contract is for employment with Parker Gerrard Ogilvy & Co. It is signed by John Glatter Junior.
This fill-in-the-blank contract is for employment with Alexr. Mackenzie and Company. It is signed by Frederick Abt, who signed in Montreal.
This fill-in-the-blank contract is for employment with Forsyth Richardson & Co. It is signed by Charles Dupuis, who signed in Montreal.
This item is a fill-in-the-blank contract offering employment with McTavish, Frobisher & Co. It is signed by Francois Piquette. There are numerous alterations to the contract made in the margins.
This fill-in-the-blank contract is for employment with McTavish, Frobisher & Co. and John Ogilvy and Thomas Thain. It is signed by Ignace Roberts, who signed in Montreal.
This is a fill-in-the-blank contract for employment with McTavish, Frobisher & Co. and John Ogilvy and Thomas Thain. It is signed by Charles Laneuville. It was signed in Montreal. There are numerous revisions to the standard contract written in ink.
This fill-in-the-blank contract is for employment with Forsyth Richardson & Co. but the clerk who filled in the form began writing "Richardson" first before crossing it out. This contract is signed by Jacques Commercie (father), who signed in Montreal.
This fill-in-the-blank contract is for employment with Parker Gerrard Ogilvy & Co. It is signed by Charles Monnette de Boismis, who signed in Montreal.
This fill-in-the-blank form is an employment contract with McTavish, McGillivrays & Co. and John Ogilvy and Thomas Thain. It is signed by Francois Lefevre, who signed in Montreal.
This series contains all items in the collection created between 1810 and 1819.
This fill-in-the-blank form is an employment contract with McTavish, McGillivrays & Co. and John Ogilvy and Thomas Thain. It is signed by Louis Mallette, who signed in Montreal.
This form was printed by Imprimerie de Brown.
This fill-in-the-blank contract is for employment with McTavish, McGillivrays & Co. and John Ogilvy and Thomas Thain. It is signed by Pierre Mailloux, who signed in Montreal.
The form was printed by Imprimerie de Brown.
This fill-in-the-blank contract is for employment with McTavish, McGillivrays & Co. and John Ogilvy and Thomas Thain. It is signed by Andre Langevin, who signed in Montreal.
The form was printed by Imprimerie de Brown.
Indictment for Robbery, signed in Montreal, 1818.
Docket reads: "No. 19. King's Bench, Montreal. March Term, 1818. Dominus Rex vs. Pierre C. Pambrun, Jean Bte. Girard, Antoine Robillard, Jean Bte. Lagarde, Frans. Boucher & Benonie Marie. Indictment for Robbery. A True Bill. [signed] Fs. Rolland, foreman. Witnesses: Jean Gab. Lalonde, dt. La Prielle, Jean Bte. Chauvin. Process. fyled 5 March. [signed] N.F. Uniacke, Atty Genl."
From notes provided by the donor: "This original document outlines the charge of robbery against Pierre Chrysologue Pambrun (1792-1841) and his associates (all employees of the Hudson's Bay Company), which took place on the 10th of November 1816. The indictment was officially filed with the Court of King's Bench in Montreal on 2nd of March 1818.
The charge is stated (in essence) as:
'With force and arms at a place called 'Lapuise' the accused men (employees of the HBC) assaulted and endangered the life of Joseph Belcour (trader with the NWC [North West Company]) on the 'highway' aforesaid (Lac des Cedres Rouges), and stole 9 beaver skins, 25 musk rat skins, 2 otter skins, 1 bear skin, 1 keg of gun powder, one sack of lead balls (28 pounds weight), 1 roll of tobacco (65 pounds weight), 9 pairs of woollen blankets, 3.5 yards of scarlet cloth, 14 yards of blue cloth, 21 yards of blue cloth, 6 frocks (commonly called capots made of woollen cloth or molton), 3 figured flannel robes, 1 pound and ten ounces weight of beads, 200 gun flints, 1 piece and one-half piece of broad tape, 1 Indian knife, 3 clasp knives, three-quarters of a pound of vermilion, 1 gimblet, 23 shoemaker's awls, 12 gun worms, and 4 dozen metal rings powder (each listed with values), the goods and chattel of 'certain persons' (i.e., Joseph Belcour, on behalf of the NWC).'
Pierre Pambrun was a long-time employee and servant of the HBC, and was intimately involved in the 'Pemmican War' disputes between the HBC and the North West Company, primarily during the years 1814 to 1816. Pambrun, as witness, provided the courts with his observations and experiences of various skirmishes between the two companies. His evidence was included in published accounts of the trials.
Not much is known about Joseph Belcour, aside from the fact that we know that he was employed by the NWC in 1811 at Athabasca River. Although not stated on the document, we can safely conclude that he was still associated with the NWC during the time of this incident, as the document is written in the style and format of similar indictments brought against the HBC by the NWC. We can also safely concluded that this legal action taken was paid for by the NWC coalition, as part of a larger retaliatory action against the HBC, in the fight for unrestricted access to furs and supplies (i.e., pemmican) in western Canada.
Norman Fitzgerald Uniacke, son of Nova Scotia's Attorney General Richard John Uniacke, was Attorney General of Lower Canada at the time of the 'Pemmican War' hearings. He was a controversial figure, and was criticised for his very superficial acquaintance with criminal law and inadequate knowledge of civil law.
This official document was brought before the courts in Montreal, but did not proceed to completion owing to the fact that the 'Jurisdiction Act' of 1803 did not clearly state the jurisdiction of the courts of Lower Canada. Thus, the 'Indian Countries' fell outside of their area of responsibility. In addition, it was argued that the trials would not escape sympathetic influence of Montreal residents (including lawyers) connected in some way to the NWC. Thus, the trials were moved to York (Toronto), and the legal actions continued in the fall of 1818."
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of a person and two dogs standing at Moraine Lake Camp with Moraine Lake on left and Valley of Ten Peaks in background. It features an M1 style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of a person and two dogs standing at Moraine Lake Camp with Moraine Lake on left and Valley of Ten Peaks in background. It features a K style back.
This fill-in-the-blank contract is for employment with McTavish, McGillivrays & Co. & Pierre de Rocheblave. It is signed by Louis Chouinard, who signed in Montreal. It appears that A. N. Macleod signed for the company, although the last few letters of the signature are difficult to make out.
This series contains all items in the collection created between 1820 and 1829.
Titled: "An Act for regulating the Fur Trade, and establishing a Criminal and Civil Jurisdiction within certain Parts of North America. (2d July 1821.)" Removed from a bound volume printed in London, Great Britain by Eyre and Strahan in 1821. Pages are numbered 569-575.
From notes provided by the donor: "This act, released shortly after the amalgamation of the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company, granted exclusive trading rights to the 'new' H.B.C. for a period of 21 years. The act also extended the legality of the 'Jurisdiction Act of 1803' to include all territory specified by the H.B.C.'s lease."
Note No.996 issued by Hudson's Bay Company for One Pound Sterling and drawn at York Factory in Ruperts Land.
From the title page: "Report Of the Select Committee, appointed on the 10th ultimo, to inquire into the expediency of occupying the Columbia river, and to regulate the intercourse with the Indian tribes; accompanied with a bill to authorize the occupation of the Columbia River. January 18, 1822. Read, and, with the bill, committed to a committee of the whole House to-morrow."
Pages 9 and 10 refer to the rich profits being made in the Canadian Fur Trade, with particular mention of Alexander Mackenzie’s explorations to the west coast and the profits made by the North West Company.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Moraine Lake at the base of Valley of Ten Peaks. From left to right, the photo shows Mount Tonsa, Mount Perren, and Mount Allen. It features a P2 style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Moraine Lake at the base of Valley of Ten Peaks. From left to right, the photo shows Mount Tonsa, Mount Perren, and Mount Allen. Postcard has handwritten message, handwritten address, and postmark on back. It features an R style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Moraine Lake at the base of Valley of Ten Peaks. From left to right, the photo shows Mount Tonsa, Mount Perren, and Mount Allen. Postcard has handwritten note and date on back. It features an R style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Moraine Lake at the base of Valley of Ten Peaks. From left to right, the photo shows Mount Tonsa, Mount Perren, and Mount Allen. It features an R style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Moraine Lake at the base of Valley of Ten Peaks. From left to right, the photo shows Mount Tonsa, Mount Perren, and Mount Allen. Postcard has handwritten message, handwritten address, and postmark on back. It features an unknown style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Quadra Mountain and Bident Mountain viewed from Consolation Lake. Postcard has handwritten message, handwritten address, postmark, post office stamp, and one 1949-1950 King George VI postage stamp on back. It features an R style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Moraine Lake at the base of Valley of Ten Peaks. From left to right, the photo shows Mount Tonsa, Mount Perren, and Mount Allen. It features a P1 style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Moraine Lake at the base of Valley of Ten Peaks. From left to right, the photo shows Mount Tonsa, Mount Perren, and Mount Allen. It features a P1 style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Moraine Lake at the base of Valley of Ten Peaks. From left to right, the photo shows Mount Tonsa, Mount Perren, and Mount Allen. It features an R style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Moraine Lake at the base of Valley of Ten Peaks. From left to right, the photo shows Mount Tonsa, Mount Perren, and Mount Allen. It features an R style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Moraine Lake at the base of Valley of Ten Peaks. From left to right, the photo shows Mount Tonsa, Mount Perren, and Mount Allen. Postcard has handwritten message, handwritten address, and incomplete postmark on back. It features an R style back.
Photographic postcard by Byron Harmon of Quadra Mountain and Bident Mountain viewed from Consolation Lake. Postcard has handwritten message, handwritten address, postmark, post office stamp, and one 1920s King George V postage stamp on back. It features a P2 style back.
Printed postcard published by Consolidated Stationery Co., Ltd, Winnipeg and printed in Saxony of the Great Divide with a mountain in background. Postcard is from the On Line Canadian Pacific Railway Harmon series.
This is Edward Ellice's copy of an indenture between John Richardson, George Gregory and Samuel Gerrard of the First Part, Simon McGillivray of the Second Part, and Edward Ellice of the Third Part.
Docket reads: "Dated 29 Sept 1830, The trustees of Simon McGillivray Esq & the said Simon McGillivray to Edwd Ellice Esq, Copy Assignment of Hudsons Bay Stock and other Trust Effects in consideration of £110,000 [line] 1700. Norman Bethune Tutor Pltf vs. The Right Honourable Edward Ellice Defdt., Defendants Exhibit No.4 Filed Feb. 20th 1839 [signature illegible]."
From notes provided by the donor: "This indenture between John Richardson and George Gregory (formerly of the XY Company and North West Company), Simon McGillivray (formerly of the North West Company), and Edward Ellice (formerly of Phyn, Ellices and Inglis of Schenectady and the North West Company, and later of the Hudson's Bay Company) details the arrangements made regarding the financial interests of those holding title in the consolidated fur trade concern (formerly that of the North West Company and the Hudson's Bay Company).
Throughout the document, many details are given with respect to share and stock allocations to individual traders and trading groups. The docket states that this document was used as "Defendant's Exhibit No. 4" in a litigation filed 20 Feb. 1839, naming Norman Bethune as plaintiff and Edward Ellice as defendant. Edward Ellice stands out as one of the main players in bringing about the union between the North West Company and the Hudson's Bay Company. Upon the failure of McTavish, McGillivrays and Company in 1825, he became the only one who stood between the Hudson's Bay Company and the claims of discontented members of the North West Company. As a result, Ellice became involved in the series of litigations which lasted for 25 years. Norman Bethune was among the many people seeking financial compensation through Ellice."
This series contains all items in the collection created between 1830 and 1839.
Place: Middleton [Derbyshire, England]
From: Frs Buckley
To: J. Smithurst, Church Missionary Institution, Islington [London]
Delivery: Great Britain mail
Details: 3 pp + integral address face
Notes: Reverend William Buckley is deeply disappointed to hear that John Smithurst had to cancel his planned visit to Middleton. Rev. Buckley goes on to relate news of recent marriages and clergy appointments.
Buckley, WilliamPlace: Hudsons Bay House, London [England]
From: John Smith
To: The Revd John Smithurst, Church Missionary House, Salisbury Square [London, England]
Details: 1pp
Notes: This letter confirms a previous conversation between John Smith of Hudson's Bay House in London and Reverend John Smithurst. Rev. Smithurst is awarded the position of chaplain to the Hudson's Bay Company at Red River in Rupert's Land. He is granted passage from London to Fort Garry [modern-day Winnipeg].
Place: Upper Fort Garry
From: unknown
To: Rev. J. Smithurst
Details: 2pp with integral address
Notes: Copy of not guilty verdict returned by the Jury on the trial of Henry Beardie for the murder of William Washington Bird. While the jury admits that Beardie did point his bow and arrow at Bird, the fact that Beardie is only 12 years old leads the jury to acquit him of murder. The jury warns parents to abolish archery in the community to prevent future deaths.
Place: Grand Rapids
From: Wm Cockran
To: Rev. J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement
Details: 2pp
Notes: Rev. Cockran sends supplies with "Beary and William Thomas" and he spoke with Ferdinand regarding fat and dried meat for the children. He hopes that Rev. Smithurst is over his cold. Rev. Cockran will not be able to visit him because he has to be at the Middle Church this week.
Cockran, WilliamPrinted postcard published by Consolidated Stationery Co., Ltd, Winnipeg and printed in Saxony of Castle Mountain. Postcard is from the On Line Canadian Pacific Railway Harmon series. Postcard has handwritten message, handwritten address, postmark, and post office stamps on front and back.
Printed postcard published by Consolidated Stationery Co., Ltd, Winnipeg and printed in Saxony of Castle Mountain. Postcard is from the On Line Canadian Pacific Railway Harmon series.
Place: Red River Settlement
From: The Bishop of Montreal
To: Reverend John Smithurst
Details: 3pp
Notes: The letter would have been likely carried to Toronto, Barrie, Penetanguishine and then along Lake Huron's and Superior's coastlines by the Winter Express which included dog team, snow shoe, and then overland to Winnipeg River, Lake Winnipeg, up to Red River to the Indian Settlement.
Bishop of MontrealPlace: Wapashayaw
From: H. Budd
To: Revd J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement
Details: 3pp and integral address
Notes: Henry Budd writes to Rev. Smithurst with news of his trek to the Saskatchewan River from the Red River Settlement. After 17 days, Budd arrived at an area he calls “Wapaskayaw” and mentions a Mr. Turner who is farming barley and potatoes in the area. Budd has decided the area is favourable and plans to stay and begin building the school and mission.
Budd, HenryPlace: Red River Settlement
From: Joseph Bird
To: the Revende [sic] Mr Wm Cockran, Grand Rapids
Details: 1pp with integral address
Notes: Joseph Bird agrees to lend a boat to Reverend William Cockran, but wants it back in time to travel to York Factory in the fall.
Place: Red River Settlement, Hudson Bay, North America
From: Daniel Aillud, St. Mary Gray
To: Reverend John Smithurst
Details: 1pp with integral address
Notes: Daniel Aillud writes about going to Navigation School and preparing for an upcoming voyage.
This series contains all items in the collection created between 1840 and 1849.
Place: Grand Rapids [Red River Settlement]
From: William Cockran
To: Rev. J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement
Delivery: Carried by courier “James,” possibly on account of Church Missionary Society (?)
Details: 1 pp + integral address face
Notes: Cockran sends Smithurst hatchet bar and rod iron (as supplies for his smithy), and endeavors to get additional iron for him from the Fort (most likely Lower Fort Garry). He also sends barley and wheat.
Cockran, WilliamPlace: Lower Fort Garry
From: [Hudson’s Bay Company]
To: The Rev’d John Smithurst, Indian Settlement
Delivery: Local courier (probably HBC courier)
Details: 2 pp (additional accounting in hand of Smithurst) + integral address face
Notes: Invoice for purchases made at Lower Fort Garry, listing goods such as tea, sugar, soap, buttons, plates, saltpetre, kettles, knives, shot, etc. In red, items are assigned as purchased by Henry Budd, or “C.M.S.” (Church Missionary Society). The second page is an additional accounting of items purchased by Smithurst in September, showing amount paid and amount charged to C.M.S.
Hudson's Bay CompanyPlace: Sycamore Cottage [Derbyshire, England]
From: Anne Alsop & Catherine Wasse
To: The Reverend John Smithurst, Church Missionary. To be forwarded and properly directed from Islington
Delivery: Forwarded by the Church Missionary Society to Red River Settlement via Hudson's Bay Company supply ship and canoe brigade, and then by courier to the Indian Settlement at Netley Creek
Details: 4 pp (partly cross-written) + integral address face
Notes: Composite letter from friends Anne Alsop and her niece Catherine Wasse. Anne Alsop mentions Rev. Smithurst's brother George and family matters. Catherine Wasse writes about her impression of London, the renovations to Dethick Chapel, the success of her brother who is leasing Wakebridge Mine from Mr. Nightingale (the father of Florence Nightingale), Mr. Nightingale's annual visit, and the record-setting winter weather.
Alsop, AnnePlace: Whitby [North Yorkshire, England]
From: Mary Hugill
To: Rev’d John Smithurst
Delivery: Forwarded by the Church Missionary Society to Red River Settlement via Hudson's Bay Company supply ship and canoe brigade, and thence by courier to the Indian Settlement at Netley Creek
Details: 3 pp + integral address face
Notes: Letter from a cousin, with family news (illnesses, etc.). She asks if she can send him a gift of pickles, preserves or cakes, and to do so.
Place: Church Missionary Institution [Islington, London, England]
From: Enoch Reddall
To: The Rev’d J. Smithurst
Delivery: Forwarded by the Church Missionary Society to Red River Settlement via Hudson's Bay Company supply ship and canoe brigade, and then by courier to the Indian Settlement at Netley Creek
Details: 4 pp + separate address cover
Notes: Reddall discusses various missionary works including great success in New Zealand and a new missionary to the Teloogoo people in central India. Clergymen posted to Ceylon, Abyssinia, and Sierra Leone are also mentioned. Reddall notes that this letter is forwarded by Abraham Cowley on his way to Rupert’s Land.
In fact, Abraham Cowley and his wife Arabella crossed the Atlantic Ocean three times in nine months attempting to reach his missionary posting at Lake Manitoba. On 5 January 1841, less than a fortnight after their marriage, the young couple set out for Montreal on their way to the Red River Settlement in Rupert’s Land. This unusual route was taken in the belief that the Cowleys would be able to travel with Bishop George Jehoshaphat Mountain of Montreal who was planning a visitation of Rupert’s Land. The couple arrived in Montreal on 28 February, and Cowley was ordained a Deacon on 7 March. Bishop Mountain’s visit to the northwest was postponed, however, and the Cowleys, seeing no hope of reaching the Red River Settlement from Montreal, returned to England and took ship almost immediately for Hudson’s Bay. They arrived in Red River on 28 September 1841.
This letter was apparently delivered by Cowley to Smithurst upon his arrival in Red River.
Place: York Factory
From: Ina Cowie
To: Revd John Smithurst, Red River
Details: 2pp with integral address
Notes: A letter of effusive thanks for Rev. Smithurst’s kindness in recommending Ina Cowie to the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) for employment. It seems Rev. Smithurst spoke with his friend Captain Herd on Cowie’s behalf. Cowie also mentions that he wishes to write to the Church Missionary Society to let them know of Rev. Smithurst’s thoughtfulness.
Place: Grand Rapids [Red River Settlement]
From: William Cockran
To: Rev. J. Smithurst [Indian Settlement]
Delivery: Carried by courier
Details: 2pp + integral address face
Notes: Rev. Cockran writes to Rev. Smithurst to let him know that Rev. Abraham Cowley will be visiting him to discuss the details of opening a mission at Manitoba [Lake]. Rev. Cockran is anxious to establish a mission there, and mentions that Mr. Roberts is content to stay in Red River as a catechist.
Cockran, WilliamPlace: York Factory
From: "C.C." [Hudson's Bay Company agent]
To: Rev. James Evans
Details: 1pp
Notes: Postage charged to Wesleyan Missionaries including Rev. James Evans, Rob Rundle, Peter Jacobs, William Mason, Mr. Steinhauer, Thomas Hassal, and Josiah LHyrondelle.
Evans, JamesPlace: Revier du Pas
From: Hy Budd
To: The Revd John Smithurst, Red River
Details: 3pp and integral address
Notes: Henry Budd writes to Rev. Smithurst with news. Mr. H. McKenzie arrived by boat and let Budd know that Rev. Smithurst arrived back in Red River safely, as well as bringing goods sent by Rev. Smithurst, including books, cloth, and tea. Budd discusses leather clothes for the Native children. Budd also mentions that he is "at a loss what to do with these children when they turn ill, having nothing of any kind to give them, but Salts." His brother-in-law, who was originally from Norway House, recently died after injuring himself with an axe and being unable to reach help.
Budd, HenryPlace: Sycamore Cottage [Derbyshire, England]
From: A. Alsop
To: The Rev'd John Smithurst, Church Missy House, Salisbury Square, Fleet Street, London [England]
Details: 4pp with integral address
Notes: Anne Alsop sends much news from England, with unrest over the corn laws having led to a crowd in Derby burning an effigy of Sir Robert Peel. Since the last letter, Catherine Wasse was pregnant but lost the baby boy. Anne Alsop has not seen Rev. Smithurst's brother George for some time, but she believes one of his daughters got married. Mr. Nightingale (the father of Florence Nightingale, the famous nurse) is in the area collecting rents. The economy is doing quite poorly, and the Tories want to change the poor laws. Alsop herself is a Wigg, but her nephews are Tories. While in London, she saw great crowds gather during the election. She also attended twice daily sermons to hear Dr. Crow at St. Stevens Walbrook, by whom she is greatly impressed. (It is possible she is referring to Dr. Croly who was a rector at St. Stephens Walbrook in London during this period. He was a famous orator and novelist.)
Alsop, AnnePlace: [Grand Rapids?]
From: Wm Cockran
To: Rev. J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement
Details: 3pp with integral address
Notes: Reverend William Cockran writes to Rev. Smithurst regarding Rev. Cowley and his wife Mrs. Cowley, who have lodged with Rev. Cockran since they arrived in Rupert’s Land the previous autumn. Rev. Cockran describes the Cowleys as being ungracious guests who do not understand the expense of living in the Red River Settlement. Rev. Cockran also writes that he has severed ties to the Hudson’s Bay Company and the Church Missionary Society but will continue as if he will “continue here for life.” He finishes the letter by discussing the flour he is sending to Henry Budd at the Cumberland House Mission. He mentions that James Sandison and Henry Bird are assisting him.
Cockran, WilliamPlace: London [England]
From: Bot. of T&C Lockhart
To: Revd J. Smithurst
Details: 1pp
Notes: An invoice for numerous plants and seeds ordered by Rev. Smithurst including Early York cabbage, Tripoli onion, Long white radish, Yellow Dutch turnip, James keeping onion, Brown Dutch lettuce, other varieties.
Place: Sycamore Cottage [Derbyshire, England]
From: Anne Alsop and Catherine Wasse
To: The Rev’ J. Smithurst / Church Missionary House, Fleet Street, London
Delivery: Forwarded by the Church Missionary Society to Red River Settlement via Hudson’s Bay Company supply ship and canoe brigade, and thence by courier to the Indian Settlement at Netley Creek
Details: 4pp (partly cross-written) + integral address face
Notes: Composite letter from friend and her aunt on family matters. Mentions annual visit of Mr. Nightingale (father of Florence Nightingale – John Smithurst’s first cousin) with details on their losses owing to a bank failure.
Alsop, AnnePlace: Red River Settlement
From: Mary Hodgson
To: Reverend John Smithurst
Details: 1pp
Notes: Mary Hodgson writes from Whitby to tell him of her recent marriage. The embossed letterhead was likely a wedding present.
The small-sized letter with a lack of seal indicates it was enclosed within a larger letter forwarded to the Church Missionary Society in London. The mail was carried by Hudson Bay Company's spring supply ship to York factory and from there the letter would travel by boat up the Nelson River, across Lake Winnipeg and then up the Red River to the Indian Settlement.
Hodgson, MaryPlace: Priory Place, New Ross [Ireland]
From: John and Annie Corbett
To: Adam Townley
Details: 8 pp.
Notes: The first sheet of paper is a letter to Adam Townley from his brother-in-law, John Corbett. His letter continues onto the second sheet of paper, on the third and fourth pages. John is the husband of Townley's sister Annie, whose letter makes up the first and second pages on the second sheet of paper.
John Corbett relates how Annie is in fact just recovering from a five-week-long illness after a carriage accident. He comments on the rivalry between the Church Missionary Society and the newer Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. John is very concerned at the unrest in Ireland and within the Anglican church. He also mentions the alarming rise of "the principles called 'Puseyism'."
Annie addresses her brother as "Dearest Addie." She gives news about family members and many acquaintances.
Place: Lachine near Montreal
From: James Keith
To: Reverend Smithurst, Red River Settlement
Details: 1pp and integral address
Notes: Discusses Rev. Smithurst's subscription to Church Weekly Paper, and his cancelled subscription to the Montreal Herald.
Keith, JamesPlace: London [England]
From: [Lord] Chichester
To: The Rev’d J. Smithurst
Delivery: Forwarded by the Church Missionary Society to Red River Settlement via Hudson’s Bay Company supply ship and canoe brigade, and thence by courier to the Indian Settlement at Netley Creek
Details: 3pp + integral address face
Notes: Lord Chichester writes a few hurried lines and mentions his preparation of a gift parcel that includes a few books, an educational book, and knives for Smithurst’s use in his missionary work. Lord Chichester further apologizes for the hurried packages and comments on the many things he would have liked to have included, had he the time.
Place: Red River Settlement
From: Mary Hodgson, Sycamore Cottage in Lea
To: Reverend John Smithurst
Details: 3pp
Notes: The writer Anne Alsop discusses family matters in great length and asks Smithurst to take an "Indian bride". Smithurst was a roommate to be involved with his cousin Florence Nightingale but the relationship was stopped by family members.
The letter would have been forwarded to the Church Missionary Society in London. The mail was carried up by Hudson's Bay Company Spring Supply Ship to York Factory and from there the letter would travel by boat up the Nelson River, through Lake Winnipeg and. up the Red River to Indian Settlement.
Alsop, AnnePlace: Cumberland Station, River du Pas (sic)
From: Henry Budd
To: The Rev’d J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement
Delivery: Carried by courier
Details: 3.5pp + integral address face
Notes: A letter briefly outlining six enclosures originally included with the letter (but now lost), with instructions on processing certain accounts. Other issues include Charles Cook resigning, and John Turnor Junior taking his place (at a wage of ten (10) skins a month) to fish, cut, and haul firewood, square timber, and do other labour. Mr. Budd and his family are happy to hear that a minister has been assigned to their outpost, and while they anticipate meeting Reverend James Hunter, they are distressed that Smithurst himself cannot come to the settlement to baptize the Natives. The chief had also hoped to see Smithurst, and has now gone to Norway House in the [Hudson’s Bay] Company boats, probably to York Factory.
Budd, HenryPlace: Red River Settlement
From: John Hargrave (Hudson's Bay Company clerk factor)
To: Reverend John Smithurst
Details: 2pp
Notes: Hargrave, writing from York Factory, writes to Rev. Smithurst to let him that the articles Smithurst requested were delivered to the depot by Mr. Mowat. Hargrave also mentions that he would happily comply with Smithurst's request to supply all of the Church Missionary Society with whatever "gentleman and Mrs. Hunter" may need to be comfortable in the autumn months.
Hargrave, JohnPlace: St. Paul's Cray Kent
From: Daniel Aillud
To: The Revd John Smithurst, Indian Settlement, Red River, Hudsons Bay, Nth America
Details: 2pp
Notes: Daniel Aillud writes to Rev. Smithurst requesting a character reference so that he can leave his work as a sailor on the “Prince Rupert” for the Hudson’s Bay Company. He also discusses the death of his father, who died while he was at sea.
Place: York Factory
From: James Hargrave
To: Revd John Smithurst, &c. &c. &c., Red River Settlement
Details: 1pp and integral address face
Notes: James Hargrave, an HBC employee, responds to a letter from Rev. Smithurst delivered by Mr. Morvat. The letter dealt with receiving and sending articles by the ship “Prince Rupert.” Hargrave goes on to say that Rev. Hunter and his wife arrived from London, and have continued on to the Saskatchewan District [Cumberland - Devon mission] in a boat along with part of their baggage. The rest of their baggage will be sent to them in the Spring.
Place: Grand Rapids [Red River Settlement]
From: Wm Cockran
To: Rev. J. Smithurst, I[ndian] Settlement
Delivery: Carried by courier, possibly on account of Church Missionary Society
Details: 3.5pp + integral address face
Notes: Reverend William Cockran writes that the thaw has made the Red River very dangerous, interrupting travel. Cockran contacted Mr. McAllum [Reverend John Macallum, headmaster of the Red River Academy] and informed him that Smithurst was unlikely to make the trip to Grand Rapids as scheduled. He also relates that importers from the United States are refusing to pay an import fee. Cockran recounts how Mr. McAllum confronted one importer, Henry Cook, whom Smithurst has also had business with, and insisted on paying the import on a purchase of bonnets or Mr. Cook could take his contraband elsewhere.
Cockran, WilliamPlace: Lachine
From: Dun: Finlayson
To: Revd John Smithurst, Red River Settlement
Details: 3pp with integral address face
Notes: Duncan Finlayson writes to Rev. Smithurst with various news. Finlayson relates details of a recent trip, expresses concern that war with the United States is looming, reports that illness has forced Lord Metcalfe to return to England, and informs Rev. Smithurst that money has been set aside to provide a Bishop for Rupert's Land.
Finlayson, DuncanPlace: Church Mission House [London, England]
From: Church Missionary Society
To: Rev. J. Smithurst
Delivery: Forwarded by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) to Red River Settlement via Hudson’s Bay Company supply ship and canoe brigade, and then by courier to the Indian Settlement at Netley Creek
Details: 1pp + integral address face
Notes: An accounting of expenses and wages for 1844 and 1845.
Church Missionary SocietyPlace: Middleton [Derbyshire, England]
From: William Buckley
To: Rev’d J. Smithurst, Church Mission House / Salisbury Square, Fleet Street, London
Delivery: Forwarded by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) to Red River Settlement via Hudson’s Bay Company supply ship and canoe brigade, and then by courier to the Indian Settlement at Netley Creek
Details: 3pp + integral address face with postal marks
Notes: Letter from a friend with news from home.
Buckley, WilliamPlace: Cumberland Station
From: Hy Budd
To: Revd J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement
Details: 3pp and integral address face
Notes: In his letter, Henry Budd apologizes profusely for his sins, while never quite explaining what sins he has committed. He refers to being the victim of baseless allegations from several girls who have been paid to accuse him. Budd tells Rev. Smithurst that he plans to leave the mission at Cumberland Station at the end of the year.
Budd, HenryPlace: Red River Settlement
From: Henry Budd (Hudson's Bay Clerk and Missionary), Cedar Lake (on route to Grand Rapids)
To: Reverend John Smithurst
Details: 3pp
Notes: The letter from Henry Budd discusses the return of empty kegs for butter and lie soup, garden vegetables being grown thereby requesting vegetable seeds. Mrs. Budd's gift of gloves to be sent via Les Perance and Mr. Budd's watch is enclosed for repair.
Cedar Lake is located Northwest of Lake Winnipeg and the letter was carried down to Grand Rapids down Lake Winnipeg and then to Red River Indian Settlement. The Letter was most likely carried by Mission Boat that carried supplies as well as mail to Grand Rapids.
Budd, HenryA hand-written letter written by James Douglas to James M. Yale, Hudson’s Bay Company Chief Trader at Fort Langley, British Columbia. This letter was sent from Fort Victoria. Douglas writes about recent events and expresses some opinions about many of the issues facing the Pacific Northwest operations of the HBC.
From notes provided by the donor: “Douglas sheds light on the following issues of the time:
a) H.B.C. servants and their suitability for advancement
b) Furs and fur returns
c) Agricultural crops and the weather affecting yield in the region
d) The visit by Chief Factor Peter Skene Ogden, having travelled overland from Red River and into the Columbia River through the Coutonais (Kootenay) Portage, in the company of British Officers Henry J. Warre and Mervin Vavasour (on their ‘secret’ military reconnaissance of the Oregon Territory)
e) The arrival and operations of H.M.S. America, under the charge of Captain John Gordon (the brother of Lord Aberdeen, Foreign Secretary at the time, and later Prime Minister)
f) Activity of H.B.C. traders: Chief Factor Lewis (sic), Chief Trader John Work, and Donald Mason
g) Returns of the most recent Outfit (the yearly trade cycle of the fur trade)
h) The wretched state of John Clarke (a long-time H.B.C. employee, who has fallen on hard times)
i) The potential for salt to be gathered from salt marshes on Cowegen (Cowichan) lands, without attracting the attention of the Americans, who would undoubtedly try to capitalize on the resource
j) A visit from American whaling ship captains, whose ships are lying at anchor in Neah Bay.”
Place: Beaver Creek
From: James Settee
To: The Reverend Mr. J. Smithurst
Details: 1pp
Notes: A short document asking Rev. Smithurst to pay Edward Mackey 5 pounds Sterling out of James Settee's account.
Settee, JamesPlace: Fort Frances
From: Nicol Finlayson
To: Revd Mr John Smithurst, Missy Ch. M. Society, Red River Settlement
Details: 1pp with integral address face
Notes: Nicol Finlayson writes to Rev. Smithurst that he sent along the requested maps, and he sends his best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Cockran.
Finlayson, NicolPlace: Cumberland Station, Rivière du Pas
From: James Hunter
To: The Revd J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement, Red River
Details: 3pp with integral address face
Notes: Reverend James Hunter writes to Rev. Smithurst. James Settee recently arrived at Cumberland Station [The Pas, MB] with his wife, family, and coincidentally with the carpenter hired by Rev. Hunter. He mentions Mr. Ross at Norway House. Rev. Hunter decided to keep the mission in its current location rather than move it to Cumberland Lake. He feels threatened by a Catholic missionary's activity in the area, referring to the man as "the Priest." This priest persuaded Wetus to convert to Roman Catholicism, but Rev. Hunter dismisses Wetus as “simply a Medicine man of which there are several here all equally as much claim to be considered Chiefs.” It is too late in the season for Settee to continue on to Rapid River [Lac la Ronge mission], so he will stay until the spring and assist Henry Budd and the carpenter in building Rev. Hunter a house. Rev. Hunter says he will “endeavour to manage Mrs. Settee as well as possible.”
Hunter, JamesPlace: Toronto
From: John Toronto
To: Rev Adam Townley
Details: 2pp
Notes: A letter marked private, written by John Strachan, Bishop of Toronto. It is addressed to Reverend Adam Townley who was rector in Dunnville at the time, serving the parishes of Dunnville, Port Maitland, and South Cayuga in the Niagara District. Strachan discusses land titles in relation to a new church, and asks several questions to arrange travel. St. John the Evangelist church was built in South Cayuga and consecrated by Strachan in June 1846.
Strachan, John