The collection contains correspondence, field notes, and receipts that pertain to Robert Bell. This collection is organized into two series. The correspondence in Series 1 are arranged by name of correspondent. Most correspondence are incoming letters to Dr Bell sent to the Geological survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec, from locations across Canada. The field notes in Series 2 are arranged chronologically.
Bell, RobertContains correspondence to Robert Bell from various associates. Letters describe a wide range of events and activities including managing trading posts, personal life, survey work, and specimen study. Most letters were written in locations across Canada and sent to Dr Bell at the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Contains correspondence to Robert Bell from William Armstrong. Correspondence contains personal communications regarding drawings and sketches. Correspondence sent from Toronto, Ontario to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec. William Armstrong (1822-1914) immigrated to Canada from Ireland in 1851. He was a railway engineer and enjoyed painting and sketching. More information on William Armstrong can be found in the Canadian Encyclopaedia.
Incoming correspondence from William Armstrong discussing taking his papers to Ottawa. Correspondence sent from Toronto to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from William Armstrong discussing frustration with the advisory board for not displaying some of his sketches. Correspondence sent from Toronto to Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from William Armstrong regarding how to display his sketches. Correspondence sent from Toronto to Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from William Armstrong discussing his latest sketches. Correspondence sent from Toronto to Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from William Armstrong requesting information on the best routes between Michipicoten and Moose Factory for sketching in the spring. Correspondence sent from Toronto, Ontario to Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Contains correspondence to Robert Bell from Walton Haydon. Correspondence contains personal communications regarding specimen studies and finding survey work. Correspondence sent from Moose Factory, Ontario and East Selkirk, Manitoba to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec. Dr. Walton Haydon entered the Hudson's Bay Company's service in 1877 and was an amateur collector of natural history. More information on Walton Haydon can be found in the HBC Archives.
Incoming correspondence from Walton Haydon discussing specimens. Discusses the dry spring and lack of butterflies for study. Correspondence sent from Moose Factory, Ontario to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from Walton Haydon asking for help in obtaining a position on a survey in the next year. Correspondence sent from East Selkirk, Manitoba to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from Walton Haydon asking for help in finding work on a survey. Correspondence sent from East Selkirk, Manitoba to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Contains correspondence to Robert Bell from G. S. McConnell. Correspondence contains personal communications regarding land use and settlements in the Touchwood Hills area. Correspondence sent from Touchwood Hills and Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from G. S. McConnell discussing sections of land at Round Plains and expectations to open a telegraph office in one month's time. Correspondence sent from Touchwood Hills, Saskatchewan to Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from G. S. McConnell discussing his willingness to take on work as resident manager while retaining his current position. Correspondence sent from Touchwood Hills, Saskatchewan to Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from G. S. McConnell discussing sections of land available. Correspondence sent from Touchwood Hills, Saskatchewan to Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from G. S. McConnell discussing land held and the possibility of an inspection and report. States that he is sorry he was not present when Mr. Purcell visited the area. Correspondence sent from Touchwood Hills, Saskatchewan to Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from G. S. McConnell discussing Dr. Bell's upcoming visit. Correspondence sent from Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan to Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from G. S. McConnell asking advice on land use. Correspondence sent from Touchwood Hills, Saskatchewan to Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Contains correspondence to Robert Bell from A. MacDonald. Correspondence contains personal communications regarding supplies and provisions. Correspondence sent from Hudson's Bay Company Fort Albany to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from A. MacDonald discussing the firing of a manager who used company flour and oatmeal for personal use. Correspondence sent from the Hudson's Bay Company, Fort Albany to Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec. Note on the letter indicates it was received at Fort Garry on 19 July 1873.
Incoming correspondence from A. MacDonald noting provisions left at a location had been stolen. Correspondence sent from the Hudson's Bay Company, Fort Albany to Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Contains correspondence to Robert Bell from S. K. Parson. Correspondence contains personal communications regarding business, family, events in the area, and accounts. Correspondence sent from Moose Factory, Winnipeg, and Montreal to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from S.K. Parson discussing payments given by Dr. Bell for covering wages and supplies. Correspondence sent from Moose Factory, Ontario to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from S.K. Parson discussing a ship that sunk at York, but everyone made it on shore safely. Parson also provides his candid opinion about documents that got mixed up involving the Bishop and appointed Secretary. Correspondence sent from Moose Factory, Ontario to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from S.K. Parson describing a trip to Winnipeg. Correspondence sent from Moose Factory, Ontario to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from S.K. Parson regarding accounts against Dr. Bell, but were already paid and collected. Correspondence sent from Hudson's Bay House, Montreal to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from S.K. Parson who writes to say he has enclosed the remaining $54.83 owed to Dr. Bell. Correspondence sent from Hudson's Bay House, Montreal to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from S. K. Parson noting that his son has been ill with diphtheria. Correspondence sent from Hudson's Bay House, Montreal to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from S.K. Parson discussing a map of Moose River he sketched for Dr. Bell and not making corrections on the topography because he did not trust himself to make them from memory. Correspondence sent from Hudson's Bay House, Montreal to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from S. K. Parson apologising that his daughter did not thank Dr. Bell for her Christmas gift. Correspondence sent from Hudson's Bay House, Montreal to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from S. K. Parson discussing his displeasure with having to serve jury duty. Correspondence sent from Hudson's Bay House, Montreal to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from S.K. Parson discussing missing someone due to the wreck of the “Labrador”, and having escaped the smallpox outbreak. Correspondence sent from Hudson's Bay House, Montreal to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from S. K. Parson regarding shipment of specimens. Correspondence sent from Hudson's Bay House, Montreal to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from S. K. Parson noting the arrival of specimens from London and charges due. Correspondence sent from Hudson's Bay House, Montreal to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from S. K. Parson regarding unpaid shipping charges. Correspondence sent from Hudson's Bay House, Montreal to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from S. K. Parson trying to recall the events of the "Hannah Bay massacre", in which a shooting took place. Correspondence sent from Hudson's Bay House, Montreal to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from S.K. Parson requesting the return of a map showing the mouth of Moose River. Parson also writes that there was a measles outbreak resulting in 126 deaths. Correspondence sent from Hudson's Bay House, Montreal to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Contains correspondence to Robert Bell from A. MacDonald. Correspondence contains personal communications regarding missing items belonging to Dr. Bell. Correspondence sent from Parry Sound, Ontario to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from D. F. MacDonald discussing items belonging to Dr. Bell that are missing or stolen. Correspondence sent from Parry Sound, Ontario to the Geological Survey Headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Contains correspondence to Robert Bell from F. Buller. Correspondence contains personal communications regarding missing books. Correspondence sent from Montreal, Quebec to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from F. Buller regarding missing books. Correspondence sent from St. Catherine Street, Montreal, Quebec to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal.
Contains correspondence to Robert Bell from Alexander Matheson. Correspondence contains personal communications regarding provisions, accounts, goods, and fauna. Correspondence sent from Rat Portage, Ontario to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec. Alexander Matheson (1844-1904) was a fur trader and entered the Hudson's Bay Company's service in 1861. At the time of his correspondence to Dr. Bell, Matheson was the manager at Rat Portage, now Kenora. More information on Alexander Matheson can be found on the Manitoba Historical Society's website.
Incoming correspondence from Alex Matheson regarding his search for a book for Dr. Bell. Correspondence sent from West Lynne, Manitoba to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
List of goods purchased including two hams, 45 lbs flour, ten prunes, ten apples. Total cost of $14.16.
Incoming correspondence from Alex Matheson explaining the delay in responding to Dr. Bell's questions regarding the habits of animals. He was not able to send a response because the most reliable hunters were not yet in. Correspondence sent from Rat Portage, Ontario to Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from Alex Matheson discussing provisions, canoes, and the mining industry in Manitoba. Correspondence sent from Rat Portage, Ontario to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from Alex Matheson discussing provisions, canoes, and the mining industry in Manitoba. Correspondence sent from Rat Portage, Ontario to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from Alex Matheson regarding building canoes and the delays due to winter weather. Correspondence sent from Rat Portage, Ontario to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from Alex Matheson regarding an outstanding account balance. Correspondence sent from Rat Portage, Ontario to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from Alex Matheson mentioning that Dr. Bell is now a member of the Ontario Mining Commission Board. Invoice for Dr. Bell of $27.22. Correspondence sent from Rat Portage, Ontario to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Contains correspondence to Robert Bell from A. Calder. Correspondence contains personal communications regarding an estimate for a carriage. Correspondence sent from Winnipeg, Manitoba to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Incoming correspondence from A. Calder regarding Dr. Bell’s estimate enquiry amounting to between $125-$150, depending on the supply and demand of horses. Conditions of the roads are estimated to not be too bad. Correspondence sent from Winnipeg, Manitoba to the Geological Survey headquarters in Montreal, Quebec.
Contains correspondence to Robert Bell from G. Stanley Hall. Correspondence contains personal communications regarding puberty rites among the Cree. Incoming correspondence sent from Worcester, Massachusetts to Robert Bell. G. Stanley Hall (1844-1924) was an American psychologist who is commonly known as the founder of child psychology and educational psychology. In 1889, Hall became the first president of Clark University and kept that position until 1920. More information on G. Stanley Hall can be found in the "New World Encyclopedia": http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/G._Stanley_Hall.
Incoming correspondence from G. Stanley Hall. Asking for Dr. Bell to inquire about puberty rites among the Cree for an upcoming book. Incoming correspondence sent from Worcester, MA, to Robert Bell.
Contains correspondence to Robert Bell from George Simpson McTavish Junior. Correspondence contains personal communications regarding McTavish's work with Hudson's Bay Company, and as manager at a cannery in British Columbia. Correspondence sent from various places such as York Factory, Winnipeg, and Victoria.
Incoming correspondence from George S. McTavish regarding a shipwreck that resulted in a loss of provisions for the upcoming winter. McTavish and others were able to assist with getting the crew and passengers to shore safely. Correspondence sent from York Factory, Manitoba to Robert Bell.
Incoming correspondence from George S. McTavish discussing his travel plans to Toronto and reporting to Winnipeg. McTavish also writes that he has a good chance at joining the Service. Correspondence sent from Montreal, Quebec to Robert Bell.
Incoming correspondence from George S. McTavish discussing his visit with Mr. Christie and his cousin. Correspondence sent from Colborne, Ontario to Robert Bell.
Incoming correspondence from George S. McTavish discussing the festive season and notifying Dr. Bell his letters and books were sent out. Correspondence sent from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Robert Bell.
Incoming correspondence from George S. McTavish discussing his future plans for work, possibly in British Columbia. McTavish also writes that he had the honor of driving some ladies around the town of Winnipeg. Correspondence sent from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Robert Bell.
Incoming correspondence from George S. McTavish regarding sending manuscripts and getting some translations done. Correspondence sent from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Robert Bell.
Incoming correspondence from George S. McTavish discussing his work prospect of managing Fort Halkett and looking forward to receiving some photos through the post from Dr. Bell. Correspondence sent from Cassiar, British Columbia to Robert Bell.
Incoming correspondence from George S. McTavish discussing how he has not received word from any friends during his hospital stay and how he is impatient to be released. Correspondence sent from Victoria, British Columbia to Robert Bell.
Incoming correspondence from George S. McTavish discussing his new position as Book keeper, with an increased pay from $50 per month to $75 per month. Correspondence sent from Victoria, British Columbia to Robert Bell.
Incoming correspondence from George S. McTavish discussing his travel plans to Rivers Inlet. Correspondence sent from Victoria, British Columbia to Robert Bell.
Incoming correspondence from George S. McTavish discussing his desire to leave the Hudson's Bay Company, but was told to wait for his contract to expire. McTavish also discusses ship travel, trade, and expenses. Correspondence sent from B. C. Canning Co., Rivers Inlet, British Columbia to Robert Bell.
Incoming correspondence from George S. McTavish asking for Dr. Bell’s advice on when to give the Canning Company his month’s notice. Correspondence sent from Rivers Inlet, British Columbia to Robert Bell.
Incoming correspondence from George S. McTavish congratulating Dr. Bell on his recently appointed position as director of the Geological Survey. McTavish also writes that he misses his friends and the old officers have been replaced by the younger generation. Correspondence sent from Rivers Inlet, British Columbia to Robert Bell.
Incoming correspondence from George S. McTavish discussing his holiday travels and visit to Hudson’s Bay Company in Winnipeg. McTavish writes that he saw old faces from his past and that the world has moved on without them. Correspondence sent from Rivers Inlet, British Columbia to Robert Bell.
Incoming correspondence from George S. McTavish discussing how times have changed and the art of writing is lost. McTavish also writes that he has kept in contact with old friends. Correspondence sent from Victoria, British Columbia to Robert Bell.
Field notes written by Robert Bell recording dates, temperatures, and coordinates. Notes pertain to the areas of Athabasca River and Slave River, Alberta.
Field notes written by Robert Bell recording dates, temperatures, and locations.