A handwritten letter from R.P. to his father. Roger is enroute from Ontario to the west, travelling through the United States and then on through Manitoba, stopping at Winnipeg. He describes the scenery he encounters on his trip, and is writing on the eve of reporting for duty to the NWMP fort at Winnipeg.
Pocock, RogerHandwritten letter from Roger Pocock with a NWMP detachment in Regina to his [sister] Ethel. Only the first two pages of the letter are extant.
Pocock, RogerA handwritten letter from Roger Pocock in Regina to his mother in Ontario. He discusses the loss of his manuscript which the NWMP did not approve of, and goes on to describe in detail his fellow 'chums' at the Regina NWMP post, including a Charlie Sinclair who served in 1874 with the Wolseley expedition.
Pocock, RogerA handwritten letter from Roger Pocock in Regina to his father in Ontario. Roger is about to depart from the NWMP fort at Regina, en route for Qu'appelle with a party of other NWMP constables. Two small sketches of a marching patrolman (Pocock) and the Fort is included in the written letter.
Pocock, RogerA handwritten letter from Roger Pocock in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan to his mother in Ontario. This letter provides a detailed account of Roger's journey with NWMP troops travelling from Regina to Fort Qu'appelle and on to Prince Albert. While on this journey, Roger froze the toes of his right foot and is under medical supervision as he writes, describing the great pain he is experiencing. He includes a small map showing the route from Regina to Prince Albert.
Pocock, RogerA composite handwritten letter from Roger Pocock at Prince Albert to his mother in Ontario. Pocock is confined to a sick bed, while he recovers from having five toes of his right foot amputated due to frostbite. His letter is full of details about fellow NWMP force members, and he talks about his hoped-for reorganization of the Force; his observations of their skirmishes, marches, and dress, and asks for reading material to be sent to him while he recovers. Roger describes the march, his bout of frostbitten feet, toe amputations, skirmish at Duck Lake, and his days healing from the surgery.
Pocock, RogerA handwritten letter from Roger Pocock in Prince Albert to his father in Ontario. Roger continues to be in sick bay in the "detachment station 1 1/2 miles from Fort Prince Albert" as he recovers from his toe amputation surgery. His letter is long and filled with his observations, comments, and responses to questions his parents have asked him in earlier letters.
Pocock, RogerA handwritten letter from Roger Pocock at Prince Albert to his mother in Ontario. The letter is descriptive of native dress and NWMP horse dress, complete with small illustrations to accompany the written description. Roger is uncertain about whether he will be able to remain with the NWMP, and discusses possible future options, including returning home for a visit. He continues the letter over a period of days, and describes for his mother problems with drunkenness in the Force, and related discipline problems. He also discusses the suicide of a Sioux prisoner in their Fort.
Pocock, RogerA handwritten letter from Roger Pocock in Prince Albert to his [mother] in Ontario. He writes about his preparations to leave Prince Albert, and lists the items in his kit, and is making arrangements to send books and papers back to family in Ontario.
Pocock, RogerA handwritten page of an incomplete letter written by Roger Pocock probably to a family member; on this page Roger describes the winter landscape, discusses his sketching, and talks about the sound of "retreat" at sunset.
Pocock, RogerLetter 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.
Pocock, RogerLetter 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.
Pocock, RogerLetter 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.
Pocock, RogerA 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.
Pocock, RogerLetter 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.
Pocock, RogerLetter 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.
Pocock, RogerLetter 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.
Pocock, RogerOrder 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.
Pocock, RogerPocock's 1887 scrapbook consists of approximately 53 leaves of textual and graphic material. Most pages of pasted or tipped in clippings and imprints and handwritten diary entries and letters for the year 1887.
Scrapbook contains:
Sketches of Fort William.
Letters to and from his father, to Mr. Keeper, to his mother, to his sisters, Rose and Daisy, and others. Notable are the telegram telling Pocock of his mother's fatal injury from being thrown from a carriage and the critique of "Spirit of the Plains".
Photographs of his mother on her deathbed and various landscapes.
Imprint cuttings related to Indigenous life, Toronto scenes, Ottawa scenes, Canadian sports, wildlife, and landscapes.
Newsclippings of book reviews, news articles, history of the NWMP, article about his mother's death, jokes, poems (of some Pocock is the author), and current events.
Diary entries for 1887.
Hand-drawn map of Quebec area near Ottawa.
Pocock's 1887-1888 scrapbook consists of approximately 71 sheets of handwritten entries, cuttings of articles and imprints either pasted or tipped in, and letters kept loosely between pages.
Scrapbook contains:
Diary entries for the years 1887-1888
Handwritten financial records.
Notifications of his publication "Tales of Western Life".
Sketches of buildings and paintings of "Day After the Fire - June 14th,1886" (artist not credited).
Letters to his father (handwritten and typewritten), Frank, and his sister, Daisy.
Manuscript copy of "The Tale of a Tenderfoot".
Imprint cuttings of ranching, scenery, landscapes and towns of British Columbia, RCMP, trains and train stations, Calgary, wildlife, and Indigenous people.
Article clippings of jokes, religious editorials, and articles about his injury of breaking his arm.
Maps of British Columbia.
Pocock's 1890 scrapbook consists mostly of large photographs and imprint cuttings of British Columbia and the Rocky Mountains.
Scrapbook contains:
Imprint cuttings of scenes of B.C. and the Rocky Mountains.
Photographs of Kicking Horse Pass, Rodger's Pass, mountain scenes, Indigenous people, scenes of Bella Coola, Victoria, portraits (most unidentified), Lizzie Denny, two women convocating in caps and gowns, people and scenes of Port Essington, scenes of Skeena River, Fraser River First Nations, and scenes of Fraser River.
Photographs glued onto scrapbook board of people and scenes from Pocock's 1889 sealing expedition on the Behring Sea.
Pocock, RogerPhotographs glued onto scrapbook boards of people and scenes from Pocock's sealing expedition in the Behring Sea.
Pocock, RogerLithograph showing the base of a giant tree with two men standing by it. Printed writing on front reads "A Giant of Vancouver" and handwritten notes read "Material for a dugout canoe" and "3 inches wide" [for reprinting purposees?].
Pocock's 1901-1903 scrapbook consisting of graphic and textual material related to his travels, publications, and involvement in the Boer War.
Scrapbook contains:
Photographs of Pocock's family, White Fraser's Troop in Strathcona's (some people in photo identified), and scenes and people of the Boer War.
Watercolour paintings of soldier from Boer War, seascapes, interior and exterior views of boats, landscape of camp during Boer War, and various portraits.
Maps of Egypt and South Africa.
Clippings of Lena Ashwell's plays and performances, Lena Ashwell's obituary, the Duke of Cornwall's visit to Canada, and various articles related to Pocock's interests. Also includes clippings of stories and articles written by Pocock including "The Cargador", "Sundered Hearts", and "The Trail of Red Macleod".
Brochure published by Pocock's father.
Imprint cuttings of New Orleans; cathedrals and buildings in Pouen, Teneriffe and other parts of Spain; Durban; South Africa; Zuzuland; Cape Town; and other regions of Africa.
Letters to and from Pocock, including one from A.J. Dawson, journalist and author.
Diary entries for the years 1901-1903 about his travels.
Certificate of discharge as Assistant Steward from the Ship, "Rossall" (1901).
Ephemera such as railway tickets, permission ships, travelling pass, list of men taking discharge in April 1902.
Pocock's 1903-1904 scrapbook consisting of graphic and textual materials related to his publications, travels in the UK, and other interests.
Scrapbook contains:
Photographs of Lena Ashwell, and unidentified portraits.
Sketch by Oliver Herford.
Letters from Rudyard Kipling and S.R. James
Clippings of reviews for Pocock's book "A Frontiersman", articles about Lena Ashwell, interview with Pocock, articles related to Pocock's interests, and articles and stories written by Pocock including "In the Land of Death", "Hunting in Western America", "Fur Farming in England", "The Mythological Gardens", "The City of Death", "The Black Box", "Christmas in Strange Places", "A Capitol Felony", "The Joys of a Cowboy's Life", "A Lord on the Range", "Amor de Cosmos", and "A Matter of Robbers".
Watercolour paintings and sketches of landscapes, buildings, and Munslow.
Imprints of Steele, villages in the UK, Blackfoot people, and Cowboys.
Playbill for play with Lena Ashwell.
Newspaper clipping, likely from The Herald, containing various news items about Fernie, British Columbia., from 26 July, [year unknown].
Handwritten passage titled "Prayer of a Horse" written on paper with a "Mullens' Feed and Sale Stables" letterhead, located in Redding, California.
Handwritten passage describing Pocock's book Captains of Adventure, published in 1913. The page is torn along the bottom, cutting off the description of another book.
Journal in Swedish. Seems to be about a Viking burial.
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".
Pocock, RogerLetter from Harwood Steele to Pocock dated 20 July 1928 regarding Harwood trying to sell the motion picture rights possibly for his book Spirit of Iron. Harwood also writes about his health and goals.
Steele, HarwoodLetter from Pocock to Harwood Steele dated 1 July 1930 regarding the rejection to publish several of Harwood's writings. Pocock also writes about a veteran's dinner he attended.
Pocock, RogerNote of rejection from the magazine Bachelor undated. Handwriting on reverse is difficult to read and the subject is unclear.
Four envelopes, two of which are addressed from Pocock to Harwood Steele and Miss Steele, and the other two are associated with different Pocock scrapbooks from unknown senders.
A watercolour sketch by Pocock of a NWMP encampment in 1886. Writing on front reads "NWMP F. Troop Detachment Camp - Moon of Berries 1886".
Pocock, RogerA certificate of discharge from the the NWMP for Pocock. It was signed in Regina, Saskatchewan on 19 November 1886 and states that Pocock was discharged "as an invalid".
Letter from G.E. Webster (representative of Methuen & Co.) to Pocock dated 15 January 1903. Sender informs Pocock that he cannot make Pocock's invitation to meet.
Letter from G.E. Webster of Methuen & Co. to Pocock dated 5 February 1903. Webster suggests edits and additions to Trails of the Lost Legion (manuscript title for The Frontiersman).
Letter from G.E. Webster of Methuen & Co. to Pocock dated 8 April 1903. Letter acknowledges the changes to the draft that Pocock made, asks that he consider changing the title of the book, and discusses Pocock's royalties.
List of possible alternative titles for The Frontiersman.
Pocock, RogerLetter from G.E. Webster of Methuen & Co. to Pocock dated 23 April 1903. Webster promises to make suggestions for American publishers and puts forward "A Frontiersman" as the best title for the book.
Letter from G.E. Webster of Methuen & Co. to Pocock dated 24 April 1903. Webster suggests to get an introduction to the book.
Letter from G.E. Webster of Methuen & Co. to Pocock dated 1 May 1903 requesting to see Pocock about American copyright for his book.
Letter from Methuen to Pocock dated 1 May 1903 asking for a description of his book.
Letter from Pocock to G.E. Webster of Methuen & Co. undated, possibly from 5 to 10 of June 1903. Pocock writes about the edits he has made and justifies the passages he wants to keep.
Pocock, RogerHandwritten list of the index of chapters in A Frontiersman and notes on how each has been edited.
Pocock, RogerSigned declaration by Pocock that his book A Frontiersman is a factual autobiography.
Letter from Cassell & Co. to Methuen & Co. dated 11 August 1903 requesting a portrait of Pocock to include with an announcement of the book for the journal Men & Women.
Letter from N.W. [Gillespie?] of McClure, Phillips & Co. to Pocock dated 28 September 1903 requesting to borrow a specific portrait of him.
Royalty report from McClure, Phillips & Co. dated 30 June 1904 for Pocock's book Following the Frontier (the American title for A Frontiersman).
Letter from Methuen & Co. to Pocock dated 5 May 1905 regarding the production of the cheap edition of A Frontiersman.
Royalty report from Methuen & Co. dated 8 June 1905 for Pocock's book A Frontiersman.
Letter from Hughes Massies & Co. to Pocock dated 12 October 1914 which enclosed a memorandum of agreement for the publishing of The Splendid Blackguard.
Chart showing the wind directions over the Pacific Ocean for the month of December. Prepared and published by the Hydrographic Office of the Navy Department of the United States of America.
An undated pamphlet of the title and descriptions of Pocock's 'popular' lectures.
Letter from Pocock dated 13 March 1925 which asserts that he has obtained written release from Messrs, Little, Brown, & Co. for the motion picture rights of his book Curly and assigns Wid Cunning as his agent to sell those rights.
Pocock, RogerPhotograph of the plaque and write-up for "The Pocock Lone Scout Trophy for Horsemanship and Scouting". This trophy was commissioned and awarded by the "M" Squadron of the Legion of Frontiersmen in Montreal.
Non-fiction book written by Roger Pocock: Pocock, Roger. Horses. London: John Murray, 1917. Signed by Pocock for Sam Steele and Harwood Steele. Originally owned by Sam Steele, the book was transferred to Harwood Steele in 1935.
Pocock, RogerA 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.
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.
Pocock, RogerA 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.
Forgotten as Becomes the Frontiersman: The Early History of the Legion of Frontiersmen by Geoffrey A. Pocock (June 1991)
Portrait of Pocock wearing a light-coloured button-up shirt and a bandana around his neck. Text on reverse reads "Roger Pocock, photograph taken in London in 1903" and writing reads "Pictorial Mag".
Portrait of Pocock from the Vaughan & Freeman Studio. Signed by Pocock as a gift for Harwood Steele and dated March 1927.
Photograph of nine unidentified men sitting on a wooden beam, taken near Bull River, BC. Writing on reverse reads "No. 2" and on the accompanying sheet of paper it reads "Photograph No. 2 - The men who liberated the jam by inserting charges of dynamite." There are also descriptions for two other photographs, but they were not found with this one.
Photograph of a river after cleared of log jam. Writing on reverse reads "No. 3".
Photograph of two unidentified men, one holding rope and the other running beside a horse, at an unknown location.
Photograph of unknown lake. Likely Kootenay Lake.
Photograph of Randle Cecil sitting on the step of a barn door. He is looking down and his face is hidden by his hat. Beside him a child is between two dogs.
Randle Cecil (1889-1917) was son of Lord Rupert Ernest William Gascoyne-Cecil, Bishop of Exeter.
Postcard of a man on snowshoes holding a rifle and a dead fisher. Writing on back reads "Coming in with a fisher".
Postcard of a man kneeling beside several dead weasels and rabbits in snowbank. Writing of reverse reads "Walter Johnstone and days catch.".
A split-back postcard of a man sitting with a fisher on his lap. Writing on reverse reads "Trapper with a Fisher".
Postcard of a fisher with a snared paw. Writing on reverse reads "Wolverine in no 3 trap".
Photograph of two men standing outside a log cabin in a forest. Cabin, trees, and ground are covered in snow. Writing on reverse reads "Trappers' Shed; 10 June".
Pocock, RogerPostcard of a steam boot on Peace River at Ft. Vermilion. Caption on front reads "Early Morning on Peace River at Ft. Vermillion[sic]" and text on reverse reads "Series No. 151. "Copyright" The H. Enida Olive Co'y Ltd Calgary. Canada." It is improbable that Pocock and Cecil ever visited Ft. Vermilion and this was likely purchased while in Calgary.
Photograph overlooking Windermere Lake. Writing on reverse reads "Lake Windermere".
Photograph of Randle Cecil sitting in pool of water. Writing on back reads "Cedil in hot springs; Fairmount; Source of Columbia".
Photograph of Randle Cecil and others at a picnic. Writing on reverse reads "Mr Adams, Miss Adams, Randolph Bruce, Cecil. Picnic on Dutch Creek, [shores?] of Columbia River. Hoodoos in background".
Photograph of bridge over river in forested area. Writing on reverse reads "Park Bridge where the [porkies?] ate our reins. Hamill Creek, Selkirks".
Postcard of a mountainous view. Writing on reverse reads " Valhalla Range; Kootenay BC. from Galloping Mtns Arrow Lakes."
Postcard of a several dogsled teams in the winter in a forested area with mountains in the background. Caption on front reads "Mail Teams, Skeens River, B.C., During Construction of G.T.P.R.R." and on reverse reads "Pub. by McRae Bros., Ltd. Prince Rupert, B.C., Printed in Great Britain". It is unlikely that Pocock and Cecil visited the Skeena River and this was likely purchased while in Vancouver.
Files contains images of locations in Washington, Oregon, and California from Pocock and Cecil's journey in 1913. Places are identified on the postcards and photographs either by Pocock's handwriting or by printed description.
Postcard of two men sitting on top of a suspended log that is being loaded onto a train car, likely somewhere near Edgewick, Washington. Caption on front reads "Northbend Lumber Co; Loading Logs".
Postcard of rabbits behind a fence on a snowy field. Caption on front reads "Rabbit Drive, near Lakeview, Oregon, Feb. 5th, 1911. 1811--Rabbits killed in Pen."
Postcard of a large A-frame tent in a forested area. Caption on front reads "First Hotel, High Grade, Cal."
Postcard overlooking Lily Lake, near High Grade, CA. Caption on front reads "Lily Lake, High Grade Cal."
Subseries consists of photographs of unidentified people and places on the Canadian Prairies. It is unclear when these photographs were taken but the majority may have been created around the time of Pocock and Cecil's 1913 journey as they were crossing the Canada by train from New York to Calgary. One photograph was likely taken around 1890 as the style of it matches those in Pocock's 1890 scrapbook. Subseries is arranged according the order that photographs were processed.
Photograph of six unidentified men, one of which is on a horse-drawn wagon, in a prairie-like setting. This photograph is similar in style to photographs in Pocock's 1890 scrapbook but was found separately from it in folder of other photographs.
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 seven unidentified people and two children posing in front of canvas roofed shack. Writing on reverse reads "First prairie home. The beginnings of settlement".
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 schooner. Likely the Terningen.
Pocock, RogerPhotograph of two unidentified men standing beside a giant skull-like object. Writing of reverse of each reads "Skull of a Sea-Serpent, From Chorus to Adventurers By Roger Pocock (John Lane, The Bodley Head Ltd. London).
Photograph of several unidentified soldiers and officers of the R.A.F. Writing on reverse reads "Eagles & Penguins Chapter; Other Ranks".
Photograph of four unidentified men, two of which are in uniform, standing in a R.A.F. cookhouse during the First World War. Writing on reverse reads "Eagles and Penguins Chapter ; Cut at side ; The Cookhouse".
Photograph of R.A.F. soldier standing by a motorcycle in front of the orderly house during the First World War. Writing on reverse reads "R.A.F. Chapter (crossed out) ; Eagles and Penguins Chapter ; The Dispatch Rider".
Subseries consists of a photograph and negatives that are likely of Pocock as a pensioner during his residence at Charterhouse in London, sometime around 1931. Subseries is arranged according to the order that records were processed.
Photograph of a Red River cart, a stage coach, a tent, teepees, and a log cabin. Writing on reverse reads "Old Stage Coach & Red River Cart by Log Cabin".
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."