Showing 435 results

The William Pearce Fonds consists of records documenting the three phases of his professional life: federal surveyor and administrator (1874-1884); federal advisor for western development policy (1884-1904); and western consultant for the Canadian Pacific Railway (post-1904). Most of the records in the Pearce fonds were created in the region that was the focus of his career: the territory fomerly known as Rupert's Land and the North-West Territory, later to become the prairie provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. A small portion of the records document Pearce's activites during his retirment

Pearce informs Huckvale of the high value of his manuscript and promises to send a copy.

Pearce laments the lack of financial support for writers from universities and the private sector. Reports his manuscript is now in the Dominion Archives and Calgary Public Library.

Pearce sends his manuscript to Mrs. C.B. Waagen for review. He notes the positive comments of Steadman and his objective style of not writing personal observations.

Pearce sends his manuscript to Hon. Justice Tweedie for comment, quotes Steadman's endorsement emphasizing his objective ommissions of personal experience.

Pearce requests Oswald return his copy of his manuscript.

Pearce requests Wallace quickly read and return the copy of his manuscript he sent.

Oswald requests to keep his copy of Pearce's manuscript.

Oswald tells Pearce he will return his copy of Pearce's manuscript and requests to copy some portions.

Pearce asks Hon. Mr. Justice Beck to read his manusript. Pearce points out the commendable objectivity of his work, the approval of acquaintances, and the fact Dr. Adam Shortt of the Archives Branch of the Dominion Government" has place a copy in their holdings.

Pearce requests Mayor Huckvale return his copy of Pearce's manuscript and laments Huckvale's misspelling of his name.

Pearce sends J. McCartney Wilson a copy of his manuscript. Explains how his manuscript began in 1915 with a request to prepare a paper on the Canadian Pacific Railway title to lands, notes that no other living man had his experiences in settlement and the Department of the Interior accepted upwards of "99%" of his recommendations concerning squatters' claims.

Mayor Huckvale sends Pearce comments on his manuscript.

J. McCartney Wilson recommends consulting historical societies for publication support, notes J.E.A. MacLeod is President of new historical society in Calgary.

Pearce thanks McCartney Wilson for his positive comments. Notes he had a particularly important role in surveying the West. He claims he was not a source of discontent for the of the "Halfbreed Outbreak of '85" and the trial of Riel.

Pearce tells W.S. Wallace of the University of Toronto Library that he cannot afford to give them a copy of his manuscript but they are free to have a copy made.

E. Deville, former Surveyor General of Canada, informs Pearce when the Dominion government changed the river lot system to "regular system" for surveys of rivers in the Northwest Territories.

D.S. Robertson inquires if he can acquire copies of Pearce's collection of photograph concerning Western Canadian history.

Pearce asks Professor Fay if his colleague, Professor Wrong, might be interested in funding publication of his manuscript.

Details on rail line from Callender to Port Arthur

Pearce explains to Premier Dunning his vital role in settling various land claims arising from the Manitoba Act, laments the Canadian support for publications.

Thanks Premier Dunning for offering to read the manuscript.

J. Ross Robertson thanks Pearce for sending his photographs, tells Pearce he cannot identify the photograph of Riel and his Council although Riel imprisoned him at Ft. Garry during the 1869 rebellion.

Pearce sends F.H. Peters parts one and two of his narrative, explains no one else could equal his first-hand experience of western settlement and he is most qualified to write the narrative.

Pearce accepts Peters recommendations, will collect historic photogarphs to add to the work.

Peters tells Pearce Premier Greenfield of Alberta would like to review a copy of his manuscript

Pearce addresses the suggested changes of J.A. Jaffray

Jaffray discusses the first commercial mining of coal in Alberta, the establishment of Ft. Macleod.

Premier Greenfield tells Peace he sent a letter supporting publication of Pearce's manuscript to the Department of the Interior.

Pearce writes to Dr. Adam Shortt, Chairman, Historical Documents Publications Board regarding publishing his manuscript

Pearce sends a copy of his manuscript to the S.J. McLean, Asst. Chief Commissioner, Board of Railway Commissioners, Ottawa.

Pearce asks for information concerning the early history of southern Alberta. Subjects Pearce asks for include early transportation from Fort Benton on the Missouri to Fort Whoop-up in Southern Alberta, the last conflict between First Nations groups, and police efforts to control the alcohol trade.

Pearce asks Macbeth for information concerning steamboats and barges used to convey coal from Medicine Hat to Lethbridge.

Pearce asks Col. Walker for details of his involvement in the N.W.M.P. march from Dufferin, Manitoba to MacLeod, Alberta.

Starnes asks Pearce for information concerning the discovery on a farm in Saskatchewan of a limestone slab marking the grave of a Native Cree.

Steadman sends Pearce a list of facts concerning early events in the development of the Canadian West.

Bennett asks Pearce for information concerning Flag Staff Hills and a rumoured Treaty signed in 1885.

Pearce explains to Blue, Provincial Librarian of Alberta, that he took evidence of all settlements in Alberta where there were disputed lots, recommends the creation of an Alberta historical society to best deal with the distrbtution and preservation of such evidence.

Walter Huckvale, Mayor of Medicine Hat, asks Pearce for a copy of his manuscript in order to offer comments

W.W. Cory, Deputy Minister of the Interior, tells Pearce his Department is sending him information on plans of St. Laurent Settlement, Townshiops 44 and 45, Range 1, West of the 3rd Meridian, and a photostat copy of the plan of Moose Jaw. He informs him that a plan of Whitemud Fort seems to have been lost.

Pearce asks King to supply him with historical information for his historical manuscript. He specifically asks King about his experience travelling West with the North West Mounted Police in 1874.

Chester Martin informs Pearce he has read his manuscript. He commends him for focussing on facts and not adding personal reminiscences.

Details on completion of CPR, Callander Junction to Port Arthur and the relation to the 1885 rebellion

Campbell provides Pearce with a detailed critque of Pearce's Manuscript.

Pearce replies to Black's request for information on Land Division in the Western Prairie Provinces. Pearce ponders if he should write Historical Manuscript.

Edmund Pinchbeck, Secretary-Treasurer of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts invites Pearce to give a lecture on the history of Alberta to the Association's annual convention.

Points out location of historical sites where buffalo hunters wintered

Discusses locations of Buffalo Jumping Pounds in Alberta

Pearce writes of his interest in some day indexing his historic photos and writing a historic manuscript

Pearce writes of significant sites in Alberta including an Indian burying site near Macleod

Pearce describes his understanding of the locations of Indian settlement locations and their social groupings

Godsal reminisces about coming to the West.T.H. Steedman provides detailed commentary.

Pearce comments on the causes of the 1885 Riel Rebellion, and his intention to publish a narrative on the development of the West. Denies Metis land claims at Batoche inspired 1885 Rebellion and defends his federal government report on the causes of the 1885 Rebellion.

Mr Ross sends Pearce a copy of the count from the complaint laid against Louis Riel in July 1885.

Peters returns Pearce's manuscript with contemporary and historical photographs, tells Pearce a personal visit would not change the Department's decision not to publish

Dr. Maclaren thanks Pearce for sending copies of his address to the Military Institute and his report to the Alberta Land Surveyors' Association.

A rare book dealer in New York sends Coleman a copy of his "half-breed" report in French, and Coleman notifies Pearce. He also asks Pearce where he can locate an English copy.

Grogan thanks Pearce for supplying information for his research into the North-West Rebellion. He also promises Pearce a copy of his article.

Commissioner for National Parks informs Pearce that he will send him copies of his report "The North-West Half-Breed Grant."

Pearce comments on his intention to publish a paper on the settlement of the West.

Sir Hugh Macdonald acknowledges receipt of Pearce's historical manuscript and advises he will provide comments.

Shanks notifies Pearce that his review in the October 1923 edition of the Dominion Land Surveyors' Journal compliments Pearce's address to the Alberta Military Institute regarding the Second Riel Rebellion.

Pearce thanks Shanks for his article endorsing his position in the Dominion Land Surveyors Journal. Pearce comments on the Dominion Land Board's relationship in the Riel Rebellion.

Rothwell explains he cannot find a copy of Pearce's 1886 report "The North-West Half- Breed Grant."

Pearce asks the Minister of the Interior, Dr. Roche, for copies of his report "The North-West Half-Breed Grant."

Rothwell explains why he cannot locate Pearce's report "The North-West Half-Breed Grant" in the Department of the Interior.

Pearce thanks Roche for sending his Report "The North-West Half-Breed Grant" and asks for additional copies.

Godfrey congradulates Pearce for the material he prepared for F.M. Black of the Public Utilities Commission of Alberta. On request of the Association of Dominion Chartered Accountants Black presented a talk concerning land policies in western Canada. Black requested Pearce write the paper for the presentation and Pearce obliged. The presentation was the seed for Pearce's historical narrative.

Dennis acknowledges receipt of Pearce's paper, intended for the Dominion Association of Chartered Accountants, and notes its "extreme value."

M. Ommaney of the C.P.R. wrrties to Pearce explaining he cannot locate a map from 1885 documenting the proposed location of the C.P.R.

Pearce writes to the Mayor of MacLeod to ask for information and pictures concerning "the burying stone of the Peigan Indian reserve," and a buffalo pound in Porcupine Hills.

Pearce sends his 1886 "North-West Half-Breed Grant" to Dr. Rutherford and comments on its validity.

Pearce asks Nanton to forward his paper "Titles to Land in the Three Prairie Provinces" to H.H. Smith, former Commissioner of Dominion Lands and Pearce's superior.

Pearce asks McCaig to comment on H.H. Smith's, former Commissioner of Dominion Lands and Pearce's superior, critique of Pearce's paper, "Titles to Land in the Three Prairie Provinces."

Pearce discusses a section of his paper regarding the Hudson's Bay Company in his paper "Titles to Land in the Three Prairie Provinces" and requests a critique from Cote.

Pearce requests information regarding land holdings in the prairies.

Burpee offers a critique of Pearce's paper "Titles to Land in the Three Prairie Provinces."

Thompson addresses the question of "Hudson's Bay Reserve Lands." Pearce has made several inquiries into this issue for the purpose of researching his essay, "Titles to Land."

Pearce sends Dennis a copy of address to the Alberta Military Institute. He also offers to locate a copy of his "Detailed Report upon All Claims to Land and Right to Participate in the Northwest Half-Breed Grant."

T. Shanks, Assistant Director of General Surveys, thanks Pearce for sending him the Annual Report of the Alberta Land Surveyors Association for 1921 and a newspaper copy of his October 1920 address before the Alberta Military Institute.

J.H.King provides Pearce with information regarding the construction of buildings in the West.

Pearce requests information regarding telegraphs from C.N. Bell.

Bedford provides Peace with information regarding the Postal Service in the West.

Meyer provides Pearce with information regarding Postal Routes in British Columbia.

Pearce asks for information regarding the development of the North West Territories and the appointment of David Laird.

Pearce requests information regarding the settlement of Livingstone.

Pearce sends Mr. Naismith a copy of his findings regarding the settlement of Livingstone.

Pearce sends Mr. Naismith a copy of his findings regarding the settlement of Livingstone.

Pearce consults Prof. Fay concerning the editorial comments of Gilbert Tassie.

Professor Fay explains he cannot find a publisher for Pearce's manuscript. He recommends trying to publish it in Calgary as a local history.

Macdonald tells Pearce he is still reading his manuscript, recommends "Pearce Papers" as the title.

Macdonald agrees to send Pearce his manuscript and pay for express postage, suggests again the C.P.R. or a government office to cover the cost of publication.

Pearce sends his manuscript to Prof. James Mavor for comment. Inquires into the possibility of the Royal Geographical Society covering the cost of printing.

Pearce explains to Burpee that with Mavor's support his manuscript could be published by the Royal Society of Canada. He

Pearce requests Wallace to read his manuscript

Pearce's essay concerning settlement of land title on the prairie provinces.

Manuscript describes the early navigation of the river systems of the North and South Saskatchewan beginning with the Hudson's Bay Company efforts in 1874. In addition to commerce the vessels listed were used for public purposes such as transporting military resources until the 1885 Riel Rebellion. Rail development supplanted river navigation shortly thereafter.

Pearce congratuates Steele on his appointment to cammond of the military forces in the Yukon an to becoming a Member of Council for the Distrct. Pearce also recommends his friend Billy Jones, soon to be in the region, for any support Steele can offer.

Steele describes to Pearce the trouble in South Africa finding labour to work in the mines. He writes that mineowners are considering contracting Asian labourers and asks for Pearce's impression of this solution in light of the Canadian labour experience.

Pearce sends Steele a letter in South Africa giving him a general report of events in Canada includig the development of railways on the Prairies, crops and irrigation. Investment opportunities in natural resources are also mentinoed.