Personal and career papers
Zonder titelThe 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
Zonder titelDenis assures Pearce that the Board of Examiners of Surveyors will meet with quorum in Winnipeg to approve his bona fide surveyor's certification.
Zonder titelCorrespondence sent to Steele related to his duties in the Yukon from Fred White, Yukon Commissioner James. M. Walsh, A.B. Perry, and William Pearce, Superintendent of Mines; includes a completed Chilkoot Pass duty form and instructions for Steele's transfer to Dawson.
Zonder titelPersonal letters sent to SBS from William Pearce, Chief Inspector of Surveys for the Canadian Government; his letters are long and newsy and provide much detail about crops, land use and development, etc. in Western Canada
Zonder titelGeneral Correspondence – Letters from family and friends, re: various matters; includes a letter from the parent seeking further information about a son killed in South Africa. Handwritten.
Zonder titelWalter Huckvale, Mayor of Medicine Hat, requests a copy of Pearce's manuscript.
Zonder titelMemorandum Pearce wrote concerning the progress and problems surveyors experienced in implementing the survey program of the Department of the Interior
Zonder titelThe Toronto General Trusts Coroporation asks Pearce to give an estimated value to two properties in and near Calgary.
Zonder titelPearce sends Steele, still serving as a commander in the South African Constabulary in Pretoria, general news and events in Canada. Topics include Pearce's aid in Steele purchasing a farm in Alberta, federal politics, and British-American relations.
Zonder titelPearce sends Steele a general news letter. His topics include, the Alaskan Boudary decision, Asian immigration, potential war with Russia and Japan, and British politics.
Zonder titelSteele asks Pearce to pick out and purchase a nice piece of land for him in western Canada. He wishes to settle down as a farmer when he returns to Canada. Steele also comments on the quality of the men serving in Southern Africa.
Zonder titelThree related notes on hotel letterhead documenting Pearce's efforts to meet with Steele during his time in Ottawa.
Zonder titelSteele comments to Pearce on the prospects of settling in western Canada for himself and other military officers in the South African Constabulary.
Zonder titelPearce sends Steele a general update on events in Canada. Land speculation has receded and Pearce tells Steele he can help him acquire some land in Alberta. Other events commented on include the Chamberlain crusade on tariff reform and the Alaskan Boundary Dispute.
Zonder titelSteele asks Pearce many questions about his chances to return to western Canada and purchase a farm. He also informs Pearce on the conditions in Sourth Africa, the climate, and the quality of local labour.
Zonder titelPearce advises Steele on prospective land purchases in Alberta, particularly around Sounding Lake. He notes that they can together make wiser investments in the future.
Zonder titelPearces sends Steele a general report on news and events in Canada while Steele is commanding the "n" Division of the North Arfrican Constabulary. Topics include livestock brought from the U.S., immigrant Chinese labour, the Alaska Boundary Dispute, the Canadian labour market, and the health of the crops on the Prairies.
Zonder titelPearce acknowledges receipt of a letter of introduction from Steele. An unidentified acquaintance of Steele's (most likely his nephew) attempted to visit Pearce in Calgary but he was not home.
Zonder titelSteele gives Pearce a general description of his experiences in South Africa. He includes brief comments on the Boers, colonialism, and the natural surroundings.
Zonder titelPearce sends Steele, who is commanding "E" Division of the South Africa Constabulary in South Africa, a general update of news in Canada. Topics include the Frank Slide, land speculation in western Canada, Pearce's desired superannuation, American immigration and the loyalty of British immigrants to the Crown.
Zonder titelSteele makes inquiries concerning the seasonal state of farming in western Canada.
Zonder titelSteele thanks Pearce for inquiring into the purchase of land in western Canada.
Zonder titelSteele gives Pearce a general report on conditions in South Africa during the conflict between the British and the Boers. He mentions civilian prisoners, fighting, and farming in South Africa.
Zonder titelSteele 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.
Zonder titelPearce sents Steele, still commanding "E" Division in Pretoria for the South African Constabulary, general information on events in western Canada. Topics include a harsh spring in Alberta, land speculation in Southern Alberta, and Pearce's desire for superannuation.
Zonder titelSteele sends Pearce his perspective on the state of British colonial acitivities in South Africa and Canada with a view to promoting British identity. He also discusses his desire to settle in western Canada.
Zonder titelSteele sends Pearce his general impression of the South African region he is working in. He gives his impressions of the natural environment, the wildlife, and the native peoples.
Zonder titelPearce 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.
Zonder titelPearce sends Steele a letter in South Africa giving him a general report of events in Canada includig the development of railwasys on the Prairies, crops and irrigation, and sporting events
Zonder titelSteele gives Pearce an overview of his military activities in South Africa.
Zonder titelSteele sends Pearce a general description of his life in South Africa as he serves in the "E" Division of the South African Constabulary.
Zonder titelPearce sends Steele, Commanding "E" Dvision, of the South Africa Constabulary in Pretoria, a general review of Canadian politics, including harvest news and internal Department of Interior news.
Zonder titelPearce sends Steele a letter telling him he tried to see him in his hotel in Ottawa but Steele did not appear to wish to see him.
Zonder titelPearce sends Steele some news concerning inside politics at Ottawa.
Zonder titelSteele asks Pearce to determine if his application for the Red River Expedition Medal has been received and processed by Colonel Wainwright or Griffith.
Zonder titelPearce responds to accusations from Norman Fergus Black that the Canadian government's mishandling of land claims in the regions of St. Laurent was a contributing factor in the 1885 Rebellion. He also advices Mr. Shanks, Assitant Director General of Surverys, that he is sending him a copy of the Annual Report of the Albera Land Surveyors' Association for 1921. This report holds further commentary on the pre-1885 land claims issue. Finally, Pearce also includes a copy of his 1885 Half-Breed Outbreak Report.
Zonder titelPearce sends Davidson his Detailed Report upon All Claims to land and Right to Participate in the North-West Half-Breed Grant. He also explains his role in approving French Half Breed land claims in Prince Albert prior to the 1885 rebellion. He claims his actions reduced the participation of this group.
Zonder titelPearce 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.
Zonder titelSteele tells Pearce he is not in contact with Captain Deane and will therefore find it difficult to get payment to the Ladies Work Depository for the cost of marmalade purchased for the NorthWest Mounted Police detachment in Lethbridge, Alberta
Zonder titelPearce writes to Steele requesting him to resolve the Ladies Work Depository's request for payment of bill for supplying 200lbs of marmalade to the NorthWest Mounted Police detachment in Lethbridge, Alberta.
Zonder titelMiss Unwin sends Pearce an unpaid bill Capt. Deane owes to the Ladies Work Reformatory for the purchase of 220 lbs. Of of marmalade.
Zonder titelPearce informs Miss Unwin that he has contatected Capt. Deane, concerning money he owes and assures her Capt. Deane will soon pay.
Zonder titelSteele thanks Pearce for his valued correspondence
Zonder titelHelen Unwin requests Pearce intervene with the NWMP for an unpaid bill.
Zonder titelPearce thanks Edmund Pinchbeck for an invitation to speak at the annual convention of the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts. He explains he cannot due to illness.
Zonder titelPearce asks Professor Fay if he would edit his manuscript and offer him any adivise concerning publication
Zonder titelChester Martin informs Pearce he has read his manuscript. He commends him for focussing on facts and not adding personal reminiscences.
Zonder titelBurpee sends Pearce his comments on his manuscript. In particular he recommends he adds "personal reminiscences" to the narrative.
Zonder titelPearce sends his manuscript to F.M. Black requesting comments. He also asks if Mr. Black will send the manuscript on to, Mr. Healy, Provincial Librarian of Manitoba, for comments.
Zonder titelPearce sends Burpee the last nine chapters in his historical manuscript asking him for his editorial comments.
Zonder titelPearce sends Coyne a copy of his manuscript and asks him if he will proofread and edit it.
Zonder titelSteadman sends Pearce a list of facts concerning early events in the development of the Canadian West.
Zonder titelPearce inquires concerning the Aboriginal Battle of Belly River and Jerry Potts.
Zonder titelPearce 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.
Zonder titelPearce continues to ask Steadman questions regarding the early years of settlement and trade in Southern Alberta
Zonder titelPearce sends Steadman his memorandum concerning bull trains and travel in the early
Canadian prairies and asks for Steadman's comments
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.
Zonder titelConcerns route of railway line from the Atlantic to the Pacific
Zonder titelConcerns construction contract with Hudson Bay Railway
Zonder titelGen. Ruttan's recollection of the first locomotives in Manitoba
Zonder titelInformation on early railraods and telegraphs in Western Canada
Zonder titelCambie voices surprise at Gen. Ruttan's indiferrence to history.
Zonder titelDetails of first locomotive to reach Manitoba.
Zonder titelConcerning Pearce's research into the first locomotives in Manitoba.
Zonder titelDetails on completion of CPR, Callander Junction to Port Arthur and the relation to the 1885 rebellion
Zonder titelBuilding of earliest rail lines, includes reference to related Winnipeg Telegram article.
Zonder titelDetails on rail line from Callender to Port Arthur
Zonder titelDetailed information on the track from Port Arthur to Vancouver
Zonder titelDates of track laying in the West and the best sources of information.
Zonder titelMunroe supplies Pearce with his recollection of dates of track laying in the West.
Zonder titelComments on construction information for laying track
Zonder titelComments on laying track westward. Some comments on the Battle of Batoche.
Zonder titelBeasley offers Pearce information concerning the first survey of the E&N Railway.
Zonder titelDetailed response to Pearce's inquiry concerning transcontinental railway projects.
Zonder titelHeaman offers Pearce detailed information on Western railway construction.
Zonder titelInformation for narrative history of railway line in Western Canada
Zonder titelPearce requests verification of facts concerning the arrival of the first locomotive to the Western Canadian Provinces.
Zonder titelPearce's presentation to the Alberta Military Institute delivered in Edmonton on the 6th of October 1923.
Zonder titelPearce's presentation to the Alberta Military Institute delivered in Edmonton on the 6th of October 1923.
Zonder titelPearce writes the Department of Justice to obtain information on the career of Colonel James Farquharson Macleod. The information will be used to design a plaque commemorating the city of Calgary by Col. Macleod.
Zonder titelW. Stuart Edwards of the Department of Justice describes for Pearce the legal career of Colonel James Farquharson Macleod. The letter briefly describes his service as Superintendent of the Northwest Mounted Police and Stipendiary Magistrate in the North West Territories.
Zonder titelW.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.
Zonder titelPearce clarifies his request to R. A. Gibson, Acting Deputy Minister for the Department of the Interior, for plans and maps documenting settlement in western communities including St. Laurent, Duck Lake, and Good Fish Lake.
Zonder titelPearce sends John Blue, Secretary, Edmonton Board of Trade, copies of maps used by Sir Alexander Mackenzie on his western "voyages."
Zonder titelGibson responds to Pearce's request for maps of settlements and HBC posts in the West.
Zonder titelPearce 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.
Zonder titelR.W. Brock sends Pearce two prints of Calgary taken by Dr. Dawson in 1881.
Zonder titelPearce asks Dowling of the Geological Survey for a copy of a photograph of Calgary taken by Dr. Dawson in 1881, explains his copy was lost when loaned to "one of the Calgary newspapers."
Zonder titelJ. 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.
Zonder titelPearce acknowledges Robertson's father was emprisoned in Ft. Garry in the 1869 uprising, laments quality of Riel photograph.
Zonder titelRobertson thanks Pearce for sending his historic photograph collection, tells Pearce his father recognizes Pearce's photo of Riel because Riel placed his father in prison during the 1869 uprising.
Zonder titelPearce sends Robertson a photograph of Poundmaker, Big Bear and Father Lacombe at the Manitoba Penitentiary.
Zonder titelPearce sends Robertson his historic photographs of the West and includes an inventory.
Zonder titelPearce tells D.S. Robertson he will send him his collection of photographs of the historic West, explains he procured them in Winnipeg before 1876.
Zonder titelPearce 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.
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