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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

Denis assures Pearce that the Board of Examiners of Surveyors will meet with quorum in Winnipeg to approve his bona fide surveyor's certification.

Correspondence 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.

Personal 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

General 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.

Walter Huckvale, Mayor of Medicine Hat, requests a copy of Pearce's manuscript.

Memorandum Pearce wrote concerning the progress and problems surveyors experienced in implementing the survey program of the Department of the Interior

The Toronto General Trusts Coroporation asks Pearce to give an estimated value to two properties in and near Calgary.

Pearce 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.

Pearce sends Steele a general news letter. His topics include, the Alaskan Boudary decision, Asian immigration, potential war with Russia and Japan, and British politics.

Steele 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.

Three related notes on hotel letterhead documenting Pearce's efforts to meet with Steele during his time in Ottawa.

Steele comments to Pearce on the prospects of settling in western Canada for himself and other military officers in the South African Constabulary.

Pearce 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.

Steele 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.

Pearce advises Steele on prospective land purchases in Alberta, particularly around Sounding Lake. He notes that they can together make wiser investments in the future.

Pearces 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.

Pearce 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.

Steele gives Pearce a general description of his experiences in South Africa. He includes brief comments on the Boers, colonialism, and the natural surroundings.

Pearce 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.

Steele makes inquiries concerning the seasonal state of farming in western Canada.

Steele thanks Pearce for inquiring into the purchase of land in western Canada.

Steele 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.

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 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.

Steele 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.

Steele 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.

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.

Pearce 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

Steele gives Pearce an overview of his military activities in South Africa.

Steele sends Pearce a general description of his life in South Africa as he serves in the "E" Division of the South African Constabulary.

Pearce 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.

Pearce 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.

Pearce sends Steele some news concerning inside politics at Ottawa.

Steele asks Pearce to determine if his application for the Red River Expedition Medal has been received and processed by Colonel Wainwright or Griffith.

Pearce 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.

Pearce 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.

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 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

Pearce 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.

Miss Unwin sends Pearce an unpaid bill Capt. Deane owes to the Ladies Work Reformatory for the purchase of 220 lbs. Of of marmalade.

Pearce informs Miss Unwin that he has contatected Capt. Deane, concerning money he owes and assures her Capt. Deane will soon pay.

Steele thanks Pearce for his valued correspondence

Helen Unwin requests Pearce intervene with the NWMP for an unpaid bill.

Pearce 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.

Pearce asks Professor Fay if he would edit his manuscript and offer him any adivise concerning publication

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

Burpee sends Pearce his comments on his manuscript. In particular he recommends he adds "personal reminiscences" to the narrative.

Pearce 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.

Pearce sends Burpee the last nine chapters in his historical manuscript asking him for his editorial comments.

Pearce sends Coyne a copy of his manuscript and asks him if he will proofread and edit it.

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

Pearce inquires concerning the Aboriginal Battle of Belly River and Jerry Potts.

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.

Pearce continues to ask Steadman questions regarding the early years of settlement and trade in Southern Alberta

Pearce 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.

Concerns route of railway line from the Atlantic to the Pacific

Concerns construction contract with Hudson Bay Railway

Gen. Ruttan's recollection of the first locomotives in Manitoba

Information on early railraods and telegraphs in Western Canada

Cambie voices surprise at Gen. Ruttan's indiferrence to history.

Details of first locomotive to reach Manitoba.

Concerning Pearce's research into the first locomotives in Manitoba.

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

Building of earliest rail lines, includes reference to related Winnipeg Telegram article.

Details on rail line from Callender to Port Arthur

Detailed information on the track from Port Arthur to Vancouver

Dates of track laying in the West and the best sources of information.

Munroe supplies Pearce with his recollection of dates of track laying in the West.

Comments on construction information for laying track

Comments on laying track westward. Some comments on the Battle of Batoche.

Beasley offers Pearce information concerning the first survey of the E&N Railway.

Detailed response to Pearce's inquiry concerning transcontinental railway projects.

Heaman offers Pearce detailed information on Western railway construction.

Information for narrative history of railway line in Western Canada

Pearce requests verification of facts concerning the arrival of the first locomotive to the Western Canadian Provinces.

Pearce's presentation to the Alberta Military Institute delivered in Edmonton on the 6th of October 1923.

Pearce's presentation to the Alberta Military Institute delivered in Edmonton on the 6th of October 1923.

Pearce 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.

W. 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.

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 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.

Pearce sends John Blue, Secretary, Edmonton Board of Trade, copies of maps used by Sir Alexander Mackenzie on his western "voyages."

Gibson responds to Pearce's request for maps of settlements and HBC posts in the West.

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.

R.W. Brock sends Pearce two prints of Calgary taken by Dr. Dawson in 1881.

Pearce 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."

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 acknowledges Robertson's father was emprisoned in Ft. Garry in the 1869 uprising, laments quality of Riel photograph.

Robertson 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.

Pearce sends Robertson a photograph of Poundmaker, Big Bear and Father Lacombe at the Manitoba Penitentiary.

Pearce sends Robertson his historic photographs of the West and includes an inventory.

Pearce tells D.S. Robertson he will send him his collection of photographs of the historic West, explains he procured them in Winnipeg before 1876.

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.