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, WilliamPearce 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, WilliamDavidson requests information regarding government policies on lands, surveys and scrips and the disappearance of the buffalo.
Pearce, WilliamPearce sends Davidson a copy of his1886 Federal Government "North-West Half-Breed Grant" report. He also comments on the Dominion Land Board's role in the North-West Rebellion.
Pearce, WilliamPearce tells Jaffaryhe met with Campell Innis of the Canadian Historical Society and recommended hi's manuscript for publication.
Jaffray, J. A.Jaffary tells Pearce he has not met with Innis Campbell, recommends Pearce attempt to publish is manuscript in serial or essay form. Discusses identity of people in a photograph of Riel's cabinet.
Jaffray, J. A.Innes tells Pearce he would like to see the Canadian North-West Historical Society publish Pearce's manuscript.
Campbell, InnesPearce sends a copy of his manuscript to the S.J. McLean, Asst. Chief Commissioner, Board of Railway Commissioners, Ottawa.
Pearce, WilliamPearce tells Jaffary the ex-Sheriff Inkster could tell him, in spite of failing vision, who is in the photograph of Riel's cabinet currently in Jaffary's possession.
Pearce, WilliamPearce sends a copy of his manuscript to Justice Jackson requesting his opinion, he explains his experiences make him most qualified to write such history.
Pearce, WilliamMcLean thanks Pearce for his comments and recommends his manuscript be published.
Pearce, WilliamPearce sends McLean excerpts of his manuscript for comments.
Pearce, WilliamPeters returns Pearce's manuscript with contemporary and historical photographs, tells Pearce a personal visit would not change the Department's decision not to publish
Peters, F. H.Pearce explains to E. Alexander his influence on federal cabinet during 1885-86, discusses utlimate destination of the "Last Spike."
Pearce, WilliamPearce 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.
Pinchbeck, EdmundStarnes asks Pearce for information concerning the discovery on a farm in Saskatchewan of a limestone slab marking the grave of a Native Cree.
Starnes, CourtlandEdmund 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.
Pinchbeck, EdmundJaffray tells Pearce Mr. Lorne Pierce of the Ryerson Press is interested to see his manuscript.
Jaffray, J. A.Gibson responds to Pearce's request for maps of settlements and HBC posts in the West.
Gibson, R. A.Pearce tells Peters he met with Premier Greenfield and spoke with the Provincial Librarian, Mr. Jaffray concerning Jaffray's suggested manuscript changes.
Peters, F. H.Commissioner Courtland Starnes replies to Pearce's inquiry concerning the location of Ft. Walsh with a map and township diagram.
Starnes, CourtlandPearce asks Magrath for information concerning the location of an Indian sun dial in southern Alberta.
Pearce, WilliamPearce 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.
Pearce, WilliamA query on the origins of the town of Livingstone and Ft. Pelly, the establishment of the NWMP in Battleford and the arrival of Hon. David Laird as Lieutenant Governor of the North-West Territories.
Pearce, WilliamColeman provides Pearce with information regarding the selection of the capital of the North-West Territories including the origins of Ft.Livingstone Saskatchewan.
Pearce, WilliamPearce sends L.J. Reycraft a copy of his memorandum on the establishment of Ft. Livingstone as the first capital of the North-West Territories. Pearce also attaches a photo of a "monolith" erected by the Saskatchewan Historical Society to commemorate the location of Ft. Livingstone.
Pearce, WilliamPearce discusses the development of Livingstone.
Pearce, WilliamPearce apologizes to King for blaming the Department of Pubilc Works for his inability to locate records relating to the construction of Government buildings in Livingstone.
King, J. H.Pearce addresses the suggested changes of J.A. Jaffray
Pearce, WilliamJaffray discusses the first commercial mining of coal in Alberta, the establishment of Ft. Macleod.
Pearce, WilliamPremier Greenfield tells Peace he sent a letter supporting publication of Pearce's manuscript to the Department of the Interior.
Pearce, WilliamPearce writes to Dr. Adam Shortt, Chairman, Historical Documents Publications Board regarding publishing his manuscript
Pearce, WilliamW.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.
Cory, W. W.J.H.King provides Pearce with information regarding the construction of buildings in the West.
King, J. H.Pearce asks for information regarding the development of the North West Territories and the appointment of David Laird.
Pearce, WilliamPearce requests information regarding the settlement of Livingstone.
Pearce, WilliamPearce sends Mr. Naismith a copy of his findings regarding the settlement of Livingstone.
Pearce, WilliamPearce sends Mr. Naismith a copy of his findings regarding the settlement of Livingstone.
Pearce, WilliamManuscript 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, WilliamMayor Webster returns Pearce's manuscript concerning settlement of land claims in Calgary and vicinity.
Webster, G. H.Pope provides Pearce with information regarding the appointment of David Laird, and a history of Lt. Govenor's in the West.
Pope, JosephStarnes provides Pearce with information regarding the settlement of Livingstone and military forts.
Starnes, CourtlandPearce sends Coleman information regarding the settlement of Livingstone, and an excerpt from his Historical Manuscript.
Pearce, WilliamJ.H. King explains why Pearce could not locate information regarding construction of government buildings from the Deparment of Public Works.
King, J. H.F.H. Peters sends Pearce the editorial comments of A.M. Narraway.
Peters, F. H.Peters explains to Pearce that he cannot obtain free copies of maps from the Topographical Survey of Canada. Peters tells Pearce he has had his manuscript typed and will have it circulated and read by certain members of the Department of the Interior. He will collect opinions on whether these men believe the Department should publish Pearce's work. Peters finally acknowledges receipt of Pearce's photographs, he refrains from commenting on the photos until he learns if the the Department will print his work.
Peters, F. H.Pearce asks Premier Greenfield to advise the Deputy Minister of the Interior that he would like to see Pearce's manuscript published by his office.
Pearce, WilliamPremier Greenfield tells Pearce he will write to the Deputy Minister of the Interior, Mr. Cory, recommending the Department publish his manuscript.
Pearce, WilliamPearce inquires to Commissioner Courtland concering the precise location of Ft. Walsh.
Starnes, CourtlandCommissioner Starnes sends Pearce a letter from J.B. Harkin of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board concerning the commemoration of the site of Old Fort Walsh.
Starnes, CourtlandMcClean provides Pearce with information regarding Indian Agencies in the West.
McClean, John D.Pearce sends his historical narrative to the Mayor and Commissioner of Calgary suggesting they might find it useful.
Pearce, WilliamPearce discusses the development of the North West Territories, the NWMP, and the development of the C.P.R line.
Pearce, WilliamPearce sends information regarding the settlement of Livingstone, Department of Indian Affairs, construction of government buildings, C.P.R. lines, and Lt. Governors
Pearce, WilliamPearce sends information regarding the settlement of Livingstone to Coutts and McCleod. He also requests additional information on Livingstone.
Pearce, WilliamPearce advises Peters that he spoke to Premier Greenfield and reports that Greenfield suggests he might be able to publish his work in cooperation with the governments of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Peters, F. H.Pearce explains his efforst to obtain historic photographs of the West for his narrative, he mentions contacting H.Lumsden, Geological Surveys, and Dr. Adam Shortt of the Dominion Archives.
Peters, F. H.Peters tells Pearce he has begun the process of publishing his historical narrative through the Department of the Interior.
Peters, F. H.Pearce asks Greenfield if he wrote a letter of support for his manuscript before he left government.
Pearce, WilliamPeters tells Pearce the Department of the Interior is not very interested in publishing his manuscript, hopeful the advocacy of Alberta Premier Greenfield will help.
Peters, F. H.Peters tells Pearce the Department of the Interior will not print his manuscript, recommends the Board of Historical Publications of the Archives and Dr. Adam Shortt.
Peters, F. H.Pearce encourages to Reycraft to keep his report concerning settlement of land claims in Calgary and vicinity as long as required to go through it bu it must be returned.
Pearce, WilliamCommissioner Starnes sends Pearce a list of appointments of Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners since inception.
Starnes, CourtlandPearce 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, WilliamW. 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.
Edwards, W. StuartPearce asks for information regarding Indian Agencies in Livingstone.
Pearce, WilliamWaagen compliments Pearce on his manuscript and recommends consulting the C.P.R. for financial support in publication
Waagen, Mary C.Pearce responds to Waagen's comments. He wishes to avoid personal reminiscences in his manuscript. Discusses potential publication support including the Montreal Gazette, and the C.P.R.
Pearce, WilliamNorquay questions Pearce's description of the Hudson's Bay Company compensation for Indian reserve land.
Norquay, A.Pearce sends Cote a copy of his letter to Norquay explaining his perspective on the Hudson's Bay Company compensation for Indian Reserves land.
Pearce, WilliamPearce sends Miller a copy of his manuscript and asks if he thinks it suitable for publication, tells Miller there several topics on which he knows more than any man alive.
Pearce, WilliamGarner complements Pearce on his manuscript and tells him he is forwarding a copy to the Premier, the Master of Titles, and the Provincial Library
Garner, Col. A. C.Garner tells Pearce he will forward his manuscript to the Premier of Saskatchewan and the Provincial Librarian.
Garner, Col. A. C.Pearce thanks Miller for comments, tells him he has not the time or skill to "pad out" the narrative further for events such as the 1885 Rebellion, notes that Father Lacombe waited too long to write his history of the West.
Pearce, WilliamPeace tells Peters he will send him a copy of his manuscript when he addresses editorial changes.
Peters, F. H.Peters sends Pearce comments on his historical narrative, advises a need for photographs, more personal observation.
Peters, F. H.Pearce sends Riley information concerning the origin of the name Medicine Hat and the origins of the first railway running near the South Saskatchewan between Medicine Hat and Lethbridge
Riley, H. W.Pearce sends Shanks a copy of his address to the Alberta Mlitary Institue "Reminiscences Concerning Surveys" and comments on the causes of the 1885 Riel Rebellion.
Pearce, WilliamPearce 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.
Pearce, WilliamPearce asks Professor Fay if his colleague, Professor Wrong, might be interested in funding publication of his manuscript.
Pearce, WilliamPearce explains to Premier Dunning his vital role in settling various land claims arising from the Manitoba Act, laments the Canadian support for publications.
Pearce, WilliamThanks Premier Dunning for offering to read the manuscript.
Pearce, WilliamPearce 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.
Peters, F. H.Pearce accepts Peters recommendations, will collect historic photogarphs to add to the work.
Peters, F. H.Peters tells Pearce Premier Greenfield of Alberta would like to review a copy of his manuscript
Peters, F. H.Godsal reminisces about coming to the West.T.H. Steedman provides detailed commentary.
Godsal, F. W.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.
Shanks, ThomasPearce 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.
Pearce, WilliamT. 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.
Shanks, ThomasPearce tells Coleman he found several copies of his "Detailed Report upon All Claims to Land and Right to Participate in the Northwest Half-Breed Grant" and sends Coleman a copy.
Pearce, WilliamMr. Norquay returns Pearce's manuscript with comments from Mr. Macdonald concerning telegraph extension from Athabasca to Ft. McMurray, and comments from Cpt. Julian Mills for further information on Northern
Waterways.
Martin assures Pearce the University of Manitoba Librarian returned his copy of the manuscript
Martin, ChesterPearce gives Col. Garner permission to send the manuscript to the Premier of Saskatchewan, the Provincial Librarian and the Master of Titles, laments the lack of publication support.
Garner, Col. A. C.Miller comments on Pearce's manuscript, asks for a "full and true interpretation" of the rebellion of 1885.
Miller, S. L.Premier Dunning tells Pearce he would like to see his entire manuscript to read but cannot allocate any support for publication
Pearce, WilliamPearce tells Ingraham he will send him a copy of his manuscript, laments support for publication, particularly from the Royal Society of Canada
Pearce, WilliamPearce tells Peters he will let Premier Greenfield make copies of his narratives, comments he is a weak Premier.
Peters, F. H.Pearce sends his manuscript to Alberta Premier Greenfield.
Pearce, WilliamRiley asks Pearce for information concerning the navigation of the South Saskatchewan River between Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.
Riley, H. W.Godsal reminisces about the CPR work in the West since his arrival in 1882
Godsal, F. W.