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FC 3213 L55 019 and FC 3213 L55 020 · Series · 1838 - 1862
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

The bulk of this collection of correspondence was written between 1838 and 1862, and addressed to Reverend John Smithurst, “Indian Settlement, Red River, North America.” The “Indian Settlement” was the home of Chief Peguis and his people, the Saulteaux, located at Netley Creek, a branch of the Red River south of Lake Winnipeg. Following his resignation in 1851, Rev. Smithurst immigrated to Canada West and settled in Elora and then Minto in what is now Ontario.

Rev. Smithurst was an Anglican missionary sent by the Church Missionary Society from England to Rupert’s Land to convert the First Nations and Metis peoples of the area known broadly as the Red River Settlement; modern-day Winnipeg, Manitoba encompasses many sites that made up the settlement. Ministering to the “Indians” and “Half-Breeds,” Rev. Smithurst was one of the handful of missionaries west of Canada during a period of social and political unrest, economic upheaval, starvation, disease, racism and classism. Rev. Smithurst was in contact with many influential people of the time, including Henry Budd and James Settee, the first Indigenous men to be ordained by the Anglican church in North America; Reverend William Cockran; Reverend Ezekiel Gilbert Gear, chaplain at Fort Snelling in modern-day Minnesota; Reverend William Mason, Rossville Mission Press printer; David Anderson, first bishop of Rupert’s Land; and Duncan Finlayson, governor of Assiniboia.

In the correspondence within this collection, missionaries privately share personal frustrations with their efforts to “civilize” and convert Indigenous peoples, while struggling to survive the landscape and navigate social conflicts.

Acquired with Rev. Smithurst's letters, and included here, are several miscellaneous letters, as well as correspondence for the Reverend C.E. Thomson, who succeeded Rev. Smithurst at the Elora parish, and correspondence for the Reverend Adam Townley, step-father to Rev. Thomson. Correspondents include: John Strachan, first bishop of Toronto; Alexander Neil Bethune, second bishop of Toronto; F.D. Fauquier, first bishop of Algoma; and George Whitaker, first provost of Trinity College in Toronto.

FC 3213 L55 020.048 · Item · June 30, 1861
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Notes for a sermon given at St. John's church in Elora (Canada West, later Ontario). Identified on the back as "September Notes."

The Reverend C.E. Thomson served at St. John's from 1857-1877, and is the likely author of this sermon.

The sermon begins with Luke XII.21 "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

Thomson, C.E. (Charles Edward)
FC 3213 L55 020.048 · Item · July 29, 1873
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Collingwood

From: A.N. Toronto

To: Mr. Thomson

Details: 2pp

Notes: A letter written July 29, 1873 in Collingwood, Ontario by "A. N. Toronto," which is the signature used by Alexander Neil Bethune, Bishop of Toronto. While the recipient is not named, this letter appears to be in response to "1873 - Letter to Bishop," a letter dated July 23 and which is attributable to Rev. C. E. Thomson.

Bethune, Alexander Neil
Rev. Adam Townley Letters
Subseries · 1843-1880
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

An Anglican minister and missionary in Canada, Rev. Adam Townley was also co-editor of the "Churchman's Friend," a 16-page monthly publication that sought to promote and defend high church theology. With his colleague and co-editor Reverend Edward H. Dewar, Rev. Townley released the first issue in October 1855 from Paris, Canada West. Production soon moved to Windsor, Canada West. Publication ceased in 1857, after a short and controversial run. Rev. Townley was also step-father to Rev. C.E. Thomson, himself the successor to Rev. John Smithurst at St. John the Evangelist church in Elora. It is presumably this relationship that led to his correspondence being included in the Rev. Smithurst collection acquired by Bruce Peel Special Collections at the University of Alberta.

FC 3213 L55 020.049 · Item · April 25, 1846
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Toronto

From: John Toronto

To: Rev Adam Townley

Details: 2pp

Notes: A letter marked private, written by John Strachan, Bishop of Toronto. It is addressed to Reverend Adam Townley who was rector in Dunnville at the time, serving the parishes of Dunnville, Port Maitland, and South Cayuga in the Niagara District. Strachan discusses land titles in relation to a new church, and asks several questions to arrange travel. St. John the Evangelist church was built in South Cayuga and consecrated by Strachan in June 1846.

Strachan, John
FC 3213 L55 020.049 · Item · December 20, 1855
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Munsee Town, Ekfrid P.O. [Ontario]

From: Henry C. Hogg

To: The Editors of the Churchman’s Friend

Details: 1pp. Someone has written in ink on the outside “Henry C. Hogg Esq. Dec/55” signed? underneath with the initials “AM” or “OM”

Notes: Edward Dewar and Adam Townley were the editors of the "Churchman's Friend" magazine. Mr. Hogg writes to them requesting a replacement copy as his subscription copy did not reach him.

FC 3213 L55 020.049 · Item · October 18, 1880
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

From: F.D. Algoma

To: Townley

Details: 4 pp

Notes: A letter from F.D. Fauquier, Bishop of Algoma, to Reverend Adam Townley. In this short note, the bishop thanks Rev. Townley for his donation to the mission fund. Bishop Fauquier also congratulates Rev. Townley on returning to a parish that he previously served.

Fauquier, F.D. (Frederick Dawson)
Item · January 29, 1890
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Saltcoats, N.W.T.

From: Alf [Thomas A. Patrick]

To: Miss Marion Griffith, Byron, Middlesex, Ont[ario]

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 8 pp + envelope; note on envelope “No. 260”

Notes: In a letter to his fiance, Marion Griffith, Alf [Dr. T.A. Patrick] describes traveling across open prairie in winter to reach sick patients. Alf, Mr. Paulger, and Mr. Boake (liveryman) traveled more than eight hours to reach the ill Mrs. Paulger. Upon returning to Saltcoats, Alf found a telegram calling him to Kinbrae to treat the wife of Mr. William Rowland. After spending a mere six hours in Saltcoats, Alf and Mr. Boake set out at midnight to reach Mrs. Rowland. After more than seven hours they reached Churchbridge, where they rested their team of horses and ate breakfast. They finally reached Mrs. Rowland at 4 p.m. to find her suffering from typhoid fever. Returning to Saltcoats took less time as Mr. Rowland was able to set the men on a more direct route to Churchbridge. Alf chose to take the Friday freight train from Churchbridge back to Saltcoats. Along the way, the train stopped and waited as Alf treated the child of the section foreman at Bredenbury.

Much of the rest of the letter concerns financial matters, including an explanation of fines applied to wood cut illegally from government lands.

Writing at a later time, Alf acknowledges receiving Marion's letter in which she describes her grandfather's worsening health.

Writing a day later, Alf is in receipt of the mourning envelope containing news of Marion's grandfather's death. He expresses his condolences before approving of Marion's suggestion that she and her sister Annie begin their journey to Saltcoats on February 28. Alf then worries further about financial matters, "For I feel sorry that in asking you to marry me I ask you to marry a man whose future is mortgaged." But he looks forward to their marriage, writing, "Do not hope or expect any near approach to perfection in this future husband of yours, Marion. He has many faults but it can truthfully be said that he is always very much better when his Marion influences him."

Patrick, Thomas Alfred
Item · November 5, 1897
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Regina, N.W.T.

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. T.A. Patrick, Yorkton, N.W.T.

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 2 pp on North West Territories Legislative Assembly letterhead + envelope

Notes: T.A Patrick writes one of his frequent letters to his wife, stating how busy he has been in the last week due to the extra work created by his select committee on the Manitoba and North Western Railway. He was invited to a ball at the Governor's and bought a new pea jacket of good quality. He mentions sending 140 copies of the Regina Leader through the constituency (of Yorkton). Writes of needing to work on a Health Ordinance that night and his interview with the district engineer about public works the next day.

Patrick, Thomas Alfred
Item · December 2, 1897
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Regina, N.W.T.

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. [Marion] Patrick, Yorkton

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 1 pp on North West Territories Legislative Assembly letterhead, watermarked, & an envelope

Notes: T.A. Patrick writes on of his frequent letters to his wife, Marion, from the Assembly informing her that he had just got his Manitoba and North Western Railway resolution passed. He ends stating"the Windsor Ball tonight."

Patrick, Thomas Alfred
Item · March 2, 1900
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Regina [N.W.T.]

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. T.A. Patrick, Yorkton, N.W.T.

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked Regina April 2.

Details: 1 pp on North West Territories lined letterhead, watermarked, & an envelope

Notes: Patrick writes while sitting in the Legislative chamber. He tells his wife, Marion, that he introduced the petition to incorporate Yorkton this day. He also reports that there is no election in the immediate future, as the present Legislature will live out its full term.

Patrick, Thomas Alfred
Item · April 11, 1900
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Regina [N.W.T.]

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. T.A. Patrick, Yorkton, N.W.T.

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 1 pp on North West Territories lined letterhead, watermarked, & an envelope

Notes: T.A. Patrick writes his wife a business letter, stating that he has enclosed within the letter:
"1. Dominion Express Co.'s order for $12

  1. Authority for Mr. Patrick - that is Jack [T.A. Patrick's brother] - to make entry for Dominion Lands on behalf of Auton Georg Flegel
  2. Auton George Flegel's answers to certain questions and declaration as to their truth
  3. Edward Fitzgerald's letter to me of 3rd instant."

He then instructs his wife to cash the Express order and to give Jack $10 to go to the Land Office with the enclosed documents in order to "make entry for this land as soon as he can." Jack was to send the "interim homestead receipt to Mr. Fitzgerald."

Patrick, Thomas Alfred
Item · April 20, 1900
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Regina [N.W.T.]

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. T.A. Patrick, Yorkton, N.W.T.

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 1 pp on lined North West Territories letterhead & an envelope

Notes: T. A. Patrick informs his wife that he is enclosing information for his brother George regarding their Brome seed along with a cheque for $264.56. He then asks his wife to cash the cheque and give his brother $139.56, stating the "he and I will straighten out the matter on my return." He also asks his wife to pay part of this money onto accounts, particularly that of Barney Pallom.

Patrick, Thomas Alfred
Item · May 1, 1900
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Regina [N.W.T.]

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. T.A. Patrick, Yorkton, N.W.T.

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 2 pp on paper watermarked with crown, crest, and “Antique Parchment Note Paper;” & an envelope

Notes: T.A. writes a very short letter to his wife. He apologizes for some difficulties that have arisen over a steer. He also writes that "happily bill passed last night" and that the House will wind up its business in a week.

Patrick, Thomas Alfred
Item · November 2, 1903
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Regina [N.W.T.]

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. Marion G. Patrick, Devizes, Lucan, Middlesex Co., Ont[ario]

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 1pp on paper watermarked with crest and “Eamscliffe, Linen Bond;” and an envelope.

Notes: T.A. Patrick writes a very short letter to his wife while she is away in Ontario. He writes that he "spent most of the day in bed yesterday and part of today the same. At night Jack [his brother] and [Patrick] went to the Methodist Church with Jena Burke and Lily Christie." He updates Marion that "today eve have the debate on the address, but I shall only listen."

Patrick, Thomas Alfred
Item · November 16, 1903
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Regina [N.W.T.]

From: Alf [T.A. Patrick]

To: Mrs. Marion G. Patrick, Byron, Middlesex Co., Ont[ario]

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 1 pp on lined North West Territories letterhead and envelope.

Notes: T.A. Patrick writes a letter to his wife, Marion, while she is away in Ontario. He writes that it is "more like January than November. The walk up to the buildings was very cold and uncomfortable and this Assembly Chamber is almost too cold to sit in. This is our first real cold snap, but November is half gone, and this is not in the banana belt." He tells Marion of his and Jack's [his brother's] visit to their friends the Hunters where Mrs. Rogers had stopped by to visit her sister. He explains that "Mr. Hunter has been in the Land Titles Office for some years but has resigned to open a law office in Regina. As Secretary of the Hospital he gets $250 per year and the same as Secretary of the Agricultural Society so he should be able to make enough to keep the pot boiling."

Patrick, Thomas Alfred
Item · December 1, 1903
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Lethbridge, Alberta [district within N.W.T.]

From: T.A. Patrick

To: Mrs. Marion G. Patrick, Byron, Middlesex Co., Ont[ario]

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 2 pp on Hotel Lethbridge letterhead, watermarked with the pound note symbol (£) and the words “Extra Fine.” Envelope is printed with the words “Hotel Lethbridge, W. Henderson, Proprietor, Lethbridge, Alta., Canada” in black ink.

Notes: T.A. Patrick writes to his wife while he is in Alberta and she is away in Ontario stating, "I played over Sunday in Calgary and came here yesterday by way of MacLeod to see the country." He then advises his wife that she "had better spend Christmas with the folk," while he pays his "obligations to [his] constituency as soon as possible after [his] return." He writes that he lent his brother Jack "another $100.00 to square him up at Regina." He continues, "I presume you have received the last cheque I sent you, and you surely know that I am no judge of women's coats. I did not say petticoats. Whatever suits you will suit me though I certainly don't care much for imitations."

He finishes his letter writing, "my health is some better but not well yet. My love to the bairns the folk and your dear little self."

Patrick, Thomas Alfred
Item · December 7, 1903
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Winnipeg

From: Alf [T.A. Patrick]

To: Mrs. Marion G. Patrick, Byron, Middlesex Co., Ont[ario]

Delivery: Canada Post, postmarked

Details: 2 pp on Hotel Leland letterhead. Envelope is printed with the words “Hotel Leland, Winnipeg” in black ink.

Notes: T.A. Patrick writes to his wife from Winnipeg while she is away in Ontario stating, "I arrived in Winnipeg yesterday, and Jack [his brother] arrived today having been detained by a banquet given in his honour at Regina on Saturday night. We both leave for Yorkton tomorrow." He continues, "yesterday I got your letter and was sorry to learn of your Aunt Lou's serious illness. I hope this may find her better. Yesterday I heard Rev. Marsh G. Pearse in the Afternoon." He changes the topic back to Jack: "Jack and I have been looking up office equipment for his new office in Yorkton. He will have the best equipped office in Yorkton both in respect of books and filing cabinets. Dick [another brother] and I are giving him the necessary financial backing. Am pleased he got such a pleasant send off and nice address from his Regina friends who included the Deputy Commissioner of Education and the Editor of the Leader and the Law students."

Patrick then changes the subject stating, "I think an other collar would not look well. It looks out of place on a small man, and in my opinion is a [sic] far more becoming to people who are above the average in size, but I am not a good judge. I hope you will get a jacket of the best quality." He then ends his letter with some brief news on a few of his patients.

Patrick, Thomas Alfred
FC 3213 L55 002.001 · Item · March 12, 1889
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Typed letter dated in Ottawa, March 12, 1889. It is a submission to the Honourable Minister providing documents for consideration in connection with the “liquor question” in the North West Territories. It is signed by Comptroller "F.H."

The memo outlines the documents attached:

  • “Extract from the report of the Commissioner of the N.W. Mounted Police for 1888, as received at Ottawa with marginal notes showing the portions which have been printed and submitted to Parliament. / The attention of the Minister is particularly called to the paragraphs not printed.” (see 2011.002.002)
  • “Extracts from the Annual Report of the Commissioner and other Officers as printed and submitted to Parliament.” (see 2011.002.003)
  • “Copies of Police reports of inspection of Saloons at Calgary on 29th December and 9th January last, by which the Minister will see how impossible it is, under the existing permit system, to exercise efficient control over the sale of liquor.” (see 2011.002.004-006)
FC 3213 L55 002.004 · Item · December 29, 1888
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Two page mimeographed copy of a letter written to the Commissioner of the NWMP in Regina by J.H. McIllree Supt. Commanding “E” Division.
The letter contains extracts from a police report written by Corporal Walker. Corporal Walker conducted an inspection of Pullman Saloon which is “normally kept by J. McNeil” but is actually kept by a local man known as “Smithey” who is described as “the most notorious of the whiskey men in Calgary.” All kinds of whiskey and intoxicants were found on the property, covered by permits largely made out to “Smithey” under variations of his own name, the name of “a woman he keeps” and a bartender.
Sgd. McIllree claims his recommendation that permits not be issued to these individuals “has been over-ruled . . . by the personal exertions of the Judge of the Supreme Court and the members of the legislative assembly for this District.”

McIlree, John Henry
FC 3213 L55 002.014 · Item · June 23, 1888
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Two clippings from the Toronto Mail, “North-West Drinks” June 23, 1888 and “The Whiskey Trader” July 5, 1888. Both are stapled to a sheet of paper. Typed on the reverse in red ink “File D42, 1888: LIQUOR LAW N.W.T. – ARTICLE IN TORONTO MAIL by ‘G’ re.”

Both articles are written by someone identifying themselves as 'G' and are reprinted from the New York Evening Post.

“North-West Drinks. / How the Liquor Law Works on the Prairies. / Prohibition in the North-West Territories – Substitutes for Liquor – The North-West Mounted Police and Their Work – Hunting Whiskey Traders – A Bootless Chase.”
“ ‘G’ writes as follows to the New York Evening Post from Fort McLeod, N.W.T.:”

“The Whiskey Trader. / How He Pursues His Calling In the Territories. / Looked Upon as a Desperate Character – How He Looks at the Law – His Methods – A Capture and an Escape – A Race for Freedom.”
“The following is ‘G.’s’ second letter to the New York Evening Post from Fort MacLeod, N.W.T.:”

FC 3213 L55 020.050 · Item · November 30, 1859
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Hastenges Road Uper Canada [Hastings Road, Upper Canada]

From: William Henery Woollacott
From: Philip [surname unknown]

To: forther and Mother
To: Andrew

Notes: This sheet of paper has two letters written on it. The first letter is from a young man who signs his name "William Henery Woollacott." The second letter is from a man who signs his name "Philip."

In his letter, William writes to tell his parents that he and Mary reached Canada safely. William tells of the boat trip from Liverpool to New York and the difficult time he's had reaching Philip's home in Canada. He is very excited at the chance to buy his own farm. "P.S. we live in a plase called the shanty 16 feet square & I can tuch the ruff With my head it is bult with wood." [P.S. We live in a place called the shanty 16 feet square and I can touch the roof with my head. It is built with wood.]

In his letter, Philip is furious with Andrew for sending William to North America with no money, bedclothes, or supplies, and at the beginning of winter. They have already spent Philip's savings and they cannot find work. They have only potatoes and turnips to eat, and those will not last the winter. He tells Andrew to send money.

FC 3213 L55 019.002 · Item · November 7, 1839
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Grand Rapids

From: Wm Cockran

To: Rev. J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement

Details: 2pp

Notes: Rev. Cockran sends supplies with "Beary and William Thomas" and he spoke with Ferdinand regarding fat and dried meat for the children. He hopes that Rev. Smithurst is over his cold. Rev. Cockran will not be able to visit him because he has to be at the Middle Church this week.

Cockran, William
FC 3213 L55 019.053 · Item · December 15, 1840
Part of Life, Events, and Players in the North-West

Place: Red River Settlement

From: The Bishop of Montreal

To: Reverend John Smithurst

Details: 3pp

Notes: The letter would have been likely carried to Toronto, Barrie, Penetanguishine and then along Lake Huron's and Superior's coastlines by the Winter Express which included dog team, snow shoe, and then overland to Winnipeg River, Lake Winnipeg, up to Red River to the Indian Settlement.

Bishop of Montreal