The Life, Events, and Players in the North-West is comprised of several smaller collections within Bruce Peel Special Collections that contain materials related to the history and culture of the north-west of what would become Canada.
Place: Red River Settlement
From: Mary Hodgson, Sycamore Cottage in Lea
To: Reverend John Smithurst
Details: 3pp
Notes: The writer Anne Alsop discusses family matters in great length and asks Smithurst to take an "Indian bride". Smithurst was a roommate to be involved with his cousin Florence Nightingale but the relationship was stopped by family members.
The letter would have been forwarded to the Church Missionary Society in London. The mail was carried up by Hudson's Bay Company Spring Supply Ship to York Factory and from there the letter would travel by boat up the Nelson River, through Lake Winnipeg and. up the Red River to Indian Settlement.
Alsop, AnneThe daily journal kept by Douglas Musgrave Rourke, first husband of Louise Rourke and an accountant working at the Fort Chipweyan Hudson's Bay Company Fur Trading post, from January 1, 1926 to January 7, 1927. The journal accounts each days events, including weather, business conditions, the arrivals and departures of government agents, HBC traders, RCMP, Indigenous peoples, and other visitors.
The journal is preceded by a page of comments by Louise Rourke and a carbon typescript of a short biography of Louise Rourke. The journal also contains three additional pages included as memoranda, with detailed notes.
Rourke, Douglas MusgravePlace: C.L.O., Elora
From: Andrew Geddes
To: The Revd John Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Minto
Delivery: unknown
Details: 2pp + 1 pp (response in hand of Smithurst, and signed by him)
Notes: Correspondence from Andrew Geddes of the Crown Lands Office (C.L.O.) to Rev. Smithurst regarding the sale of two lots of land in the county of Minto. The lots stand in the name of David M. Bridgeford or Bridgford, and so Mr. Geddes asks Rev. Smithurst for further information. Mr. Geddes also updates Rev. Smithurst on the recovery of Mr. R. Caldwell, who nearly died of illness.
Rev. Smithurst responds on the same sheet of paper. He does not date his response, which presumably means that it is a rough draft of the actual letter he sent to Mr. Geddes.
Rev. Smithurst’s response explains that there is no such person as David W. Bridgford. John Bridgford had already purchased three lots in the Minto land sale but used the name of his dead son to buy additional land. John Bridgford could not transfer ownership of these additional lots without revealing his fraud. Bridgford tried to sell the land to a Mr. Thomas Dalley Senior, but Mr. Dalley refused to pay until Bridgford’s ownership could be tested. Later, Mr. Dalley split the two lots between his sons, William and Thomas Junior. William has never resided on his parcel and has tried to sell it without success. Thomas Jun. has cleared land and put up buildings. Rev. Smithurst believes Thomas Jun. would be entitled to squatter's rights.
Geddes, AndrewWriting on the envelope says:
"The Rev'd John Smithurst
[??]
Indian Settlement"
Place: Toronto
From: John Toronto
To: Rev. A. Palmer
Details: 4pp
Notes: A copy of a private letter written by John Strachan, Bishop of Toronto to Rev. Arthur Palmer of Guelph, Canada West.
In this letter, Bishop Strachan responds to a letter written by Rev. Palmer which enclosed a letter sent to him by Mr. Geddes, a prominent member of the congregation at Elora. The bishop expresses anger and frustration with Reverend John Smithurst for abandoning his parish at Elora and refusing to tender his resignation. Mr. Geddes proposed a solution to the impasse, but the bishop gives detailed reasons why the proposal in unacceptable. Bishop Strachan plans to appoint a commission to investigate Rev. Smithurst's conduct.
The context of this letter is confusing, given that Bethune, Palmer, and Osler had already visited Elora and completed a report on Rev. Smithurst's absence dated October 22, 1857. Also, Rev. Smithurst indicated in his letter of November 3 to the Elora congregation that he had resigned. Perhaps a delayed postal delivery is to blame for this confusion.
Strachan, JohnPlace: Bishop’s Court [the name of the bishop's home in Red River]
From: David Rupertsland
To: Rev. J. Smithurst, Elora nr Guelph, Canada West
Delivery: Postal system in the U.S.A. and Canada
Details: 8pp on blue paper + addressed envelope with postal marks (stamp removed)
Notes: A friendly letter dated February 18th from David Anderson, Lord Bishop of Rupert’s Land, to Reverend John Smithurst. Postscript written February 27th.
Anderson, DavidFrom: David Anderson, Red River
To: Rev. John Smithurst, Elora, Canada West
Details: 4pp
Place: No location
From: David Rupertsland
To: [Rev. J. Smithurst]
Details: 4pp fragment
Notes: Fragment of a letter written by David Anderson, Lord Bishop of Rupert’s Land.
Anderson, DavidPlace: [Red River?]
From: David Rupertsland
To: The Rev J Smithurst, Lea Hurst, Harriston P.O., Minto, Wellington, Canada West
Delivery: Postal system in Canada.
Details: 2pp + addressed envelope with postal marks (stamp removed)
Notes: A short letter written by David Anderson, Lord Bishop of Rupert’s Land, to Reverend Smithurst with recent news.
Anderson, DavidPlace: Elora [Ontario]
From: the Congregation of St. John's Church, Elora
To: Rev’d John Smithurst
Delivery: unknown
Details: 2pp
Notes: Upon Rev. John Smithurst’s resignation from St. John's Church in Elora, on the grounds of his inability to continue to perform the duties of his office, his congregation presented this petition to him in appreciation of his contributions to them and their community.
The petition is signed by 29 parishioners. Two surnames could not be deciphered.
William Reynolds, Church Warden
John S. Crossman, Church Warden
John Burke
William Carter
George Crane
F Dalby
Thomas Farrow
Andrew Geddes
Thomas Greathead
D. Henderroll(?)
Edwin Henry Kertland
George W. Kirkendall
John J. Marten
Valentine McKenzie
John M. McLean
Edw H. Newman
Richard Newman
Robert M. Newman
Walter P. Newman
Philip Pepler
James Reynolds
William Reynolds
Hugh Roberts
James L. Ross
David Smith
David Smith Jr.
Henry Smith
Place: Guelph [Ontario]
From: A.N. Bethune, Archdeacon of York; Arthur Palmer, Rector of Guelph & Rural Dean; F.L. Osler, Rector of Ancaster cum Dundas & Rural Dean
To: Bishop of Toronto
Delivery: unknown
Details: 4pp (secretarial copy)
Notes: A copy of the report submitted by Bethune, Palmer, and Osler on their inquiry into John Smithurst’s absence from his missionary post at Elora in the county of Wellington in the diocese of Toronto. John Strachan, Bishop of Toronto, requested these men investigate the allegation that Reverend Smithurst abandoned his post without permission. Churchwardens William Reynolds and J.S. Crossman in Elora confirmed that Rev. Smithurst had been largely absent since the end of April, sometimes remaining only a week at a time. The Churchwardens said Rev. Smithurst was unable “to read or preach in a tone of voice audible to all the members of his congregation; but admitted that his bodily health was on the whole vigorous.” Andrew Geddes confirmed the frequent absence of Rev. Smithurst, who is said to have taken up residence in the township of Minto. The report recommends the Bishop demand Rev. Smithurst's resignation.
Bethune, Alexander NeilPlace: Lea Hurst, Minto [Ontario]
From: John Smithurst
To: The C.W, Pewholders and other members of the St. Johns Ch Elora
Details: 4pp
Notes: This document is the rough draft of Reverend Smithurst’s letter of thanks to his congregation for their expression of kindness as he leaves Elora. Addressed to the Church Wardens, Pewholders, and congregation at large of St. John's in Elora, he cites the loss of his voice as one of the reasons for leaving. In a postscript, he says that the bishop [John Strachan] has offered him a compromise on the issue of wages still owing. By accepting this compromise, Smithurst wishes to protect the Church from scandal.
Smithurst, JohnPlace: Fort Snelling, Minnesota Territory
From: E.G. Gear
To: Rev & dear Brother [likely Rev. J. Smithurst]
Delivery: unknown
Details: Letter fragment. 4pp
Notes: While unsigned, this letter fragment is obviously authored by Rev. E.G. Gear, both from the address at Fort Snelling and from the unique handwriting. It was likely sent to Reverend John Smithurst. In this letter, Rev. Gear describes a riding accident where he broke his leg below the knee.
Gear, Ezekiel GilbertPlace: Saint James, Assiniboia [Red River Settlement]
From: W. H. Taylor
To: Rev. J. Smithurst, Harriston [Ontario]
Delivery: Postal system in Canada
Details: 16pp + addressed envelope with postal marks
Notes: A long and detailed letter from Reverend William Henry Taylor of Saint James parish along the Assiniboine River. Rev. Taylor writes to Rev. John Smithurst, updating him on the Red River Settlement. Much of the news has to do with repairing the extensive damage caused by the great flood in 1852. No one seems to be able to find enough workers for these repairs.
Mentioned are:
Father E.G. Gear, who broke his leg.
Mr. Robert Logan and Mrs. Logan, who are living near where the flax mill stood.
Old Mr. Pritchard and his wife died.
Their son, Sam Pritchard, teaches at St. Paul's school. His brother, Arelui (?), married.
Mr. Smith the Collector and Mr. Pruden are briefly mentioned.
Rev. Abraham Cowley and Mrs. Cowley are mentioned multiple times. Rev. Cowley now has a Seraphine instrument which Mrs. Cowley plays during services. Rev. Cowley also has detailed plans for the repair and renovation of his church.
Archdeacon James Hunter now has a barrel organ at the Rapids church (also known as St. Andrew's).
Thomas Cook is catechist at Nepowewin mission. Rev. Henry Budd says the work there is difficult.
Rev. Robert Hunt is at English River, also known as the Stanley mission near Lac la Ronge, and he is building an expensive and impressive church.
Rev. Henry Budd is at The Pas with a young Rev. Henry George, but plans to leave for Nepowewin permanently in the Spring.
Rev. William Stagg is struggling at Manitoba.
Rev. Kirkby is still assistant at St. Andrew's.
McDonald is at Islington (White Dog) but has health problems.
Watkins is leaving Fort George possibly for Cumberland.
Rev. William Mason has success in his work, but following the Bishop's visit, disease broke out and killed multiple Natives. Small pox is rampant among the Plains people in the area of Beaver Creek and Touchwood Hills.
The steam mill is producing excellent flour.
Political unrest as renewal of the Hudson's Bay Company's charter is being debated in England. A Mr. Kennedy and Donald Gunn have written and circulated a petition to the Canadian Legislature urging them to become involved.
Place: Hudson’s Bay House, London [England]
From: W.G. Smith
To: Rev’d J. Smithurst, Wirksworth, Derbyshire (England)
Delivery: Great Britain mail
Details: 3pp + addressed envelope with postal marks (stamp removed)
Notes: Hudson’s Bay Company secretary W.G. Smith writes to say he is glad that Rev. Smithurst is enjoying himself upon his return to England, and discusses some outstanding balances due, including money from Henry Cook. He also mentions that he has a received large order from Rev. Cockran for blankets to be distributed to the Indians of his old mission.
Smith, William GregoryExtract from the Register of the Diocese, relating to the oaths taken for service under the Bishop of Toronto. Possibly handwritten by Reverend John Smithurst.
Place: Salisbury Street, Ireland
From: John Chapman, Missionary at Middle Church
To: Reverend John Smithurst, 18 Salisbury Street, Ireland
Details: 2pp
Notes: Chapman thanks Smithurst for newspapers and of his letter detailing his route to New York. He also discusses the status of the congregation and the building of a new church.
Chapman, JohnPlace: Red River Settlement
From: Wm Cockran
To: Rev. John Smithurst, Upper Fort Garry
Details: 3pp and integral address face
Notes: Reverend William Cockran writes that he only just heard through Major Caldwell that Rev. Smithurst was leaving for England with Henry Cook in a few days. Rev. Cockran says he is sorry he cannot see Rev. Smithurst in person, but he is too busy preparing to form a settlement at Portage la Prairie. He then writes about the difficulties in getting a thrashing machine and asks Rev. Smithurst to inquire in the United States if a machine can be imported from there. He then complains about Adam Thom and Governor Colville throwing obstacles in the way of getting this new settlement established. Rev. Cockran then returns to the issue of Rev. Smithurst leaving and expresses his sadness that Smithurst and his congregation have had such a falling out. He then prays that God will grant Rev. Smithurst repentance. He asks Rev. Smithurst to send financial aid back to Red River to help pay for the building of a new stone church.
Cockran, WilliamPlace: Hudson's Bay House, London [England]
From: W.G. Smith
To: Revd John Smithurst, Middleton, Wirksworth, Derbyshire [England]
Details: 2pp
Notes: In this letter, Mr. Smith writes to Rev. Smithurst to let him know that his packages have arrived in England and he will forward them by train.
Smith, William GregoryPlace: Lac La Ronge, C.M.L. Station
From: James Settee
To: The Reverend J. Smithurst,
Indian Settlement (crossed out),
Church Missionary House, Salisbury Square, London (crossed out),
Middleton, Wirksworth, Derbyshire
Details: 3pp and integral address face
Notes: James Settee writes to Rev. Smithurst on a number of matters. He says that Thomas Cook brought Rev. Smithurst's last letter to him and told Settee that Rev. Smithurst was suffering badly from rheumatism. Settee says both he and his wife also suffer from rheumatism, which he blames on the cold climate. Settee is about to leave on a long journey to Norway House, and he mentions that the baptized Natives object to working on Sundays, but Settee feels that the portages would be impossible without the help of the Hudson's Bay Company boats and so they must work on the Sabbath to keep up. The mission at Lac La Ronge is doing well, and Settee hopes to writes to Rev. Smithurst again once he reaches Norway House.
While written in May, this letter has a cancellation for Sault Ste Marie, C.W. in September. The letter then made its way to Church Missionary House in London, England where it was then redirected to Middleton, Wirksworth, Derbyshire.
Settee, JamesPlace: Lower Fort Garry
From: W[illiam Douglas] Lane
To: Rev’d J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement
Delivery: Local courier (probably Hudson’s Bay Company courier)
Details: 1pp + integral address face
Notes: A short letter by William Douglas Lane, Postmaster at Lower Fort Garry, discussing the payment of bills, refunding of money, and receipt of a flute.
Lane, William DouglasPlace: Red River Settlement
From: K. G. Smith, Hudson's Bay House, London
To: Reverend John Smithurst
Details: 1pp
Notes: Smith mentions seven enclosed invoices and the amount and balance of a shipment.
Place: Liverpool [England]
From: John H. Johnson
To: To The Right Rev’d D. Anderson, Lord Bishop of Rupert’s Land, North West America
Delivery: Forwarded by the Christian Missionary Society to Red River Settlement via Hudson’s Bay Company supply ship and canoe brigade, and then by courier
Details: 4pp + 4 newsletters + addressed envelope
Notes: Johnson writes to Bishop David Anderson to propose establishing an annual donation from St. Andrew's Church in Liverpool, England to the Christian Missionary Society in Rupert's Land. Johnson hopes to establish a link between the two groups and he hopes to see the initial donation of 5£ be surpassed in future years. Johnson intends that this letter be sent to Reverend John Smithurst and be "left open for his perusal as probably he may have some suggestions to make before sending it to you."
With his letter, he includes four (4) issues of “St. Andrew’s Monthly Paper.” Each issue consists of a single sheet of paper that measures only 14.5 x 12 cm when unfolded. Includes February, March, April, and May issues for 1851.
Interesting facts: St. Andrew's Church is located on Renshaw Street. Reverend T.C. Cowan is Minister. Issues are printed by Richard C. Scragg, Printer, 75, Renshaw Street. The District of St. Andrew's has a population of "about 6,000." Average monthly attendance at the Day School and Sunday School is approximately 250 each, and is broken down for Boys, Girls, and Infants.
Place: Lower Fort Garry
From: W. Lane
To: Revd. J. Smithurst
Details: 1pp
Notes: In this letter, William Douglas Lane asks for Rev. Smithurst's assistance in finding a flute.
Lane, William DouglasPlace: Red River Settlement
From: Reverend Abraham Cowley, Partridge Crop
To: Reverend John Smithurst
Details: 3pp
Notes: Partridge Crop was a missionary outpost on the northern reaches of Lake Manitoba, and was later renamed Fairford in 1851 by Bishop Anderson.
The outpost was on the left bank of the Partridge Crop River and was established by McNap for Winter trading with the Indigenous people. The lengthy letter from Cowley mentions topics such as the recent arrival of the bishop, his meeting of confirmation candidates and inspecting the school.
This letter would have travelled by canoe down Lake Winnipeg to the Red River.
Cowley, AbrahamPlace: Red River Settlement
From: Duncan Finlayson, Hudson's Bay House, Lachine
To: Reverend John Smithurst
Details: 2pp
Notes: In the letter, Duncan Finlayson advises John Smithurst of the subscription cost of two papers and the possible cost even if Smithurst thought he stopped the subscription.
Finlayson, DuncanPlace: [Grand] Rapids
From: Robert James
To: Rev’d J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement
Delivery: Local courier
Details: 1pp + integral address face
Notes: Reverend Robert James conveys the bishop's [Bishop David Anderson] instructions to Reverend Smithurst that the Journals be sent by the next packet, which will be sent in mid-February. Reverend Cowley is also mentioned.
James, RobertPlace: Middleton [Derbyshire, England]
From: William Buckley
To: Rev’d J. Smithurst, Church Mission House, Salisbury Square, Fleet Street, London
Delivery: Forwarded by the Christian Missionary Society to Red River Settlement via Hudson’s Bay Company supply ship and canoe brigade, and then by courier to the Indian Settlement at Netley Creek
Details: 4pp + addressed envelope with postal marks (stamp removed)
Notes: William Buckley writes from England to his friend, Reverend Smithurst. Buckley mentions that cholera has killed thousands in Jamaica. He gives a detailed account of the death of his brother Francis, who died the previous November after several months of illness. William Buckley is admiring of the deep faith in God and heaven which his brother maintained. He then gives news of people they both know. He mentions Mr. Wass, Mr. Hubbersty, Mr. John Wathy, and Rev. Smithurst’s brother George and his troubles. Buckley then complains about the “radical party headed by Messrs Everett, Dunn & Griffith, assisted by the Editor of the socalled Wesleyan Times.” He blames these radicals for spreading discord, as eight local preachers have joined these “Agitators.” He mentions Mr. Greville, Mr. Jones, Mr. Barker, Mr. Harward Senior, and Mr. Frederic Harward. Mr. Alfred Alsop plans on having a business at the Viagellia [Via Gellia] Works in Bonsall. William Buckley mentions that Mr. Mason speaks highly of the new Bishop of Rupert’s Land [David Anderson]. “Mr. Mason” is presumably Reverend William Mason. Buckley mentions there is political dissatisfaction with Lord John Russell’s handling of the Pope’s proposed papal hierarchy. There is excitement for the “Exhibition of the works of arts of all nations at London” and Buckley expects the census next year to be a great deal of work for the Registrars.
Buckley, WilliamPlace: Matlock Bath [Derbyshire, England]
From: G.W. Saxton
To: Rev. John Smithurst, Indian Settlement, Red River, N.W. America
Delivery: Forwarded by the Christian Missionary Society to Red River Settlement via Hudson’s Bay Company supply ship and canoe brigade, and then by courier to the Indian Settlement at Netley Creek
Details: 4pp + integral address face
Notes: George W. Saxton writes a lengthy letter to Reverend Smithurst describing deaths in the neighbourhood, fundraising activities for the Church Missionary Society, and clergymen at local parishes.
Saxton, G. W. (George Withers)Place: Hudson's Bay House, London [England]
From: W.G. Smith
To: Revd John Smithurst, Red River Settlement
Details: 3pp and integral address face
Notes: Mr. Smith writes to Rev. Smithurst regarding financial matters. He comments that money is cheap due to the influx of gold from California.
Smith, William GregoryPlace: Lower Fort Garry
From: W. Lane
To: Revd Smithurst, Indian Settlement
Details: 1pp and integral address face
Notes: List of payments made on behalf of Rev. Smithurst to Charles Cook, Geo Beardy, James Smith, John Kirkness, and William Bird.
Lane, William DouglasPlace: Red River Settlement
From: David Anderson
To: Reverend John Smithurst
Details: 1pp
Notes: Probably delivered by hand.
Anderson, DavidPlace: Partridge Crop
From: A. Cowley
To: The Rev Mr. Smithurst, Red River Settlement
Details: 3pp including address face
Notes: Rev. Abraham Cowley writes about his recent journey back to Partridge Crop from the Red River Settlement. He came close to getting severe frostbite, partly through his own fault. The Native population at Partridge Crop is facing starvation due to the collapse of the local rabbit population. Rev. Cowley is scared of the cholera that is spreading in Europe, but a more pressing concern is that John Mackay is threatening to quit on him. Rev. Cowley also forgot to pick up seeds while he was in Red River [see his letter of September 1849, in which he was already asking for seeds].
Cowley, AbrahamPlace: Norway House
From: Don Ross
To: Reverend J Smithurst, Indian Settlement, Red River
Details: 2pp and an envelope
Notes: A private letter written quickly by Donald Ross to Rev. John Smithurst. He vaguely refers to trouble involving Mr. Hunter, and also refuses to comment on an unidentified situation.
Ross, DonaldPlace: [Lower Fort Garry]
From: W[illiam Douglas] Lane
To: Rev’d J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement
Delivery: Local courier (probably Hudson’s Bay Company courier)
Details: 2pp + integral address face
Notes: A short letter from William Douglas Lane, Postmaster at Lower Fort Garry, noting that the 10 lbs of nails that Rev. Smithurst requested are being sent, and fresh beef will be available shortly. Lane also thanks Smithurst for recovering some goods stolen [from Lower Fort Garry] by young Flett, while expressing his suspicion that William Tait put the boy up to it, but Lane intends to “do all in my power to get the young scamp punished.”
Lane, William DouglasPlace: Hudson’s Bay House, London [England]
From: W.G. Smith
To: Rev’d J. Smithurst, RRS [Red River Settlement]
Delivery: Forwarded to Red River Settlement via Hudson’s Bay Company supply ship and canoe brigade, and then by courier to the Indian Settlement at Netley Creek
Details: 2pp + integral address face
Notes: Hudson’s Bay Company secretary William Gregory Smith discusses a request by Rev. Smithurst to submit money to the Hudson's Bay Company for interest. As mentioned to Smithurst by Sir George Simpson, the Company can do so only for money earned through the company. Smith did approach the Governor and Committee on Smithurst’s behalf, but they refused the request.
Also mentioned is business regarding a Mr. Henry Cook and the property of his deceased father. A postscript dated April 3, 1850, indicates Smith received additional papers from Rev. Smithurst regarding the late Joseph Cook, presumably Henry Cook's father, but he does not have time to process these before the Spring Packet leaves London.
An additional note scrawled in a different handwriting is written on the integral address face and mentions Cook and money.
Smith, William GregoryPlace: Ross Ville
From: W. Mason
To: Revd. John Smithurst, Indian Settlement
Details: 3pp
Notes: Reverend William Mason writes to his colleague, Rev. John Smithurst. Rev. Mason comments that since the freight boats came through, the local Natives have been excited about the possibility of free trade breaking the Hudson's Bay Company monopoly. Rev. Mason considers their feelings of discontent to be inconsiderate and he is angry that some members of his congregation tried to contact Bishop David Anderson with their grievances. Rev. Mason is "determined not to comply with any of their unreasonable requests for [he would] only be increasing the natural selfishness of their minds." On the matter of his printing press, they did not receive paper in the most recent shipment and therefore plan on spending the winter translating. His opinion is that the "Indian Characters" should be used to reach the adult population.
Mason, WilliamPlace: Ross Ville
From: W. Mason
To: Revd. John Smithurst, Indian Settlement, Red River
Details: 3pp and cover envelope
Notes: Reverend William Mason writes to his colleague, Rev. John Smithurst. Rev. Mason believes that previous efforts that focused on giving to the Natives is destroying them, so instead he teaches the Natives to give labour and goods to the mission as part of their obligation to "send the Gospel to the Heathen." He asks for Rev. Smithurst's assistance in obtaining two dozen Common Prayer books which he then intends to sell to the Natives for a low price. In a lengthy postscript, Rev. Mason asks how Rev. Smithurst's book of vocabulary is proceeding, and says that they have a new edition of the Prayer Book ready to print, but are out of paper. The plan is to continue work on translating the New Testament over the winter.
Mason, WilliamPlace: Lower Fort Garry
From: John Black
To: The Revd John Smithurst, Indian Settlement
Details: 1pp with integral address face.
Notes: John Black refers to paying a courier on William Badger's account. He is sorry to hear that William Thomas has died, but does not believe there will be a coroner's inquest.
Black, JohnPlace: Partridge Crop
From: Abraham Cowley
To: Rev. Mr. Smithurst, Indian Settlement, Red River
Details: 2pp
Notes: Rev. Cowley writes that his wife and children arrived from Red River safely. He thanks Rev. Smithurst for sending reading materials. He is also glad to hear that Rev. Smithurst's congregation is treating him better. He expects to travel to Red River during the winter and asks that Rev. Smithurst set aside some peas and beans for him for the spring, as the black birds and frost have destroyed his.
Cowley, AbrahamPlace: Red River Settlement
From: James Hunter, Norway House
To: Reverend John Smithurst
Details: 3pp
Notes: Hunter goes into detail about the visit of the Bishop of Prince Rupert’s Land. He also writes of matters of business regarding food supplies for the winter, the price of freight from Red River to Norway House and the construction of the Church.
Place: Red River Settlement
From: Robert James, Grand Rapids
To: Reverend John Smithurst
Details: 2pp
Notes: A brief letter from James before the arrival of the Bishop (aka his Lordship).
James, RobertPlace: Fort Snelling
From: E.G. Gear
To: The. Rev. J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement, British America
Details: 1pp and integral address face.
Notes: Rev. Gear just received Rev. Smithurst's package sent via Mr. Cook. He is especially happy to receive Church Missionary Society publications. He is also very sorry to hear about Rev. Smithurst's poor health. He has heard reports that cholera is making people sick in many U.S. ports, but it has yet to reach his community. The American President has called for a day of prayer because the epidemic is so bad. Rev. Gear heard that the Bishop of Rupert's Land has been consecrated.
Gear, Ezekiel GilbertPlace: Lower Fort Garry
From: W. Lane
To: Rev’d J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement
Delivery: Local courier (probably Hudson’s Bay Company courier)
Details: 1pp + integral address face
Notes: A short letter by William Douglas Lane, Postmaster at Lower Fort Garry, noting that he is sending copies of Smithurst’s accounts. The reverse of the letter is covered with columns of numbers, lists, and calculations.
Lane, William DouglasPlace: Fort Garry
From: John Ballenden
To: Revd John Smithurst, Indian Mission, Red River Settlement
Details: 1pp and integral address face
Notes: John Ballenden acknowledges receiving a letter from Rev. Smithurst from June 29th. He agrees that they need to limit cooperation between the Half Breeds & Indians, but he will not be opening a store at the Indian Mission because he cannot find a responsible person to run it.
Ballenden, JohnPlace: Lake Winnepeg, En route to Norway House
From: Henry Budd
To: the Reverend J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement, Red River
Details: 3pp and integral address face
Notes: Henry Budd offers his heartfelt thanks for the wheat subscriptions promised by parishioners at Red River. Budd has been busy building the church, and while he makes the point of saying that he does not mind the labour, he deeply regrets that it takes him away from educating his children.
Budd, HenryPlace: Norway House
From: W. Mason
To: The Revd J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement
Details: 3 pp and integral address face
Notes: Reverend William Mason acknowledges that Rev. Smithurst is facing "ingratitude" at his parish. Rev. Mason complains that Red River freighters are trading illegally, and he mentions an interview with Sir George Simpson in which he got promises from Simpson that further funding will be provided for a Wesleyan Mission, and that converts will be allowed to observe the Sabbath when voyaging.
Mason, WilliamPlace: Fort Snelling
From: E.G. Gear
To: The Rev. J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement, Red River, British America
Details: 3pp and integral address face
Notes: Rev. Gear sends a letter to his friend via a military party headed to the U.S. border. Rev. Gear sends along reading material including magazines and a book about the new territories of New Mexico and California. Rev. Gear mentions the California gold rush, the revolutions in Europe, and the recent death of one of his daughters. A close friend, Dr. Rudor, has also died. Rev. Gear mentions that he preaches at a village called St. Paul's, and expects it will soon be named the government seat for the Minnesota Territory.
Gear, Ezekiel GilbertPlace: Red River Settlement
From: Alexander Christie, Lower Fort Garry
To: Mrs. Jeny Hickenburger ; Reverend John Smithurst
Details: 2pp
Notes: A pair of letters both written on the same day concerning the same matter. The first is written to "Mrs. Jenny Hickenburger" and the other to Reverend Smithurst regarding the death of Jenny Hickenburger's father. The letter requests that she attends Christie's office to sign the necessary paperwork for her to inherit her father's money. The letter to Smithurst requests his assistance in ensuring that his cousin does not redeem her HBC stock and instead accepts £9 per year as income.
Christie, AlexanderPlace: London [England]
From: Church Missionary Society
To: Rev. J. Smithurst
Delivery: Forwarded by the Christian Missionary Society to Red River Settlement via Hudson’s Bay Company supply ship and canoe brigade, and then by courier to the Indian Settlement at Netley Creek
Details: 1pp invoice
Notes: An invoice, showing shipping charges on the "Prince Rupert" taken against Smithurst's balance over the period April 5 to May 31, 1849.
Church Missionary SocietyPlace: Cumberland Station
From: Jas Hunter
To: The Revd. J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement
Details: 3pp and integral address face
Notes: Reverend James Hunter sends thanks to Peter Garrioch for organizing wheat subscriptions from the Red River Settlement to be sent to Cumberland Mission. Rev. Hunter is happy to hear that the Bishop is coming. He expresses concern at the growing unrest at Red River, and he acknowledges that Rev. Smithurst is talking of leaving.
Hunter, JamesAn account summary for Rev. Smithurst with the Church Missionary Society for dates in 1848 and 1849, with April 4, 1849 as the latest date.
Church Missionary SocietyPlace: Matlock Bath [Derbyshire, England]
From: Geo W. Saxton
To: Rev. John Smithurst, Indian Settlement, Red River, N.W. America
Delivery: Forwarded by the Christian Missionary Society to Red River Settlement via Hudson’s Bay Company supply ship and canoe brigade, and then by courier to the Indian Settlement at Netley Creek
Details: 3.5 pp + integral address face
Notes: George W. Saxton was the secretary of the Matlock Church Missionary Society in England and writes a lengthy letter to Smithurst describing in detail the various activities, events, and people in the news.
Saxton, G. W. (George Withers)Place: Church Missionary House, London [England]
From: Church Missionary Society
To: Revd. J. Smithurst, Indian Settlement, North West America
Details: 1pp
Notes: A list of goods ordered by Rev. Smithurst and shipped via the "Prince Rupert" ship under the command of Captain Herd, sailing for North West America. Items include a map, books, newspapers, and reports.
Church Missionary Society