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- 1875-09-20
- The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. This letter discusses the next stages of the process to exchange the land, which involved ensuring that Sproull held proper title to the land in question., "Memo Re the proposal to obtain right of way through Mr. Sproull's property for the Indians of Pictou by giving him part of their reserve in exchange therefore. I suppose the first step necessary is to ascertain as to Mr. Sproull's title in the property claimed by him. The agent of the Honorable the Minister of Justice at Halifax, Hon. Mr. Smith, made enquiry into Mr. [Jones?] title to the property deeded by him to govrrnment for the Indians. He would doubtless need the [] Re this exchange if asked by the minister of justice to do so. I think Mr. Sproull should pay at leasy one half of the expenses attending such enquiery as would of any subsequent proceedings in the matter. [Text on next page- unclear if it is same author but writing is similar]" Please ack. Mr. McD's letter of 9th Inst + request him to state whether there is no side road by which the Inds. can have [] with their woodland without traversing Mr. Sproull's property, and whether Mr. Sproull is [] [] to reach them for [] [] [] land is obliged to or does [] the Indian Reserve. [to/in fact?] - say [] in order tp comprehend the facts of the position [ ] it is desirable we should show on a rough sketch the relative position of the lands insisted it one another. [] to the possible [] [] [] [].... (illegible)
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- 1875-09-21
- The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. This letter discusses the responsibility of Sproull to allow right of way across his land if no proper roads connect the two reserves, and requests that a sketch of the vicinity be drafted., "On enquiry at the Dept of Justice as to the Indians being entitled in law to a right of way this being Sproull's property- I am informed that if there is no other way provided for the public to get from the one point (the wood land) to the other (the Indian Reserve) that Mr. Sproull is obliged in law to allow such right of way- it was suggested that our agent at PIctou be requested to inform us whether there is or is not means of access to their properties open to the Indians other than thru Mr. Sproull's property. LVK Sept 21/75 [Text on next page- unclear if it is same author but writing is similar]: " Please ack. Mr. McD's letter of 9th Inst + request him to state whether there is no side road by which the Inds. can have [] with their woodland without traversing Mr. Sproull's property, and whether Mr. Sproull is [] [] to reach them for [] [] [] land is obliged to or does [] the Indian Reserve. [to/in fact?] - say [] in order tp comprehend the facts of the position [ ] it is desirable we should show on a rough sketch the relative position of the lands insisted it one another. [] to the possible [] [] [] [].... (illegible)"
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- 1875-09-28
- The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. This letter discusses the responsibility of Sproull to allow right of way across his land if no proper roads connect the two reserves, and requests that a sketch of the vicinity be drafted. Also discusses proposed roadway in the region, but it is not clear if the road is currently built or would be in the future., "Dear Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge the rect of your letter of the 9th inst. Reporting in compliance with instructions contained in my letter of the 18th April last on the proposition of Mr. Thomas Sproull of Pictou County to exchange a portion of his lot for land reserved for the Indians. You will please state whether there is a side road by which the Indians can have communication with their woodland without crossing Mr. Sproull's property and whether Mr. Sproull, in order to reach the highway from his land is obliged to or does cross over the Indian Reserve. With a view to a [public] understanding perfectly the limits in question of the [], it is desirable that you should forward a rough sketch shewing the relative positions to one another and to the public highway of the lands in question as well as any side roads from these lands to such highway. I am ++ [Next Page note]: "Ack. I say with ref. to that part of his letter that he states that Mr. [] has promised a road and is ready to give it at any time if required. is that the sketch included by Mr. MacD- does not show how such road would be so as to [] the highway and thus afford the Indians access to their woodland. Request Mr. MacD to supply this omission and inform him that it is presumed that the road would be given by Mr. [Jess - settler on north of sketch] free of charge. LVK Dec 11 75"
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- 1875-10-18
- The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. Rev. MacDonald (Indian Agent) provided a sketch map and reported that the roadway discussed had not yet been built, but arrangements had been made to construct it "at any time.", "Sir, In reply to yours of the 28th Inst no. 4671, I beg to state. 1st, there is actually no side road by which the Indians may have access to their wood lot. Mr. [Joes/Jess] has promised a road and is ready to give it at any time. If required. 2nd. Mr. Sproull in crossing to the highway does not cross the Indian Reserve. 3rd. The enclosed sketch will give you an idea of the relative positions of the relative positions of the proposed changes. The part dotted and marked A in the plan represents the portion of Mr. Sproull's farm which he proposes to give. The part dotted and marked B of the Indian Reserve is what I propose giving in exchage and which I think would be fair equivalent. C represents the position of Mr. Sproull's dwelling. The Indians are now residing in lot No. 1. I am most respectfully, R. Macdonald JP."
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- 1875-12-09
- The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. J.M. Carmicheal (Member of Parliament) asked for the land exchange to be approved, stating that it would be of benefit to both parties., "Sir, I take the liberty of enquiring if you have received the report of Rev. R.M. MacDonald in reference to exchange of a portion of land between the Indians and Mr. Sproull. I brought this matter to your notice when in Ottawa last session and understand from Rev. Macdonald that he has had some correspondence with you on the subject and that he recommended in the interest of the Indians that the land should be exchanged as proposed. I am assured the change will be to their benefit and is also a matter of [] to a working farmer who in the present position of its land is subjected to serious and continual annoyance and []. Would you be good enough to give the matter your consideration and if approved direct the necessary steps to be taken to effect the exchange asked. I am, sir, your obedient servant, J.M. Carmicheal"
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- 1875-12-14
- The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. Vankoughnet inquired as to the proposed location of a road that would allow the Pictou Landing Indians access to their woodlot, and how this would relate to the exchanged parcels of land., "Sir, With reference to that part of your letter of the 18th Oct last which states that Mr. [Joes/Jess/Jones] has promised a road and is ready to give it at any time if required, I have the honor to inform you that the sketch enclosed in that letter does not shew how such road would run so as to strike the highway and thus afford the Indians access to their wood land. You will have the [] to supply this omission and also state what are the respective areas of the parcel proposed to be exchanged. I may add that it is presumed from the year of your letter that Mr [Jones/Joe/Ives?] will give his road free of charge."
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- 1875-12-15
- The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. This letter contained a sketch map of proposed changes to Indian Land in Pictou Landing, highlighting proposed roadways and plots of land to be exchanged by Sproull and the Pictou Landing Indians.
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- 1875-Tabular Statement, Shewing census, progress in agriculture, fish and furs taken, and other industries pursued, money distributed
- Tabular statement sent to the Department of Indian Affairs by Rev. MacDonald, Indian Agent for the Pictou County Mi'kmaw., Name of Tribe of Band Micmacs District 4 (Pictou); Census: Males 98; Females 108; Total 206; Increase. Value of Improvements on Reserve 100.00.Value of Personal Property: 100.00. Dwellings: 12. Area of Reserve: 180 acres. Reserve Occupied by Indians:12 Under cultivation; 30 Under pasture; 128 under wood; 20.00 value of reserve per acre. Total Value of Reserve and Lands: 3,600.00.Total value of real and personal property, exclusive of cash invested in hands of government, for which see Return C: 4,600.00. Agricultural Implements:No ploughs, harrows, waggons, fanning mills, thrashing machines. Band has 5 hoes. No Stock Animals. Crops raised in 1875:112 bushells of wheat; 200 bushels of potatoes; 10 bushels of hay. Fish: 40 cwts. valued at 120.00. Furs: Muskrats valued at 30.00. Other Industries: Coopering valued at 300.00. Relief and grain seed valued at 300.00. Number of children in Band: 51; Children of an age to attend school: 45; Attending school: none.
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- 1876- Financial Returns for Indians of Nova Scotia
- Annual financial report on account for "Indians of Nova Scotia." Includes information on Pictou., "Rev. R. MacDonald, Agent, District No. 4, 12 months to June 30th 1876; paid $100.00." "Distribution for relief of distress, and for the purchase of seed grain in the following proportions: In District No. 4 [Pictou County], Relief 300.00; Seed Grain 150.00; Total 450.00." "Miscellaneous Expenditures: Smith and McCoy, for conveyance of title of 89 acres of land purchased from W. Ives, as a reserve for the Micmacs of Pictou County, cost 10.00.", No medical expenses collected for District 4. This could mean there were no expenses, or that the Indian Agent did not submit charges. Given MacDonald's record of submitting reports, it is likely that there were no charges for medicine on the District No. 4 account.
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- 1876- Report on the Condition of Indians in District No. 4, Pictou County
- Annual Report sent to the Department of Indian Affairs, written by Indian Agent Rev. R. MacDonald., INDIAN DISTRICT, No. 4. PICTOU, October 23rd, 1876. The Honorable The Superintendent-General of Indian Affairs, Ottawa. Sir, - The condition of the Indians of my District has so little changed since my last report, that I have no new information that can be of any great service to your Department to transmit at present. For the last few years I perceive a very marked improvement in the Indians of my District. They are less given to their former habits of intemperance; they are more industrious, and as a consequence enjoy more of the comforts of civilized life. I regret, however, that they manifest but little interest or progress in the knowledge of farming. The nomadic dispositions of their ancestors which in some degree they still inherit, make them impatient of the slow and uncertain returns of agriculture. I have again to report that my District is destitute of school-houses: the time in which the youth of the Band receive instruction is limited to a few weeks, in July of each year, when they meet in the audience room of the Church of St. Ann. The instruction then given is, of necessity, of a religious character. All my Indians are Catholic, All of which I most respectfully submit. R. MACDONALD. Indian Agent.
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- 1876-01-12
- The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. Reverend Macdonald forwarded sketches to EA Meredith (Secretary of Indian Affairs), and inquired whether or not the consent of the Indians would be required., "I speak in the interest of the Indians, who I urge on the department the propriety if not the necessity of accepting the exchange offered by Mr. James Sporull." [Note on margin] "will it be necessary to obtain consent of Indians - this land was bought for them and if not it will at least be necessary I think if time willing ... []." [Second page]: "write to the minister of Justice and request him to have the goodness to ascertain and inform the Supt Gen [] if Mr. James Sproull has clear title to the lot of land occupied by him at Fisher's Grant in the County of Pictou which lies betweem the old Indian Reserve and the parcel of woodland...purchased by the Indains of that place from Mr. [Hues]- Mr. Sproull being desrious of trading a portion of his land for part of the land purchased for the Indians."
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- 1876-02-04
- The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. This letter asks for confirmation that James Sproull had proper title to the land he was offering for exchange., "Sir, I have the honor by direction of the Supt. Gen. of [Indian Affairs?] to reqiest that you will have the goodness to instruct your agent at Halifax to ascertain for his information whether Mr. James Sproull has a clear title to the parcel of land occupied by him at Fisher's Grant, in the county of Pictou Nova Scotia. The land in question lies between the old Indian Reserve and the woodland recently purchased for the Indians at that place from Mr. Ives. Mr. Sproull is desrious of exchanging a portion of his land for part of land purchased for the Indians."