Land Survey
Boundaries
Exchange
Indian Reserve
Land

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. MacDonald reported that the proposal for the land exchange understood the differences in the size of lands to be traded, and that if Sproull was asked to pay for the extra acres he would likely not accept the deal.

1876-11-28
1876-11-28

Rev. MacDonald (Indian Agent) (correspondent)

Personal correspondence

RG10, Reel C-11121, Vol 1957, file 4671.

Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of yours of the 28th []. I herewith return the documents connected with the transfer signed as directed. I beg to inform you that your letter is written under a misapprehension of the precise nature of the negotiations which [] this matter have been initiated between Mr. Sproull and myself. The proposal was was this. Mr. Spence offered ten acres of good land for a quantity which was then supposed to consist of fifteen acres of very inferior quality. On the parcel being measured a discrepancy was found in the supposed [] [] giving Mr. Sproull two acres more than originally bargained for. The exchange was given much inquiry by the Indians, and Mr. Sproull, there are [] continual expenses [] and the making of the [] and plan. Now that the conditions of the agreement are considerably changed, I am not sure I can enduce Mr. Sproull to accept them."

eng