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. This letter asked for surveys of each parcel of land to be completed, including a description of land and the boundaries. Once the survey was completed, MacDonald would hold a meeting of the Pictou Landing Indians to gain consent to surrender from the majority of male members of the band.

1876-05-23
1876-05-23

()
Rev. MacDonald (Indian Agent)

Personal correspondence

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

"Sir, In reference to previous correspondence on the subject of the proposed exchange pf lamd at Fishers Grant between Mr. Sproull and the Indians, I have to request that you will have a survey made by a land surveyor of the two parcels of land in question and have a plan and description of each by limits and bounds prefaced - one half the expense of the services will be paid by the Dept and the balance will be charged to Mr. Sproull. Upon Completion of the survey plans and descriptions, you will please transcribe the descriptions of each properrty on whichever of the forms of conveyance enclosed herewith it refers to [page two] and attach the original plan and description to that conveyance. After filling up the blanks in the conveyance from Mr. Sproull to her Majesty, of the price of land to be surrendered by himself and wife (if he has one) you qill have the same duly exectued in duplicate and attested by the subsiding witness to the []. Thereupon you will being duly authorized and [] [] by the Supt. of I.A. attend to a council of the band of Indians owning the reserve at Fishers' Grant to be surrendered [] [with] the rules for the purpose of surrendering a part of their reserve - by the consent of a majority of the male memebers of the band of a full age of 21 years is given to Mr. Macdonald to surrender that portion of the reserve which it is proposed to be exchanged with Mr. Sproull. You will, after filling in all the blanks on the form of surrender enclosed, have the same executed by the chief and Principal men of the Band. After which you and the Chief or one of the principal men must swear an oath before a judge the fact of such assent having been given. For any further information which you may require in connection with the taking of the surrender, I will refer you to sections 25 and 28 of the Indian Act 1876 - a copy of which is enclosed."

eng