Relief

Difficult to read letter from George Smith of Pictou to the Deputy Secretary for Indian Affairs in Nova Scotia. The letter discusses the distribution of relief to the Indians in Pictou County, and seems to suggest that the amount of goods sent was not enough to alleviate the poverty of many of the local Mi'kmaq. While the letter is difficult to read, George Smith was the local contact for the distribution of goods from the Nova Scotia Government. His name appears on financial records as the one who received and distributed the goods (blankets, coats, etc.) to the Mi'kmaq at Pictou.

1837-01-18
1837-01-18

George Smith (Author)

Letter

“Pictou, 18th January 1837 Thomas M. [Mclean?], Esq. [Deputy Secretary] Sir, I have to acknowledge receipt of yours of the 28th ultimo, [] in the [] between [] Mr. Patterson which is at [] deeded [] [] [] the former/province was you alluded of this in Mr. Patterson’s [] hire. The seven pounds you send by your [] [] have been given our [sparingly] to the [] of His Excellency, the Lieutenant Governor, in blankets for each of the [] [] of his Indians and as far as the [] want each have been permitted in as equitable a manner I [] [] on them, and you have assigned a [] [] [pg. 2] Of the contribution of His Excellency’s donation, which the few Indians are very thankful. [][] There are yet a good many in need. Sir, [] [] George Smith

eng

Public Archives of Nova Scotia, RG1, Vol. 431 (Indian Commissioner Series), file 35.