1815 in Canada

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Here are events and incumbents from 1815 in Canada.

Incumbents

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Federal government

Governors

Events

  • The Great Migration from Europe begins.
  • January – Unaware of the Treaty of Ghent, General Andrew Jackson (1767–1845) wins the Battle of New Orleans.
  • February 9 – A bill to give the speaker a salary of 1,000 pounds is read.
  • February 18 – The United States ratifies treaties signed in December 1814.
  • March 25 – Governor George Prevost informs Parliament that then-prince regent George IV has ordered him to England to answer charges of the naval commander.
  • March – Parliament allocates 25,000 pounds for a canal from Montreal to Lachine.

Births

Historical documents

Text of "Treaty of Peace and Amity Between His Britannic Majesty and the United States of America"<ref>"Washington, February 18; Proclamation," The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (March 23, 1815) pg. 2 of 4. See also John Quincy Adams letter on final negotiations before treaty signing, and assessment of treaty (1st column "Extract of a note to Messrs.[....]"), and editorial comment (pg. 4, left column bottom) that "the halcyon calm of peace has succeeded to the bustling scenes of war and[...]News is consequently become an obsolete word." Accessed 29 April 2025</ref>

"Satisfaction [after war is not great in U.S.A.] when the whole cost in lives lost, in property destroyed and in property expended" is tallied<ref>"Concluding Remarks" A Compendious History of the Late War[....] (1815), pgs. 31–2. Accessed 28 May 2025</ref>

John Quincy Adams tells Pres. Madison that larger U.S. Navy would make British better assess "the value of the Objects [in] a new War"<ref>"To James Madison from John Quincy Adams" (September 27, 1815), U.S. National Archives. Accessed 28 May 2025</ref>

U.S. peacetime army includes 14 companies of infantry and riflemen stationed at Detroit and artillery companies at Niagara and Sacket's Harbor<ref>"Quebec; Thursday, June 15, 1815; The Peace Establishment[....]," The Quebec Gazette, June 15, 1815 pg. 3 (1st column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also description (pg. 2, 2nd column bottom) of tense atmosphere between U.S. troops at Detroit and British (plus 500 Indigenous fighters) at Sandwich. Accessed 15 May 2025</ref>

Editorial: "The commencement of the war[...]and the manner [it was conducted in should be] engraven on the minds of[...]British North Anmerica"<ref>"Quebec; Thursday, April 20, 1815; The Montreal Herald[....]," The Quebec Gazette, April 20, 1815 pg. 3 (1st column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 14 May 2025</ref>

William Claus of Indian Affairs department gives words of condolence to Indigenous leaders for loss of many friends and relations<ref>William Claus's words of condolence (April 24, 1815) quoted in Paul Williams and Curtis Nelson, "Kaswentha" (frames 53 and 245), Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Accessed 23 May 2025</ref>

Chief asks for articles necessary "to raise provisions for ourselves" and that whites (including traitors) not be allowed among Six Nations<ref>Tekarihoken's address at Burlington council (April 26, 1815) quoted in Paul Williams and Curtis Nelson, "Kaswentha" (frames 250, 251), Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Accessed 26 May 2025</ref>

Red Jacket asks peace between New York State and Grand River Haudenosaunee, who are "not of the same Nations only, but of the same Families"<ref>Red Jacket's address at Niagara council (September 1, 1815) quoted in Paul Williams and Curtis Nelson, "Kaswentha" (frame 254), Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples. Accessed 26 May 2025</ref>

John Norton would accept proposed pension for war service, though "all the regret [he] ever had was that [he] was not able to do more"<ref>John Norton letter (April 18, 1815), Library and Archives Canada. See also character report favouring Norton. Accessed 23 May 2025</ref>

Pres. Madison expects returning Michilimackinac to U.S.A. will end "the confidence and hostility" of British-allied First Nations (note: "Savages" used)<ref>Letter of James Madison (May 24, 1815), U.S. National Archives. Accessed 28 May 2025</ref>

Long war in Europe might spread to America because "neither party has abandoned [policies that were] the ostensible causes of the late war"<ref>"Quebec; Thursday, June 8, 1815; We are happy to observe[....]," The Quebec Gazette, June 8, 1815 pg. 2 (4th column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 14 May 2025</ref>

Summary of U.K.–U.S. "Commercial Treaty" includes prohibition on British trade with Indigenous people in any part of U.S.A.<ref>"August 28; Treaty with America," The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (September 14, 1815) pg. 2 of 2 (righthand page, 2nd column). Accessed 30 April 2025</ref>

Editorial: "Crowds of great and illustrious personages, in addition to gamblers, sharpers [etc.]" are in Vienna to settle European concerns<ref>"Quebec, January 3, 1815; Crowds of great[....]," The Quebec Mercury (January 3, 1815) pg. 7 (left column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 9 May 2025.</ref>

U.S. "envy [of] the superior quality of the soil" in Canada, compared to impressment of its seamen, was "stronger stimulus" to start war<ref>"Extracts from D. Anderson's Canada," The Quebec Mercury (January 3, 1815) pg. 5 (left column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also excerpts on inhabitants (pg. 3) and agriculture (pg. 3), with further excerpts in subsequent issues. Accessed 9 May 2025.</ref>

"To secure us the possession of Canada," suitable vessels will be built on Great Lakes; arms and equipment for them are being prepared<ref>"London, Aug. 21," The Quebec Mercury (October 24, 1815) pg. 5 (right column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 12 May 2025.</ref>

Commercial/political threats from U.S.A. include future Erie Canal, fort on Lake Champlain and probable fort on St. Lawrence River<ref>"Quebec; Thursday, November 2, 1815; In regard to national interests[....]," The Quebec Gazette, November 2, 1815 pg. 2 (4th column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 16 May 2025</ref>

Foreword to book on British and U.S. trade says it is important to stop U.S. interference in British North American fishery and shipping<ref>"Advertisement" American Encroachments on British Rights (1808/1815), frame 7. Accessed 1 May 2025</ref>

John Quincy Adams summarizes negotiation with British over their expulsion of U.S. fishers from British North American waters<ref>"14 September 1815" John Quincy Adams Digital Diary, Massachusetts Historical Society. Accessed 28 May 2025</ref>

Boston source notes Pres. Madison recommending only U.S. sailors crew U.S. ships, and suggests saying that 4 years ago might have averted war<ref>"Boston, March 17," The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (May 11, 1815) pg. 1 of 4 (lefthand page, 3rd column). Accessed 29 April 2025</ref>

John Strachan chastizes Thomas Jefferson with accounts of U.S. depredations in Upper Canada during War of 1812<ref>John Strachan to Thomas Jefferson (January 30, 1815). Accessed 15 March 2020</ref>

"Ill-fated" Sutherlandshire sees hundreds of families emigrate to Pictou and Red River, "banished to make room for more" sheep<ref>"Sutherlandshire" Acadian Recorder (October 28, 1815), pg. 3 (2nd column), Nova Scotia Archives. See also letter (3rd column) with more details of immigrants to Pictou and Red River prospectus (frames 111–12) describing situation of evicted Scots. Accessed 8 May 2025</ref>

British and Irish settlers can get land grants of 100 acres in Upper and Lower Canada by supplying testimonials and redeemable deposits<ref>"British Provinces in North America; Liberal Encouragement by his Majesty's Government to Settlers inclined to proceed from Great Britain and Ireland(....) (February 22, 1815), University of Alberta Libraries. See also details of settlement offer. Accessed 1 May 2025</ref>

Deserting British regulars in Upper and Lower Canada are pardoned if they surrender to officer or magistrate (does not cover militiamen)<ref>"Proclamation" (April 25, 1815), The Quebec Gazette, April 27, 1815 pg. 2 (4th column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 14 May 2025</ref>

Demise of army bills prompts praise for their benefit to "the Canadas as an easy and an abundant circulating medium" better than gold<ref>"Quebec, November 28, 1815; A Proclamation has appeared[....]," The Quebec Mercury (November 28, 1815) pg. 6 (right column bottom), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 12 May 2025.</ref>

Map: "A Plan of the Route from Halifax to the River Du Loup on the St. Lawrence," with Chaleur Bay and Minas Basin on right edge<ref>Joseph Bouchette, "A Plan of the Route from Halifax to the River du Loup(....)" (1815; note: BANQ URL on Upper St. John River Valley site is not functional, but map is on Toronto Public Library site). Accessed 21 May 2025</ref>

Lower Canada

"Lower Canada has not only been exempted in a great measure from the scourge of war but actually blessed with an uncommon degree of prosperity"<ref>Robert Easton, "Reasons for Joy and Praise; A Sermon, Preached April 6, 1815 [in Montreal]" (1815), pg. 10 Accessed 28 May 2025</ref>

"The termination of the war has already had a wonderful effect on our markets; many articles have fallen 50 pr. cent"<ref>"Montreal, March 4," The Quebec Mercury (March 7, 1815) pg. 6 (right column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 12 May 2025.</ref>

Letter to the editor simply and clearly alleges effect of taxation on merchants and its consequences for others in society<ref>"For the Gazette," The Quebec Gazette, March 9, 1815 pg. 2 (4th column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 14 May 2025</ref>

"The circulation of the army [bills] on equal terms as with dollars is a proof that [provincial] Bank paper would meet complete confidence"<ref>"Provincial Bank," The Montreal Herald, February 11, 1815 pg. 2 (5th column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 19 May 2025</ref>

"Vaccine inoculation" to be supported with £1,000 shared among appointed physicians in Quebec, Montreal, Trois-Rivières and Gaspé districts<ref>An Act to encourage and diffuse the practice of Vaccine Inoculation (March 25, 1815), British North American Legislative Database, 1758-1867. See also bilingual instructions for inoculation and report (pg. 2, 4th column) that smallpox "has lately made considerable ravages" near Quebec City. Accessed 28 April 2025</ref>

Physician finds inoculation of Indigenous people led to high fever he believes "was occasioned by inebriety, their sole delight"<ref>"Mr. McAllister, Surgeon[....]" (September 18, 1815), The Quebec Mercury (September 19, 1815) pg. 3 (left column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 12 May 2025.</ref>

Eastern Townships farmers are not "sufficiently careful and neat" because uncleared land is near, labour is expensive and winters severe<ref>Charles Stewart, "Short View of the Present State of the Eastern Townships in the Province of Lower-Canada(....)" (1815), pg. 5 (frame 3), Toronto Public Library. Accessed 21 May 2025</ref>

Details of third infanticide since "the provision made by the Legislature for[...]reception at the Hotel Dieu" for illegitimate infants<ref>"Quebec; Thursday, February 16, 1815; A most atrocious deed[....]," The Quebec Gazette, February 16, 1815 pg. 2 (3rd column bottom), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 13 May 2025</ref>

Wounded militia members' annuity is to be raised to £15, and widows and children of members killed in war are to receive £25–100 payment<ref>An Act to grant an annuity to such Militia-men as were wounded during the late war with the United States of America, and to apply a sum of money therein mentioned, to aid and assist His Majesty in defraying the expenses of the Militia incurred during the said War, and also to indemnify certain Officers of Militia and the Families of such Militiamen as were killed in the said war (March 25, 1815), British North American Legislative Database, 1758-1867. Accessed 28 April 2025</ref>

Disbanded soldiers are to be granted land to settle on, with officers receiving 200 acres and men 100 acres that must not be sold for 3 years<ref>"Adjutant General's Office, Quebec, 7th June, 1815; General Orders" See also advice to place soldiers (who do not generally make good farmers) under direction "of a few intelligent Farmers" and editorial (pg. 7) claiming "the Canadas furnish a wide field for industry as well as for war." Accessed 1 May 2025</ref>

Editor supports settling ex-soldiers on frontiers near U.S. border as best defence against invading armies, as was proven during war<ref>"Quebec; Thursday, March 16, 1815; It is rumoured[....]," The Quebec Gazette, March 16, 1815 pg. 2 (4th column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also letter (pg. 2, 1st column bottom) suggesting creation of zone along U.S. border at least 10 miles wide where settlement is prohibited. Accessed 14 May 2025</ref>

"The scene of alarm, confusion and despair may be readily imagined" - army transport catches fire at night at Quebec City<ref>"Quebec; Thursday, June 15, 1815; The Saragossa Transport[....]," The Quebec Gazette, June 15, 1815 pg. 3 (1st column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also brief note (pg. 3, 1st column centre) that troops arrive daily from upcountry to board transports. Accessed 15 May 2025</ref>

Four British regulars, kneeling on coffins by their graves, are executed for desertion before crowd of "multitudes[,] particularly of women"<ref> "Montreal, May 27; On Tuesday last[....]," The Quebec Gazette, June 1, 1815 pg. 2 (4th column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also militia general order (pg. 3, 1st column) to watch for deserters pretending to be discharged or detailed to catch deserters. Accessed 14 May 2025</ref>

Louis-Joseph Papineau's political talents: among ablest orators, "profound knowledge" in committee and "uncommon facility" in Assembly<ref>"Montreal has good reason[....]," The Montreal Herald, January 28, 1815 pg. 2 (5th column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 19 May 2025</ref>

Praise for John Molson, "one of the most valuable members of the community" in Montreal, who plans huge wharf and large ballroom facility<ref>"We understand, that John Molson[....]," The Quebec Mercury (December 19, 1815) pg. 5 (right column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 13 May 2025.</ref>

Note on free school in Quebec City expresses surprize that, in city of 20,000, there has been no public elementary school before now<ref>"The free school[....]," The Quebec Mercury (February 21, 1815) pg. 7 (right column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also editorial (pg. 2, 2nd column) on progress of Quebec Free School. Accessed 9 May 2025.</ref>

Quebec City "seminaries of learning" praised, including Mrs. Goodman's, where young ladies excelled in geography, "use of Globes" etc.<ref>"Communication," The Quebec Gazette, December 28, 1815 pg. 2 (3rd column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 16 May 2025</ref>

Montreal school for "Young Ladies [teaches] Plain and Fancy Needle-Work, English Grammar, Writing, Arithmetic, Frh. Grammar [and] DANCING"<ref>"Mrs. & Mr. Holland[....]," The Montreal Herald, February 25, 1815 pg. 4 (4th column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 19 May 2025</ref>

Editorial links excessive number of taverns with such crimes as theft and riot, as well as families reduced to begging and prostitution<ref>"Quebec; Thursday, December 14, 1815; The number of Taverns[....]," The Quebec Gazette, December 14, 1815 pg. 3, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 16 May 2025</ref>

Letter to editor hopes "every friend to humanity will now come forward[...]to free this country from the growing evil of street begging"<ref>"Mr. Editor[....]," The Quebec Mercury (February 28, 1815) pg. 6 (left and centre columns), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also opinion piece (pg. 3, 2nd column) promoting houses of industry in Montreal and Quebec, and letter (pg. 2) opposing spending public money on paupers. Accessed 9 May 2025.</ref>

"Severe" examination of current state of dentistry, pointing out dentists' "neglect," aims to "heighten your ideas of its utility"<ref>"Introduction" The Summum Bonum (August 29, 1815), pg. (i; Image 8). Accessed 1 May 2025</ref>

Montreal Florist Society offers prizes for methods of preventing caterpillar damage, mildew damage and "Black or Turnip-Fly"<ref>"Montreal Florist Society" (March 22, 1815), The Montreal Herald, April 8, 1815 pg. 1 (2nd column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 19 May 2025</ref>

R. Quirouet of Côte Déléry, Quebec "makes and distills all sorts of Creams, Liqueurs and Cordials for wholesale and exportation" and retail<ref>"Cordial Distillery" (June 12, 1815), The Quebec Mercury (June 27, 1815) pg. 7, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 12 May 2025.</ref>

In best-of-three one-mile heats at Chambly Race Course, Mr. Rawlin's mare takes on 1st, Capt. Blake's mare Sally and 2nd, Blake's mare Jane<ref>"Sporting Intelligence," The Montreal Herald, May 27, 1815 pg. 3 (4th column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 19 May 2025</ref>

English furniture for sale includes cane "sophas," mahogany and cane chairs, "wash hand stands compleat," portable desks etc.<ref>"Just received from London[....]" (June 26, 1815), The Quebec Mercury (June 27, 1815) pg. 5, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also sofa (Montreal, 1810–15). Accessed 12 May 2025.</ref>

Print: "View of Long's Farm on Lake Temiscouata at the extremity of the Portage(....)" between Rivière-du-Loup, L.C. and Edmundston, New Brunswick<ref>"View of Long's Farm, on Lake Temiscouata, at the Extremity of the Portage" (1815), Toronto Public Library. Accessed 21 May 2025</ref>

Upper Canada

Assembly agrees to "deliberate upon the expediency of further continuing the suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act"<ref>"Upper-Canada," The Quebec Gazette, March 23, 1815 pg. 2 (3rd column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 14 May 2025</ref>

Persons suffering war damage should report to commanding officer at one of five locations around province to apply for compensation<ref>"Military Secretary's Office[....]" (July 29, 1815), Kingston Gazette (July 18, 1815), pg. 1 Kingston Frontenac Public Library. Accessed 20 May 2025</ref>

With return of people who left U.C. during war, call comes to enforce "An act for better securing this Province against all seditious attempts"<ref>"Upper Canada" (May 16, 1815), Kingston Gazette (July 18, 1815), pg. 3 Kingston Frontenac Public Library. See also circular letter (pg. 427; frame 465) ordering local officials to send in names of aliens, whether "preachers, schoolmasters, practitioners in medicine, pedlars, or labourers." Accessed 20 May 2025</ref>

Those who "prescribe for sick persons or practice physic, surgery or midwifery" (except female midwives) must get Board of Surgeons licence<ref>An Act to Licence Practitioners in Physic and Surgery throughout this Province (March 14, 1815), British North American Legislative Database, 1758-1867. See also letter (1st column top) from midwife ("female accoucheur") defending herself from criticism that she lacks "a large fund of learning" by saying she is "a pretty skilful operator [earning a] scanty pittance." Accessed 28 April 2025</ref>

Kinaybicoinini, Aisaince and Misquuckkey are promised £4,000 plus "one Pepper Corn" yearly rent for ca. 250,000 acres west of Lake Simcoe<ref>Lake Simcoe Treaty, No. 16 Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Accessed 29 May 2025</ref>

Letter says Kingston has "central position, commodious harbour and [commerce with] Lower Canada," U.C. and U.S.A., but needs improvements<ref>"Communication," Kingston Gazette (December 30, 1815), pg. 2 (4th column), Kingston Frontenac Public Library. Accessed 21 May 2025</ref>

Proposal for Kingston school supported by $10 shares allowing subscribers to send one child per share with 10% discount in school fee<ref>"For the Kingston Gazette" (November 16, 1815), The Quebec Mercury (December 5, 1815) pg. 4 (centre column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also details of proposal on following page. Accessed 13 May 2025.</ref>

For sale: "Webster's Spelling Books, Murray's Grammar, and a Great Variety of Books for Children"<ref>"Just Received," Kingston Gazette (November 7, 1815), pg. 4 Kingston Frontenac Public Library. Accessed 21 May 2025</ref>

Montreal Gazette hopes Kingston - Prescott steamboat heralds links from Montreal to Upper Canada, which is seen as future continental emporium<ref>"The great utility of Steam Boats[....]," The Quebec Gazette, November 16, 1815 pg. 3 (1st column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also editorial (in same column) regarding political destiny of Great Lakes region. Accessed 16 May 2025</ref>

Lake Ontario 4 ft. higher than normal and perhaps highest since 1784, with water also higher in Lake Erie and Ohio and Mississippi rivers<ref>"Montreal, July 1st; We learn from Upper-Canada[....]," The Quebec Mercury (July 4, 1815) pg. 5 (right column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also Buffalo report that Lake Erie has risen 3 ft. in 3 years. Accessed 12 May 2025.</ref>

Kingston expresses gratitude for "indefatigable zeal, consummate prudence and incessant exertions" of Commodore J.L. Yeo during recent war<ref>"Montreal, March 25, 1815; To Sir James Lucas Yeo, Kt.," Acadian Recorder (May 13, 1815), pg. 1 Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 6 May 2025</ref>

Militia members (officers and men) are to receive 6 months pay for their "important and meritorious services[...]during the late war"<ref>An Act granting to His Majesty a certain sum of Money for the uses of the Incorporated Militia of this Province, and other purposes therein mentioned (March 14, 1815), British North American Legislative Database, 1758-1867. Accessed 28 April 2025</ref>

Andrew Jackson is to assist establishing posts at Green Bay, Wisconsin River, Prairie du Chein and St. Anthony Falls to keep peace with Canada<ref>"Alexander James Dallas to Andrew Jackson" (May 22, 1815), Image 2, Library of Congress. Accessed 29 May 2025</ref>

Tailor new in Kingston will make greatcoat and surtout, lady's pelice, or "Habit and Riding Dress" for £1 5/-, and pantaloons for 12/6<ref>"The Subscriber" (May 25, 1815), Kingston Gazette (June 5, 1815), pg. 4 Kingston Frontenac Public Library. Accessed 19 May 2025</ref>

Trick rider will perform "Surprizing Feats of Activity" including picking up small objects and dancing while riding horse at full speed<ref>"Horsemanship," Kingston Gazette (June 20, 1815), pg. 3 Kingston Frontenac Public Library. Accessed 20 May 2025</ref>

Nova Scotia

"Much, yea, very much depends instrumentally on their upbringing" - Baptist ministers offer advice on raising children<ref>"Circular Letter," Minutes of the Nova-Scotia and New-Brunswick Association, Held at the Baptist Meeting House, in Cornwallis, June 26th, and 27th, 1815, pg. 6 Acadia University. Accessed 30 April 2025</ref>

Thomas Jefferson learns plaster of Paris is quarried along coast of head of Bay of Fundy and brought to water's edge for $1/ton<ref>"Thomas Jefferson's Notes on a Conversation with Henry Dearborn" (October 7, 1815), U.S. National Archives. Accessed 28 May 2025</ref>

Halifax bridewell is to be for, among others, "stubborn servants, apprentices and children" and anyone shirking their own or family's support<ref>An Act for Establishing a Bridewell, or House of Correction, for the County of Halifax, and for the better and more effectual administration of the Office of a Justice of the Peace in the Township of Halifax, and for providing a Police Office in the said Town, with proper officers to attend the same (1815), British North American Legislative Database, 1758-1867. Accessed 28 April 2025</ref>

Letter says "negroes have grown up under a system of oppression and cruelty" leaving them "depressed and debased below their natural level"<ref>"For the Recorder" (December 27, 1815), Acadian Recorder (December 30, 1815), pg. 2 (3rd column), Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 8 May 2025</ref>

Letter to editor says freed Blacks brought to Halifax in war will be hard to assimilate "for their minds are debased by slavery"<ref> "After giving them Liberty[....]" Acadian Recorder (July 22, 1815), pg. 3 (1st column), Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 7 May 2025</ref>

Inquest on person-of-colour Nancy Stevenson's body hears she was beaten to death "by and in the presence of" 10 people (7 of them are jailed)<ref>"The Recorder; Saturday Morning, February 4, 1815; Coroner's Inquests," Acadian Recorder (February 4, 1815), pg. 3 Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 5 May 2025</ref>

Newspaper editor says coming trial "will determine whether a Free Press may exist in these Provinces" and if people may enjoy British rights<ref>"Liberty of the Press," Acadian Recorder (April 29, 1815), pg. 1 Nova Scotia Archives. See also editor thanking people (2nd column, bottom) for their support during his sentence. Accessed 5 May 2025</ref>

Newspaper editor mocks both people "cajoled into admiration of any idol" and "the faint tinklings of their drowsy journalists"<ref>"The Recorder; Saturday Morning, January 14, 1815," Acadian Recorder (January 14, 1815), pg. 2 Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 5 May 2025</ref>

Shelburne, which had population of more than 12,000 not 30 years ago, is down to little more than 300 because of prosperity of rival Halifax<ref>"To the Editor of the Recorder; Shelburne, N.S. 13th August, 1815," Acadian Recorder (August 26, 1815), pg. 3 (1st column), Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 7 May 2025</ref>

Library "has a few New Books" including Walter Scott's "The Lord of the Isles," Waverly and Guy Mannering and Louis Bonaparte'sMaria<ref>"The New Circulating Library" (July 8, 1815), Acadian Recorder (September 30, 1815), pg. 1 (4th column), Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 7 May 2025</ref>

Someone with letter for England has just missed ship departure when Indigenous man takes it and walks across Halifax harbour ice to ship<ref>"The Recorder; Saturday Morning, February 4, 1815; Lewy the Indian," Acadian Recorder (February 4, 1815), pg. 3 Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 5 May 2025</ref>

"Confectionary and Pastry Ware-House" sells raisins (3 kinds), figs (2 kinds), almonds and walnuts plus "500 bottles superior Mushroom Catchup"<ref>"New Fruit" Acadian Recorder (November 25, 1815), pg. 1 Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 8 May 2025</ref>

Side-by-side ads show breadth of commerce: green olives (10 shillings per gallon) and seal oil (by pipe, hogshead, barrel or gallon)<ref>"Green Olives" and "Seal Oil," Acadian Recorder (July 8, 1815), pg. 4 (lower left corner), Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 7 May 2025</ref>

Defeated at Waterloo, Bonaparte is rumoured to have been taken to Newfoundland, which Halifax editor believes "is likely to prove true"<ref>"Halifax: Saturday Morning, Aug. 26; The rumour[....]" Acadian Recorder (August 26, 1815), pg. 3 Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 7 May 2025</ref>

Hoped-for cattle showings, "country sports and rustic simplicity" at Windsor Fair are drowned out by noisy and drunk city people<ref>"Windsor Fair!" Acadian Recorder (October 28, 1815), pg. 3 Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 8 May 2025</ref>

Spoof of men's clubs invites "strangers having an elastic indian-rubber-conscience" to join "the Rebel Shark's-Spear lodge of Hod Fellows"<ref>"Oh! Oh! Oh!" Acadian Recorder (July 8, 1815), pg. 2 (2nd column), Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 7 May 2025</ref>

New Brunswick

Dead judge's adult unmarried daughters are left unprovided for, and their education has not "prepared them for the trials they [will] undergo"<ref>"Judge Ward Chipman to Sir John Wentworth" (1815), Winslow Papers; A. D. 1776–1826 (1901), pg. 696 (frame 718). See also Wentworth letter (pg. 698; frame 720) explaining lack of Judge Winslow legacy caused by his government salary not matching his very large family's expenses "in locations peculiarly expensive." Accessed 28 May 2025</ref>

"Notorious" Catharine Here is sentenced to 20 lashes for stealing one gentleman's clothes, and for stealing another's watch, branding on hand<ref>"St. Johns, N. B. Sept. 19," Acadian Recorder (September 30, 1815), pg. 3 (2nd column), Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 7 May 2025</ref>

Newfoundland

MP Newport seeks to limit U.S. encroachment in Newfoundland and Labrador fisheries, which ship 1 million quintals worth £2.7 million<ref>"Motion Respecting The Newfoundland Fisheries" (June 15 1815), Hansard, U.K. Parliament. See also editorial (lower right corner) on encroachment. Accessed 28 April 2025</ref>

Since opening in 1814, charitable Newfoundland Hospital has treated 200 "distressed persons," but patients must now pay 3s/day "for Diet"<ref>"Newfoundland Hospital" (September 21, 1815), The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (September 21, 1815) pg. 2 of 4 (righthand page). See also public meeting record (pg. 2 of 2, righthand page, columns 2–3) that Army and Navy surgeons supplied "their counsel and assistance in many difficult cases." Accessed 30 April 2025</ref>

Court of Sessions orders "all dogs[...]at large in or about[...]St. John's be forthwith destroyed" because of widespread rabies<ref>"St. John's Newfoundland," The Quebec Gazette, June 1, 1815 pg. 2 (4th column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 14 May 2025</ref>

Charity sells religious books, including "that excellent summary of Christian truth and[...]practical devotion, 'The Book of Common Prayer'"<ref>"Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge" (September 14, 1815), The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (September 21, 1815) pg. 2 of 4 (lefthand page, 2nd column). Accessed 30 April 2025</ref>

Fishery workers, "very lowest order of society," make lots of money and then spend winter in "dissipation, drunkenness, debauchery" etc.<ref>"The Royal Gazette; Thursday, March 2, 1815; Mr. Ryan,[....]," The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (March 2, 1815) pg. 2 of 2 (righthand page). Accessed 29 April 2025</ref>

In "Court of Oyer and Terminer," man found guilty of knowingly receiving stolen watch chain is sentenced to 14 years transportation<ref>"The Royal Gazette; Thursday, September 21, 1815; On Monday the 11th[....]," The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (September 21, 1815) pg. 2 of 4 (righthand page, 1st column). Accessed 30 April 2025</ref>

Unusually severe winter creates 1 foot thick ice in St. John's harbour, requiring sawing of channel to admit vessels<ref>"The Royal Gazette; Thursday, February 23, 1815; Hitherto the winter[....]," The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (February 23, 1815) pg. 2 of 2 (righthand page). Accessed 28 April 2025</ref>

Red River

Selkirk's Red River prospectus reports 50–60 Europeans in main settlement and 2–3 detached settlements of formerly wandering Canadians<ref>"Ossiniboia" (1815?), The Collected Writings of Lord Selkirk; 1810–1820 (frame 107), Manitoba Historical Society. Accessed 26 May 2025</ref>

Selkirk's analysis of effect of North West Company domination of Europeans and Indigenous people in Red River region and elsewhere<ref>"A Sketch of the British Fur Trade" (1815), The Collected Writings of Lord Selkirk; 1810–1820 (frame 144), Manitoba Historical Society. Accessed 26 May 2025</ref>

Elsewhere

Merchant in Mackinac regrets traders bring whiskey "before the Indians have been[...]fully satisfied as to the mode of their future dependance"<ref>Letter of John Askin, Jr. (May 1, 1815), The John Askin Papers; Volume II: 1796-1820 (1931), pg. 780. Accessed 26 May 2025</ref>

Work pressure sends St. Joseph man into melancholy, writing farewell letter, hiding in woods for week, and seeming "to be in great trouble"<ref>Letter of Madelaine Askin (August 4, 1815; translation with French original), The John Askin Papers; Volume II: 1796-1820 (1931), pgs. 787-90. Accessed 11 May 2025</ref>

Instructing Indigenous peoples in HBC territory might have "a prospect of more extensive success" than elsewhere in British North America<ref>"Proposal of Mr. Harrison for the Application of Part of the Funds of the New England Company within the Territories of the Hudson's Bay Company pg. (3) Accessed 30 April 2025</ref>

Hudson Bay Indigenous people are "mild, affable, and charitable," but also "cunning, overreaching, and thieves" (Note: "savages" used)<ref>James Hingston Tuckey, "In their persons the Indians[....]," Maritime Geography and Statistics(....), Vol. IV (1815), pg. 82 (PDF frame 89), Toronto Public Library. Accessed 1 May 2025</ref>

Out of self-interest, "a certain association of Fur-traders" have said Red River farming is not possible, and people there are cruelly treated<ref>"Appendix A" Ossiniboia (1815?), pg. (25; frame 30). Accessed 1 May 2025</ref>

Mackenzie River fur trader suggests "the natives have taken a dislike to the whites" is possible reason so few fur pelts have been brought in<ref>Letter to Roderick Mackenzie (March 6, 1815), Page #51 of 94), McGill University. See also another Mackenzie trader saying "the Returns these Years" have sunk to unmentionable degree. Accessed 27 May 2025</ref>

References

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