Letter # 1

Mar 14th:

New England colonial forces at Louisbourg, Cape Breton Island. 1748 original Court Martial document headed "At Regimental Court Marial in Sir William Pepperrell's Regt, Louisbourg 14th March 1748" regarding a soldier Jacob Chirn in Capt Blaynoy's Company who was accused of "insolent behaviour" and "walking without arms". It was found that "in the opinion of the court the prisoner be acquitted" Letter #2

May 28th:

New England colonial forces at Louisbourg, Cape Breton Island. 1748 original Court Martial document headed "At Regimental Court Marial in Sir William Pepperrell's Regt, Louisbourg May 26h 1748" regarding a soldier Pierie Welch in Capt Blaynoy's Company who was accused of "leaving his post whilst on sentry duty", The court martial found him guilty and sentenced him to "receive one hundred lashes" and also fined six shillings for theft.

NO FRGR MANUSCRIPT DIARY HAS EVER APPEARED ON THE MARKET.

Manuscript contained in printed POCKET DIARY FOR 1858, FOR REGISTERING EVENTS OF PAST OR PRESENT OCCURRENCES [etc.]. New York: Philip Cozans [1858]. Contemporary dark green leather fold-over covers, pocket at inside rear cover, light wear but overall very good, approx. 100 pages, 3"x 5". Contains the normal assortment of printed pages with an almanac, weekly calendars, etc. The rear pocket contains a lightly circulated 1858-S US silver half dollar (a souvenir? Mad money?).

With a small photograph that had a note written on its backing cardboard (no frame came with it).

"The Fraser Gold Rush was a seminal point in the history of British Columbia. It led Britain to declare the Colony of British Columbia, which was also known as the Mainland Colony, to assert British authority and governance over the territory, which had been unincorporated in the wake of the Oregon Treaty of 1846." Wikipedia, Fraser Canyon Gold Rush The first entry in the diary (on Jan. 1 page) is dated Feb. 7th, 1862, and relates to promissory notes for Charles Landon, with one entry at bottom Gave Ephraim $300 to take to British Columbia. Several subsequent pages record small cash disbursements later in 1862 to A. Staliker, Robt. Wright, John Woods and an account for underbrushing and finishing the job between the front field and back field. Pages from Feb. 12-27 give, in another hand, a brief account of travel, probably in 1863, on the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad from Montreal to Portland, noting the country is verry ruffe … it a perfect willdernas. The end of the diary, in the cash account section, contains entries from 1861-1863 mostly for small sums lent or spent. On the page for July 12-14, the writer (in yet another hand) announces his arrival in Victoria, with some brief references to his voyage. The diary continues with entries though November of 1858 when it appears the author left the colony. Much of the content relates to difficulties procuring supplies, costs of Express companies, the roughness of the mining crowd, workings (a "frenchman bar" especially) frustrated by high water, some encounters with native people, and the likelihood of increasing trade.

13cm x 16.5cm, hard cover album, 34pp of some manuscript and 45 B&W photos (7.5cm x 5cm) affixed inside diary book and 7 B&W photos (8.5cm x 12cm) also mounted inside towards the back. to paper outside diary - 52 photos inside diary. Four later photos and a post card are loose at the back of the diary of one of the places 20 years later.

RUSSIA diary with photos of General Ernst-Eberhard Hell factually written about his World War II military posting. This album features maps and photographs with accompanying captions and texts and is devoted to a period spent in the Eastern Front theatre in 1941-42. From the vocabulary and tone of these materials, it is clear that they are intended as personal records or mementos rather than official military memoirs. However, what makes these diaries of greater interest is the combination of the written personal reflections combined with the personal photos visually telling his war memoirs. Insightful personal memoirs and eye-witness accounts from his perspective, later written (we believe the diaries were written and put together by General Hell after he returned from Russian captivity of10 years, as he lived for almost 20 years after his release) of a highly decorated German General. The text is very neat and tidy as are the pasted-in photos which are unusual and appealing. Written in German with English translation available. Fine condition. Ernst-Eberhard Hell was a German general who held several divisional commands and was later elevated to Corps level during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Ernst-Eberhard Hell was captured by Soviet troops in August 1944 during the Jassy&Kishinev Offensive (August 1944) and was held until 1955. Awards and decorations, Iron Cross (1914), 2nd Class (11 September 1914), 1st Class (14 August 1916), Eiserner Halbmond, Cross of Honor in 1934, Iron Cross (1939), 2nd Class (12 May 1940), 1st Class (17 May 1940), Eastern Front Medal, German Cross in Gold (14 June 1942), Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Knight's Cross on 1 February 1943 as General der Artillerie and commander of VII. Armeekorps, 400th Oak Leaves on 4 June 1944 as General der Artillerie and commander of VII. Armeekorps, Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht (12 March 1944) quoted from Wikipedia RUSSIA DIARY & PHOTOS SUMMARY:

The Russian album focuses on the situation of General Hell's unit in January and February 1942, when his Seventh Army Corps was part of a strategic withdrawal following the stalled German assault on Moscow. General Hell gives this record the title "With the Seventh Army Corps in the East in the Time of the Most Severe Frost (January and February) 1942."

There are more extensive textual passages here than in the French album, with several handwritten pages devoted to descriptions of troop placements, battle manoeuvres, the impact of winter on the campaign, and conditions at the Front. There are no photographs of actual combat, though troops are shown shortly after fighting near Wassilki; however two pictures (3630_26_LR) of so-called "destructive work" under way at the Russian village of Korawino are evidence of the German scorched-earth policy.

With respect to places named, the following specific Russian locations are cited: Waschki (3630_14_LR); Wassilki (3630_21); Korowino (3630_25 and 26); Protwa (3630_26); and Fedjuschkino (3630_27). There is also mention of "Schanja" on page (3630_26), but this is used in the combination "Schanja-Stellung" ("Schanja-position" or placement), so that this may be a Russian term adopted by German troops rather than a place name.

A number of other place names are provided on the maps (3630_13) and (3630_19_LR), and can be readily interpreted since they are written in Roman script.

16cm x 18cm, hard cover album, 18pp of manuscript with 10 B&W photos (7.5cm x 4.5cm) affixed inside diary book and 16 B&W photos (10cm x 7cm) mounted to paper outside diary - 26 photos in all.

FRANCE diary with photos of General Ernst-Eberhard Hell factually written about his World War II military posting. This album features maps and photographs with accompanying captions and texts and is devoted to a period spent in Burgundy, France in 1940-41. From the vocabulary and tone of these materials they are intended as personal records or mementos rather than official military memoirs. However, what makes these diaries of greater interest is the combination of the written personal reflections combined with the personal photos visually telling his war memoirs. Insightful personal memoirs and eye-witness accounts from his perspective, later written (we believe the diaries were written and put together by General Hell after he returned from Russian captivity of10 years, as he lived for almost 20 years after his release) of a highly decorated German General. The text is very neat and tidy as are the pasted-in photos which are unusual and appealing. Written in German with English translations for the two diaries available. Fine condition. Ernst-Eberhard Hell was a German general who held several divisional commands and was later elevated to Corps level during World War II. He was also a recipient of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves. The Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross and its higher grade Oak Leaves was awarded to recognise extreme battlefield bravery or successful military leadership. Ernst-Eberhard Hell was captured by Soviet troops in August 1944 during the Jassy&Kishinev Offensive (August 1944) and was held until 1955. Awards and decorations, Iron Cross (1914), 2nd Class (11 September 1914), 1st Class (14 August 1916), Eiserner Halbmond, Cross of Honor in 1934, Iron Cross (1939), 2nd Class (12 May 1940), 1st Class (17 May 1940), Eastern Front Medal, German Cross in Gold (14 June 1942), Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross with Oak Leaves, Knight's Cross on 1 February 1943 as General der Artillerie and commander of VII. Armeekorps, 400th Oak Leaves on 4 June 1944 as General der Artillerie and commander of VII. Armeekorps, Mentioned in the Wehrmachtbericht (12 March 1944) quoted from Wikipedia FRANCE DIARY & PHOTOS SUMMARY:

The French album is titled: "With the Fifteenth Infantry Division in the Field. Reserve Period in Burgundy from July 1940 to June 25, 1941." It consists of photographs with headings and captions, a map of the sectors occupied by different German Divisions in Burgundy, and a list of officers and staff members in General Hell's Division.

General Hell's Division apparently stayed for a significant period in the town of Commarin, where officers were headquartered in a chateau, which is shown in several photos (3644_26 to 30_LR). The building was organized with areas for leisure and socializing as well as offices, and was the scene of outdoor meals (see 3644_26_LR) and an outdoor marksmen's competition (3644_27_LR).

One section of the album is devoted to photographs of training and other exercises (e.g. bridge construction and drills in river crossing) in which General Hell's soldiers were involved during this reserve period (3644_16_LR through 3644_19_LR). Monuments to German war dead are a recurring theme: German soldiers are seen erecting a memorial to the dead of the Franco-Prussian War in two pictures (3644_25_LR), while others show graves of earlier and recent German casualties (3644_21_LR, 3644_12_LR).

Many of the photographs are a military tourist's souvenir photos from visits to Paris and to towns in Burgundy such as Beaune and Saulieu, as well as pictures of scenic landscape features (the Burgundy Canal, spring flowers, an overgrown forest). Other locations mentioned are Chateau Neuf (3644_24, 25 and 26_LR) , Chatillon sur Seine (3644_12_LR), and Alise (3644_10_LR) .

In addition to a list of General Hell's subordinate officers (3644_01_LR) , officers from other units are mentioned on a few pages and appear in photos. These include Generals Wäger and Vlaskowitz (3644_18_LR) and Division Commander and Colonel Pavel [3644_20_LR].

It is clear from the sentimental title of one album section ("Special Memories") and the caption to one photograph ("We take along these pictures of Commarin in our memories" & [3644_30_LR]) that General Hell enjoyed this time in Burgundy. It appears he may have returned to the area at a later time: File (3644_35_LR) shows a card reading "bon Friedenstein Sommer 1960" and includes colour snapshots depicting the same scenes as the black and white photos mounted in the album.

Autograph Document Signed ("Ph: Schuyler"), one page, 6¾ x 7¾ inches, Albany, July 8, 1793. Acknowledging receipt from John C. Schuyler of "six hundred and seventy six pounds three shillings and one penny half penny, by his bond and mortgage of this date…." One of the witnesses is a member of the powerful New York Van Rensselaer family, to which Schuyler's wife belonged. A few small pin holes and minor contemporary ink bleed.

Schuyler, Philip (1733-1804) American Revolutionary War Major General; U.S. senator from New York; father-in-law to Alexander Hamilton.

Manuscript Document Signed as General Commanding the Southern District, two pages, 12¼ x 7¾ inches, Maidstone, Jan. 4, 1798. "Account of Contingent Expences for His Majesty's Service…from 1st to 31st December 1797…." fine condition. Grey's signature is bold.

Grey, Charles (1729-1807) British general who served in the Seven Years War, the American War of Independence and the French Revolutionary War; 1st Earl Grey. In 1777 he earned the nickname "No-flint Grey" after the Paoli Massacre nighttime attack, because he had collected flints from the muskets of his troops before they engaged the American troops using bayonets, thus maintaining the element of surprise. His son was the Prime Minister Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey.

Also signed by Edward Argles, Mayor Maidstone UK

Maidstone, is a town, a parish, two sub-districts, a district, and a hundred, in Kent. The town stands on the river Medway, at the influx of the Len, adjacent to the Rochester and Paddock Wood branch of the Southeastern railway, at the junction with it of the line from Strood, 7-1/2 miles south-by-east of Rochester.

A WONDERFUL SELECTION OF SIGNATURES READY FOR DISCOVERY.

6 1/2" x 8" unpaginated. New red leather spine with gilt type and new endpapers.

An autograph book covering over 50 years from 1894 to 1947.

Numerous signatures, remembrances, comments predominately by ranking officials in the Church. Interesting entries from Bishops, Archdeacons, and many others from all over the world including Asia, Africa, New Guinea and many other fascinating origins, in excess of 200 signatures. A number of loose autographs, notes and newspaper clippings throughout are also included.

Samples:

J. W.Griswald, Bishop of Salvia August 20th 1913

Walter S. Bromhead of Kenya, E Africa 7.7.28

H.H.Montgomery (Bishop) August 12, 1906 - Quebec

1+ folio pgs letter, approx. 7-3/8" x 12" (longer at bottom than appears in the photo), with more written on the back of the 1st sheet, datelined "Musketon Bay", Sept. 1, 1841, from H.G. Purmost, to G.B. Purmost in NY

Good condition.

This letter is apparently from Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada, as the writer mentions various place names located there, such as "7th Town" (Ameliasburgh), Kingston, Picton, etc.

Good content concerning shipping wood, salt, wanting tobacco, silver spoons; prospects for selling whiskey, etc.. Folded letter was privately carried (no postmarks), Includes:

"I send you 27-3/4 cords of adder. Some of it is not good parts, but cost no more than freight. It took all there is here to make the load. I have bought below Sodom, 50 cords large cedar, and was to have had ten or fifteen cords delivered in season for this load, but it did not come. I think I will get 200 cords from here this fall. I go to 7th Town tomorrow and on Monday to Stone Mills, and beyond Kingston. I sold the salt at Picton for $2 pr barrel. I...some salt here and get along for another load without any more money, though you must send me some soon, for I think I shall buy the lot at the Trent. There is some 60 cords there. I send Gibson to make a bargain for it the forepart of the week. I have arranged business with Lake. I think better than to sue him. I will get all the large cedar out of 30 cords he is buying...Send me a few...of Tobacco...What vessel you send must call at Stone Mills for directions.

If the same will fetch it, you may send a barrel of whiskey and cog plug tobacco, and some nail rod whiskey. Will sell at 30 cts by the barrel. Mrs. Eades wants 1 doz tea spooons and pair sugar tongs of good...silver. Get Carpenter to select them that are good."

* No postal markings & privately delivered *

letter of 1½ pages, dated London, March 24th [18]37. From j.b. flanagan to:

Letter mentions various names for which the author has 'papers' & Mr Kellaby; John L. Montserret; Mr Abraham Van C[?]; Mr David Hugeboom ('a person I suppose you well know'); W[illia]m Ross; Samuel Durrent & though no positive identification of these individuals, nor of J.B. Flanagan has been made.

The settlement of St. Thomas was founded in 1803 by a Colonel (Thomas) Talbot (1771-1853), who emigrated to Canada in 1792; he was by all accounts 'one of the most notable characters of the early days of Upper Canada', and it seems likely that John Talbot was related to him.

June 7, 1768 - Dated French and Indian War period, Manuscript Document Signed, "Benja(min) Cobb," regarding British Military payments being made via Halifax and Quebec, Choice Very Fine.

Docketed on reverse "Duplicate of Capt. Benj. Cobb 3rd letter to Henry Kneller Esq. June 7, 1768" Colonial America

1768 French and Indian War Payments From Boston, MA

June 7, 1768 - Dated French and Indian War period, Manuscript Document Signed, "Benja(min) Cobb," regarding British Military payments being made via Halifax and Quebec, Choice Very Fine.

This original one page, 7" x 9" letter form on period laid paper, Document is requesting the payment of £300 Sterling or "Halifax Currency." Interest will be soon accruing if balances aren't paid. It is Signed by Benjamin Cobb. This letter is addressed to Henry Kneller, British Chief of Board of Ordnance in Boston during the French and Indian War period. Overall, it is well written in clear, bold brown ink and easily readable. Overall this wonderful piece is in excellent, remarkably fresh overall condition.

1888 Durham, Ont., Small Queen #41 3¢ Upper Canada College cover postmarked with split-ring + fancy cork cancel to Toronto, Ont Durham. ON was founded on May 1, 1842 by Archibald Hunter, a Scottish traveller.

This is an excellent, and very long, WWII letter written in 1945 by a Royal Air Force airman who was training in Canada to be a pilot. The letter was written to his wife in England. There is good content in this letter, including an excellent segment about the state of the war with Japan and the prospects of a war with Russia. This couple was married in April 1945, a few days before the man left for Canada, where he continued his pilot training at #23 E.F.T.S. in Yorkton Saskatchewan. The name of the airman was Kenneth Hemsley, and the letter was written to his wife Nora.

It's a very long letter, too long to provide full details here. Some of it is about his training etc. in Canada, and some is about personal matters at home. He describes the camp at Yorkton. There is a segment about some of the men in his course, one of whom had come down with scarlet fever, another with apendicitis. There is a good segment about the abundance of food available in Canada, which was very strange to Hemsley after experiencing years of wartime shortages in England. An excellent letter. It's worth noting that Hemsley was a student in the final British Commonwealth Air Training Plan course ever held at an Elementary Flying Training School in Canada. Hemsley was training in expectation of serving in the war against Japan. There is a good segment in which he responds to a question that his wife had asked him about that war:

"In your letters you ask me whether the Japanese war will be over before I finish training. Well my pet, I don't think it will be. I think that it will finish either towards the end of 1946 or about the same time in 1947 as the European war ended. Don't forget that when the war is over there will still have to be armies of occupation, and the trouble in Syria gives you some idea of the way things will be afterwards. There will be minor disturbances for a long time and we shall have to be careful that they do not develop into another major war. Just consider for a moment the number of people in England you have heard say that we shall have to watch Russia or we shall have to fight Russia next, or words to that effect. While people go around with irresponsible statements like that on their lips the possibility of another war, I might even say probability, is very and terribly real. If people would realize just what they are saying and what war really is. Oddly enough people still talk out of their hats about war, they should be saying 'No war shall be possible', instead of 'I wonder who we shall fight next?'" There's much more.

Envelope front dated 1871 and signed by the Marquess of Lorne. Paper and signature are in good condition, mounted on trimmed album page.

Good Gilbert Parker als, a single side, (no year), mounted to paper with a photo of Parker. Very good condition.

Sir Horatio Gilbert George Parker, 1st Baronet PC (November 23, 1862 & September 6, 1932), known as Gilbert Parker, Canadian novelist and British politician, was born at Camden East, Addington, Ontario, the son of Captain J. Parker, R.A. He was educated at Ottawa and at University of Trinity College. Parker started as a teacher at the Ontario School for the deaf and dumb (in Belleville, Ontario). From there he went on to lecture at Trinity College. In 1886 he went to Australia, and became for a while associate editor of the Sydney Morning Herald. He also traveled extensively in the Pacific, Europe, Asia, Egypt, the South Sea Islands and subsequently in northern Canada. In the early nineties he began to make a growing reputation in London as a writer of romantic fiction. The best of his novels are those in which he first took for his subject the history and life of the French Canadians; and his permanent literary reputation rests on the fine quality, descriptive and dramatic, of his Canadian stories. Pierre and his People (1892) was followed by Mrs. Falchion (1893), The Trail of the Sword (1894), When Valmond came to Pontiac (1895), An Adventurer of Icy North (1895), and The Seats of the Mighty (1896, dramatized in 1897). The Seats of the Mighty was a historical novel depicting the English conquest of Quebec with James Wolfe and the Marquis de Montcalm as two of the characters. The Lane that had no Turning (1900) contains some of his best work. In The Battle of the Strong (1898) he broke new ground, laying his scene in the Channel Islands. His chief later books were The Right of Way (1901), Donovan Pasha (1902), The Ladder of Swords (1904), The Weavers (1907), Northern Lights (1909) and The Judgment House (1913). Parker had three that made it into the top 10 on the annual list of bestselling novels in the United States two of which were on it for two years in a row. In 1895 he married Miss Amy VanTine of New York, a wealthy heiress, daughter of Ashley VanTine. His Canadian connection and his experience in Australia and elsewhere had made him a strong Imperialist in politics, and from that time he began to devote himself in large measure to a political career. He still kept up his literary work, but some of the books last mentioned cannot compare with those by which he made his name. He was elected to the British House of Commons as a Conservative member for Gravesend and remained MP until 1918. He was knighted in 1902 for his service to Canadian literature, and in succeeding years continually strengthened his position in the party, particularly by his energetic work on behalf of Tariff Reform and Imperial Preference. During World War I he organized British publicity toward the United States. He was created a baronet on 21 June 1915 and appointed as a Privy Councillor in 1916. In May of 1905, Parker publicly claimed to have seen a "vision" of fellow house member, Sir Frederick Rasch, despite the fact that Rasch had passed on, of an illness at his home. On September 26, 1932 he was buried in Belleville, Ontario. One of the honorary pallbearers was then Prime Minister of Canada, Richard Bedford Bennett.

One page, 8vo. To the editor of Royal Ladies Magazine. 20 April 1831(?). With address front in Galt's hand.

7" x 4.5" 4 page note with writing on 3 pages.

Gordon House, Isleworth. note paper

2 line saying written by Haliburton and signed

Plus, ALS by unknown correspondent, outlining connection to Haliburton. Dated 16 October 1862.

Very Good

5" x 3" envelope front only (cut out)

Envelope front addressed to Joseph Howe by John Russell, Prime Minister of England.

Dated August 29, 1869.

5" x 3.25" envelope front only (cut out)

Envelope front addressed and signed to Joseph Howe by Lord Sydenham, Governor General of Canada.

Dated December 9, 1840. Post Marked MONTREAL

5" x 8" 4 page note with writing on 2 pages only.

Dated Halifax September 26th 1867.

Arranging a meeting "for the members elect of the Dominion."

4" x 6" 1 page note

Gordon House, Isleworth. but logo has been cut out of top of note.

15 September 1863.

Regarding a contribution to a fund.

Good.

Autographed document signed. 7.25" x 9" 1 page 2 sided

Legislative Council Chamber. 26 January 1846. Instructing members of the legislature to attend the next session.

Good however note is torn along top left (missing paper but no words, and on the folds including through the signature which has a tear through. Pencil writing on bottom portion unreadable.

8" x 5" 1 pge 2 sided

Dated 23 February 1826.

Regarding payment of a bond.

Very good.

Letter dated April 6, 1836 signed by Sir John Barrow (1764-1848) British Rear Admiral about receiving a letter from Rear Admiral Hammond in South America.

Written while Barrow was secretary of the admiralty. He was founder of the Royal Geographic Society, was a great promoter of Arctic exploration and wrote much on his own explorations and travels. Barrow, Alaska, the Barrow Straits, etc. are named in his honor. Very good condition. Letter (duplicate) signed by Sir John Barrow. Named Point Barrow Alaska after him. Point Barrow or Nuvuk, is a headland on the Arctic coast of the U.S. state of Alaska, located 15 km (9 mi) northeast of Barrow. It is the northernmost point of the United States

Letter is two and one half pages, each page 7 3/4" x 13" with addressed outer leaf, folds, wrinkles, splits and small tears and almost split at the folds. Overall very good- condition.

An original letter dated July 28,1813, where Mahlon Taylor of Marcellus, New York has written to his uncle, Samuel Clark of Philadelphia; where he states that his believes his mail is not making it past Princeton, 3500 men are at Ft. George, 1,000 are unfit for duty, the British skirmish daily....our troops will withdraw entirely from Canada,,,,signed Mahlon Taylor.

An uncommon letter discussing the US troops at Fort George during it's occupation in the War of 1812. Fort George was captured by U.S. forces in May 1813 at the Battle of Fort George. The American Army used the fort as a base to invade Upper Canada, but were repelled at the Battles of Stoney Creek and Beaver Dams. The fort was recaptured by the British Army in December.

Fort George was built by the British Army after Jay's Treaty (1796) required Britain to withdraw from Fort Niagara. The new fort was completed in 1802 and became the headquarters for the British Army and the local militia.

This scarce document is also odd in that the British allowed an American ship to pass without violence during the War of 1812.

The letter/authorization/pass allows an American ship with a cargo of cloth, tin, salt, fruit, and calico to proceed to any port of the United States of America without molestation on account of the present hostilities. At the bottom of the 2nd page in another hand, says THIS LICENCE was produced to the British Brig Sir John Sherbrook on the 12th April 1813 and the ship let pass. A fine historic hand written AMERICAN SHIP PASS dated at Cadiz, Spain, written and signed by HENRY WELLESLEY, dated Feb. 1813. The document once had a seal attached, but was cut from the document, and this affects a few words. WELLESLEY, Henry 1st Baron Cowley (1773-1847)

In 1809, Henry Wellesley became the British envoy to Spain - his eldest brother, by now Marquess Wellesley, was now Foreign Secretary, while his brother Arthur (now Viscount Wellington) was British commander-in-chief in Spain. Together, the three brothers helped to make the Peninsular campaign a success, and in 1812 Wellesley was knighted. He also was noted for recruiting Spanish soldiers for the War of 1812, a little known fact.

An early Lord Beaverbrook small (5 x 6.5 inches) letterhead note paper with Lord Beaverbrook signature. He was granted a peerage in 1917 as the 1st Baron Beaverbrook, the name "Beaverbrook" being adopted from a small community near his boyhood home. The note is dated 17, July, 1923

"Dear Sir, Replying to your letter of June, I attached Lord Beaverbrooks' autograph. Yours faithfully, A.E Alexander

Gerorge Smith Esq. Depart. of Mines, Sydney, New South Wales. "Somebody once asked him if "Max" was short for Maximilian. He said it was short for Maximultimillion. Multimillionaire, press baron and entrepreneur extraordinaire, Max Aitken was, in his time, the most powerful Canadian on the world stage. He is the stuff of legend. The Canadian-born son of a Presbyterian minister, Aitken didn't start off as a tycoon. At age 20, he was flat broke, running a bowling alley in Canada. By age 32, he was living the high life in London as a multimillionaire, a knight and a member of the British parliament. Aitken eventually climbed to the heights of the British aristocracy--taking the title Lord Beaverbrook, befriending Winston Churchill and building the world's greatest newspaper empire. Not bad for a kid from New Castle, New Brunswick! Beaverbrook: The Various lives of Max Aitken paints a candid and intriguing portrait of this larger-than-life personality and delves into the controversy surrounding Beaverbrook's insatiable appetite for power, money and women." quoted from Canadian National Film Board description of their film on him

Remarkable military perspective written with a powerful pen.

Autograph Letter Signed. Georgeville, Quebec Province, August 31, 1911. 5 pp. 7¾ x 10". The aged General pens an essay/letter which begins My Dear Mr. Norris. What follows is what reads more as an essay on the Civil War. Superb content throughout: "The experiance (sic) of several years in charge of the publication of the records of the Rebellion convinced me that the history of the civil war can never be fairly written with good result as they are not traced to their real sources & campaigns may be described and battles gloried or mourned over, but minor fundamental can never be measured…Spotsylvania Court House and Kenesaw Mountain were unnecessary exhibitions of the slaughter of men & Chancellorsville of a great blunder by a half intoxicated Commander who provided neither scouts nor screen of cavalry…" HENRY MARTYN LAZELLE (1832-1917) Military officer. First commanding officer at Fort Bliss, Texas; Survived two severe chest wounds from fighting Mescalero Apaches in 1859. P.O.W. for over a year in the Civil War. Brevetted major in 1864.

In 1887, Lazelle was in charge of the publication of the official records of the Civil War. As colonel of the Eighteenth Infantry, he was again in Texas, as commander at Fort Clark, from 1889 to 1894. In April 1904 he retired as a brigadier general.

One page Autograph Document Signed, dated Marblehead April 14, 1761: "Whereas Malachy Salter, Esqr Stands engaged to the Government of Nova Scotia in the sum of on Hundd pounds that Currency wch he gave his note for, in Lieu of a note for Sd sum given up to Bourn & Freeman wch they originally gave for so much in behalf Eziekiel Gilman Esq bearing Date…I hereby promise to account & pay G. Bourn & Freeman Fifteen pounds of the currency aforsd whenever the Government…." Signed "Jos.Gorham." 6 ½" x 5 ¼", reinforced heavily on verso with archival paper, Very Good. LT. COL. JOSEPH GOREHAM (1725-1790) Fought in the French & Indian Wars and gained fame with his brother John of the noted Goreham Rangers. He was said to have distinguished himself at Louisbourg and Quebec, and in 1782, was appointed as Governor of Newfoundland. He was captured by Indians at Canso, but was released by the French commander at Louisbourg. After John's death, Joseph took command of Goreham's Rangers. Although John's service to Nova Scotia lasted only seven years, they were critical years in the history of North America, and through them, Goreham's Rangers "kept Nova Scotia English".

Unusual document of agreement between Trueworthy Palmer, father of Polly and Lieut. Richard Batchelder, father of William. Terms include: "...shall pay Polly Palmer when she shall arrive at the age of eighteen years, two (crossed out) one suit of wearing apparal which shall be decent for Sabbath and one suit which shall be decent for every dayswere and also whereas the said Polly is now with childand if the child that she is now pregnant with should be living when she shall become to the age of eighteen to give her forty dollars but if the child should be dead when she shall arrive to the age of eighteen years, thern to give her the said Polly sixty dollars ." The child is also to be taken care of until 14 years of age. Further: "...if the said William Batchelder shall return and marry the said Polly within one year from the dae then he obligation to be given up to the said Richard with his giving her the wearing apparel as above mentioned. Document is signed by John Moore, Samuel Piper and Nathaniel Hill. Unusual and most interesting historic document with signatures of three local men in 1801.

Autograph Letter Signed, 3p. quarto, November 11, 1838, City of Rochester, State of New York.

Very good condition

Cover addressed to the writers father in England.

The letter reads in part:

...I have removed from Hamilton, Upper Canada, to the City of Rochester, State of N.Y. United States of America, and that I am no longer under the thraldom of British Government and I hope I never shall live under it again...it is quite evident to every liberal person that the Home Government does not intend to do the Canadas any permanent good or in fact any good at all...I am thankful that I am clear from the domination of her Majestites satellites and that I am a free man. It is my intention if things are quiet in Canada in the spring to go over and sell any property or dispose of it in some way; for there will be no living there till the country is free from British tyrany. The news arrived here yesterday that the Patriots were organizing in Lower Canada that they had one battle with the regulars, beaten them, and taken 60 soldiers prisoners that they have some French officers lately from France at their head, and that they were rising in every direction...

5" x 4" Card on Prime Minister letterhead, signed by John Diefenbaker Paper and signature are in very good condition. Not dated. John George Diefenbaker, PC, CH, QC, FRSC, FRSA (September 18, 1895 & August 16, 1979) was the 13th Prime Minister of Canada, serving from June 21, 1957, to April 22, 1963. A criminal defence lawyer by profession, he established the Canadian Bill of Rights, the Royal Commission on Health Services, the Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Act, played a large part in the cancellation of the Avro Arrow, the National Productivity Council (Economic Council of Canada), and extended the franchise to all Aboriginal peoples during his six years as Prime Minister. He led the Progressive Conservative Party for 11 years; five of those years were spent as Leader of the Official Opposition. Diefenbaker (pronounced / di f n be k r/) was known by several nicknames during his career, notably "J.G.D." and "The Leader" (a moniker that continued to be applied to him even after his leaving the post of prime minister), but was known most affectionately as "Dief the Chief", "The Dief", or simply "the Chief."

Note signed by Louis St. Laurent dated Feb 18, 1948. "Cordial greetings and best wishes to Mr. Henry Gurau, Louis S. St. Laurent" Also hand written, Department External Affairs, Ottawa. (9 months before he took the Prime Minister's office for 9 years. Very good condition. Louis Stephen St. Laurent, PC, CC, QC (Saint-Laurent or St-Laurent in French, baptized Louis-Étienne St-Laurent) , (February 1, 1882 & July 25, 1973) was the 12th Prime Minister of Canada from November 15, 1948, to June 21, 1957.

Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent was Louis Stephen St. Laurent, PC, CC, QC (Saint-Laurent or St-Laurent in French, baptized Louis-Étienne St-Laurent) , (February 1, 1882 & July 25, 1973) was the 12th Prime Minister of Canada from November 15, 1948, to June 21, 1957.

Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent \was ranked #4 on a survey of the first 20 prime ministers (through Jean Chrétien) of Canada done by Canadian historians, and used by J.L. Granatstein and Norman Hillmer in their book Prime Ministers: Ranking Canada's Leaders. He died on July 25, 1973 at 91 years of age. ranked #4 on a survey of the first 20 prime ministers (through Jean Chrétien) of Canada done by Canadian historians, and used by J.L. Granatstein and Norman Hillmer in their book Prime Ministers: Ranking Canada's Leaders. He died on July 25, 1973 at 91 years of age.

Lieutenant-Colonel the Right Honourable SIR ARTHUR JOHN BIGGE, P.C., G.C.V.O., K.C.B., K.C.M.G., K.C.S.I, I.S.O., Baron Stamfordham. Private Secretary to King George V, signed portion of letter.

Lieut. General Sir R. E. W. TURNER, WWI Commander, plain signed notepaper, dated 1924; one other signature not dated.

Boer War British Victorian Cross Medal Recipient and ultimately Commanding Canadian Forces Overseas 1916 - 1918 Sir Richard Ernest Turner (1871-1961) served in active field command positions with Canadian forces during World War One.

Turner came into the First World War - with Canada entering the war in support of Britain in August 1914 - with a reputation as a war hero. During the South African War of 1899-1902 Turner established a record for distinction, during the course of which he won the Victoria Cross.

Given command of a brigade on the Western Front Turner was widely believed (to the present day) to have fared less successfully in the more mechanised method of warfare evidenced in France, with a particular failure of command at St Eloi in April 1916 (where Canadian forces were decimated by their own artillery barrage, suffering some 1,300 casualties).

This did not halt his progress however. Moving on to a divisional command he was appointed commander of Canadian forces operating in Britain and became the Canadian government's chief military adviser in December 1916.

Turner, who was knighted by King George V in 1917, rose to become Chief of the Canadian General Staff in May 1918, with consequent responsibility for all Canadian forces operating overseas.

He died on 19 June 1961.

RARE MANUSCRIPT FROM A FAMOUS NOVA SCOTIA LOYALIST

8" x 13" autograph letter signed, one and one-quarter pages, Nova Scotia, June 25, 1802, to William Meredith. "…I do not understand to who, the 600,000 Sterling is to be paid if to those Creditors whose Debtors were Solvent at the commencement of the Revolution… it appears His Majesty is to authorize certain persons to receive the same… If I must come to attend the prosecutions I had rather give all up than risque myself in Jersey considering the vile Treatment I received when in Morris County am apprehensive murder would be the consequence should I come carry on prosecutions not do I see any reason for my personal attendance…."

Fold with a split at the bottom and a 1/2" hole in 2nd page not affecting any text. Overall very good condition otherwise. Thomas Millidge (1735-1816) Surveyor, judge, political figure in Nova Scotia. Millidge joined the British army at the end of 1776, becoming a major in the New Jersey Volunteers. His property in New Jersey was seized and sold at auction; he was later paid some compensation for his losses. In August 1778 the New Jersey authorities initiated legal proceedings against him, and in December his estate was advertised for public auction. Millidge was later awarded £1,131 of his claim for £2,777 6s. by the loyalist claims commissioners, plus a £50 yearly pension for the loss of his official income. At the end of the Revolution, he was granted land in the Annapolis Valley area in Nova Scotia.

Speaker of the House of Commons

Judge, Supreme Court

Minister of Marine and Fisheries under Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier. "As Minister of marine and fisheries, Brodeur also dealt with the creation of a Canadian navy, which had become a crucial issue given German military threats in Europe. On 29 March 1909, on a motion by George Eulas Foster*, the House of Commons agreed in principle to the creation of a Canadian navy. In August 1909 Brodeur and Borden represented Laurier at another imperial conference. After strong opposition from the Canadian delegates, Great Britain's first lord of the Admiralty, Reginald McKenna, abandoned the idea of including Canada in his imperial navy. He agreed that Britain should lend two warships and that Canada would organize its own naval defence. In his capacity as minister of marine and fisheries, Brodeur." quoted from DCB on-line.

5" x 8" 4 page note with writing on 3 pages only.

Dated Halifax. November 25, 1868.

Marked private.

Regarding a case concerning an accident. To a Mr. Huntington.

Fair condition with some holes on the pages and two pages are separated. Joseph Howe (1804-73) journalist, politician, and public servant.

He was considered " Mr. Nova Scotia" in his day, and he was extremely important in the history of Nova Scotia.

He opposed Confederation, only reluctantly accepting it even as an M.P. and federal secretary of state.

Howe took over the Novascotian newspaper from George R. Young and soon made it the most influential newspaper in Nova Scortia. Nova Scotia had become the first colony to achieve responsible government, and Howe boasted it had been done without "a blow struck or a pane of glass broken." Yet he was being somewhat sanctimonious, for external circumstances such as the rebellions in the Canadas played no small part in making it possible.

Howe could not prevent the Nova Scotian legislature from adopting Tupper's resolution in April 1866. The result, for him, was two years of frenzied activity. Almost immediately he embarked on a speaking tour of the western counties. Then from July 1866 to May 1867 he headed a delegation to England to oppose the passage of an act of union. In January 1869 Howe and his fellow Nova Scotian mp, Archibald W. McLelan*, reached an agreement with the federal minister of finance, Sir John Rose*, for granting "better terms" to Nova Scotia and on 30 Jan. 1869 he entered the dominion cabinet as president of the council.

UNCCOMMON HAND-WRITTEN SIGNED NOTE FROM HALIBURTON.

3.75" x 6" 3 page note, Gordon House, Isleworth. 17 January 1857.

Note contents:

"To the Editor of the Titan. Regarding the incorrect attribution of an article entitled 'Sam Slick and Young Slick.'"

Very good. Note pasted on card.

Judge Thomas Chandler Haliburton - Because he is so well known these days for his wise sayings like "Quick as a wink", "A stitch in time saves nine", "Truth is stranger than fiction", Windsor's Haliburton is still the most commonly quoted author in America. He is generally known as The Father of American Humor. "Haliburton was the first Canadian author to acquire an international reputation, and the first colonial writer to be awarded an honorary degree by Oxford (1858). Born and educated in Nova Scotia, he was called to the bar in 1820, practiced law in Annapolis, and in 1826 was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia. In 1829 he was appointed a judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and in 1841 he was promoted to the Supreme Court in Nova Scotia. He retired and moved to England in 1856. Haliburton was the first writer who used the American dialect, and according to Artemus Ward, founded the American school of humour." (DNB) "His fictional character Sam Slick, a talkative New England clockmaker and travelling salesman in Nova Scotia, was one of the most popular comic figures in the English language in the nineteenth century. ìFor a time at least in the mid-19th century, Haliburton and his work had a vogue on both sides of the Atlantic which rivalled that enjoyed by Charles Dickens." (Fred Cogswell in the DNB IX p. 352)

"The Commandants of the Navy Yard Washington have been directed to call upon you for the Whiskey required."

March 24, 1834. Dated, Autograph Letter Signed, "I. Chauncey," plus... Free Franked (Signed) a second time "I Chauncey" on the integral mailing envelope, Very Fine.

This original letter is written to a G.B. Wilson of Baltimore, Maryland from the U.S. Navy Yard regarding whisky, a most important subject of the time. Chauncey writes, "The Commandants of the Navy Yard Washington have been directed to call upon you for the Whiskey required." Scarce and Twice Signed Document, boldly written in brown with usual folds. A great content letter. Isaac Chauncey (1772-1840). Early American Naval Hero of Tripoli and the War of 1812.

Commodore Isaac Chauncey (1779-1840) was an important United States Naval officer. He fought with distinction in the West Indies during the Quasi-War with France as well as in the Mediterranean during the First Barbary War. He commanded the John Adams (1804-5), the Hornet (1805-6), the Washington and the Mediterranean Squadron (1815-1820). During the War of 1812 as commander of the naval forces on Lake Ontario, he performed his most outstanding service conducting amphibious operations in cooperation with the Army to contain the large British fleet under the command of Sir James Yeo.

Letter (duplicate) dated December 21, 1835 signed by Sir John Barrow (1764-1848) to a British Rear Admiral (in Rio de Janeiro) about a midshipman had drowned. Written while Barrow was secretary of the admiralty. He was founder of the Royal Geographic Society, was a great promoter of Arctic exploration and wrote much on his own explorations and travels. Barrow, Alaska, the Barrow Straits, etc. are named in his honor. Very good condition. Named Point Barrow Alaska after him. Point Barrow or Nuvuk, is a headland on the Arctic coast of the U.S. state of Alaska, located 15 km (9 mi) northeast of Barrow. It is the northernmost point of the United States

A long Autograph Letter Signed 'Anna Jameson'‚ to Elizabeth Briggs‚ wife of Henry Perronet Briggs‚ the painter‚ recording in detail her impressions of Vienna. 4 pp. 10 x 9 inches‚ address panel. In worn condition‚ right margins ragged‚ torn or holed at folds (seal opening affecting a few words only)‚ but not beyond the possibility of restoration. Vienna‚ 12 January 1835. Anna Jameson (1794-1860)‚ Irish art critic and author. The letter is in need of repair‚ but remains a complete and enthusiastic account of Anna Jameson's visit to Vienna‚ including mention of the gallery artists who have impressed her. The maiden name of her correspondent‚ Elizabeth Briggs‚ was Alderson. Amelia Opie‚ a second cousin of Henry Perronet Briggs‚ was also an Alderson. In this letter Anna Jameson mentions her portrait by Henry Briggs‚ a sucessfull likeness which she hopes he will allow to be lithographed. Anna Jameson (1794-1860)‚ Irish art critic and author.

Autograph Letter Signed 'Anna Jameson'‚ to Mr. Colnaghi in Cockspur Street‚ declining "absolutely the proposition you made to me yesterday - in accepting the sacrifice would be too great - and on calculation I should be a loser by it" ‚ and giving him a day to respond to her counter-offer‚ although "I understand yesterday that the offer you made was your definative". 2½ pages‚ stained‚ some fading as a result‚ but legible. Dated by the recipient‚ 10 October 1828. Anna Jameson (1794-1860)‚ Irish art critic and author.

Autograph Letter Signed 'Anna Jameson'‚ to Mrs. Briggs‚ saying that she is better "& Louisa is going on pretty well". 1 page oblong 7 x 4½ inches‚ in good condition. Undated. Anna Jameson (1794-1860)‚ Irish art critic and author. "I will come into you this Evening about 9 - after Louisa is tucked up for the night."

Very nice (undated) 4pp ALS by Anna Jameson, important Victorian authoress, to Mrs Rathbone, regarding the loss of a daughter, etc..

The multi-talented Victorian Irish author and art critic Anna Brownell Jameson [1794-1860] was one of the few female writers in the late 1820s to gain notoriety as not only an amazing writer, but also as a strong supporter of the feminist movement in all genres of literature. As a nomadic writer of fiction and stalwart researcher in women's studies, she was also among the female writers of her time who served to show just how far a writer is willing to go for inspiration. Her travels took her to Italy, Spain, France, Scotland, Canada and the United States, among others. Her first major published work was The Diary of an Ennuyée in 1825. This piece gained attention in the literary world when it was discovered that it was a fictitious account of her travels and exploits in Italy: an unique spin on a solid idea. Her first feminist oriented work which displayed powers of original thought was her Characteristics of Women [1832], an analysis of William Shakespeare's heroines.

In later works, she focused her interest on questions affecting the education, occupations and the welfare of women. She would spend the rest of her single life focusing on women issues and the "women question" as it applied to the 19th century British Empire. As an art critic, she studied private art collections in and near London, and wrote several books in the 1840s about the collections.

Her relationships with men dominated her life and seemed to go hand-in-hand with her free-spirited lifestyle. Her on-again, off-again romance with and stormy marriage to Robert Jameson ended in separation after two decades. Shortly after his death in 1854, it was discovered that he had left most of his estate to others and nearly nothing to her. Although Anna continued to write, finishing Sisters of Charity and The Communion of Labor, she died within a few years of her husband from an unknown illness.

Roxborough, Henry Hall's original first tissue copy with title " Sport in Days of Yore",18pp. later revised edition copy with corrections and new tile ''The Beginning of Organized Sport in Canada,'' 13pp.

for an article that appeared in Canada - A Historical Magazine Spring 1975 Vol.2 No. 3 page 30-43. This publication was published by the Department of History McMaster University. There is a 1975 etter from Holt Rinehart & Winston including a contract signed by Roxorough for the publishing of this article.

Included are previous original documents from 1973 & 1974 showing correspondence with the editor, David P. Gagan about the publishing on this story. Overall condition of all documents are very good+. Writing in Maclean's magazine in 1926, amateur sport organizer Henry Roxborough reminded his readers that "a nation that loves sport cannot revolt" (1926: 13).

"To strengthen the body is to improve the vehicle of almost all our activity, and to strengthen the bodies of the nation is to strengthen the nation." Henry Roxborough, Canadian author and supporter of amateur sport, 1925

Autograph Letter signed, dated Alderley Park, Dec. 31st, 1827, addressed to an unknown recipient. 31 lines, 2 p., approx. 5 x 7 in., hinged on the left with linen onto a larger album page, , a couple of letters blurred on front page, otherwise, very good condition.

"My dear Sir,

We are indeed very truly sorry to hear of the afflicting dispensation

of Providence communicated in your note. In such cases, we can only endevour to submit to God's will, in humble confidence that, whatever the dispensation be, He does not inflict it wantonly, but for ultimate tho' to us unseen good. I am sorry that I shall not have the pleasure of seeing you again just now as I leave Alderley for town in an hour.

May I beg your acceptance of the enclosed, & pray believe that I shall ever feel grateful for your kind attentions to Mrs. P., and that I am always, my dear Sir, your sincere & faithful friend. W. Parry." Sir William Edward Parry [1790 - 1855] was an English rear-admiral and Arctic explorer, who in 1827 attempted one of the earliest expeditions to the North Pole. He reached 82°45 North latitude, setting the record for human exploration farthest North that stood for nearly five decades before being surpassed at 83°20 26 by Albert Hastings Markham in 1875-1876.

Autograph Letter signed, dated Admiralty, 1st June [n.d.] (likely between 1836 when Parry was employed at the Admiralty, and 1839, when his wife, Bella, died) addressed to a friend, Sarah.

32 lines on two 8vo pages, approx. 5x7 inches, hinged on the left with linen onto a larger album page, very good condition.

A friendly letter:

"Dear Sarah, I am charged with Bella's letter to get franked, and I will not let it go without one line from myself to assure you how much we long to see you, and that we have this morning at breakfast, made a regular arrangement for your coming to see us, and we do hope that you will give us that pleasure. We are delightfully situated, close to the Zoological Gardens, and you shall sit up all night, if you like it, to hear the beasts roar & howl! But seriously, we shall depend upon your coming to see us, and I think we can make it agreeable to you for a week, tho' we are not gay people, and cannot promise you public amusements. Believe me, dear Sarah, your affecte. Friend, W. Parry.

Sir William Edward Parry [1790 - 1855] was an English rear-admiral and Arctic explorer, who in 1827 attempted one of the earliest expeditions to the North Pole. He reached 82°45 North latitude, setting the record for human exploration farthest North that stood for nearly five decades before being surpassed at 83°20 26 by Albert Hastings Markham in 1875-1876.

Document signed ("Guy Carleton"), one page (15 x 9 3/8 in.; 381 x 240 mm), Montreal, 19 June 1777, to John Powell, Deputy Paymaster General at Quebec, being an order for payment in the amount of five hundred pounds sterling made out to John Campbell, Commandant and Superintendant of Indians in the province of Quebec, countersigned by Powell on the verso; one short fold tear otherwise very good+ Blue cloth folding case, teal morocco spine lettered gilt; spine a trifle faded.

Sir Guy Carleton served in America beginning in 1758. He was governor of Quebec and commander of British forces in Canada (1775-77), during which time he repelled Montgomery and Benedict Arnold's attack on Quebec, defeated Arnold on Lake Champlain and re-took Crown Point. From 1782-83 he was Commander in Chief in Canada. General in 1793.

JOHN POWELL, - DEPUTY-PAYMASTER GENERALS AT QUEBEC AND MONTREAL, 1768 to 1772

Superb bold signature and inspirational quote in Latin , penned on a 7" x 4" card, in full: "Robt. Peary, U.S.N. June 10, '07 'Inveniam viam aut faciam" ["I shall find my way or make one"].

The phrase has been attributed to Hannibal; when his generals told him it was impossible to cross the Alps by elephant, this was supposedly his response.

Light offsetting to margin and some negligible staining, otherwise very good.

During his 1899 expedition to reach the geographic North Pole, Robert Peary reached Fort Conger, only to have several toes snap off at the first joint because of frost bite. Bedridden for weeks while recuperating, Peary wrote on a wall, Inveniam viam aut faciam ("I shall find a way or make one."), attributed to the Roman philosopher Seneca the Elder.

Fort Conger is a former settlement, military fortification, and scientific research post in Qikiqtaaluk, Nunavut, Canada. It was established in 1881 as an Arctic exploration camp, notable as the site of the first major northern polar region scientific expedition, part of the US government's contribution to the First International Polar Year. In 1991, some of the structures at Fort Conger were designated as Classified Federal Heritage Buildings.

American polar explorer who was the first man to attain the North Pole, arriving by sled on April 6, 1909.

VERY INTERESTING HANDWRITTEN IN UPPER CANADA JOURNAL FROM 1820'S

8vo, 146 pages, pagination in manuscript by the author. Original vellum binding with brass clasp and fixing, pockets to front and back, marbled endpaper to flap. Journal measures approximately 18cm x 12cm. Light wear to boards, otherwise in very good condition, clean and bright, with sold spine. Entries dated from 1819-1823, content dealing with earlier periods, and concluding with an index. Compiled anonymously from 1819-23 perhaps by an English military officer during his time in Canada? A form of personal entertainment or perhaps a type of library or reference book? Internal evidence suggests he was possibly stationed in Ontario, specifically Kingston and Fort Wellington, although he gleans and furnishes a much larger historical perspective. To this end, the writer pens prefatory notes on ancient geography, followed by a most interesting compendium of manuscript extracts mainly relating to travel and exploration, presenting in particular the transactions and exploitations in the era of European settlement in the Americas. Some excerpts from the journal:

"Dr. [George] Berkely formed the design of establishing a college in Bermuda, for the instruction of the American Indians... in 1728 went to Rhode Island for that purpose..." (p87)

"United States - Originally 13 states - now 24 - Virginia the largest and most populous - population of the whole increases 3 per cent per annum, doubling in 25 years. Shipping in 1821 1,262,618 tons, owned by New Engalnd & New York. The salary of the President is $25,000...The army is not stronger than 6000 men...The navy consists of 11 ships of the Line, 9 Frigates a 50 smaller vessels...New Orleans 27,000 inhabitants, 7,000 slaves - 6,000 free blacks included" (p127-8)

"The Bishop of London claims the West Indies as part of his diocese. In the war against the Maroons - runaway blacks in 1795, the author states that blood-hounds were used by the British!" (p132) Replete with statistic and historical reference, in essence an epitome of expanding empires and diminishing indigenous communities, written in an impartial tone. Extracts and observations of foremost leaders and travelers include Alexander Mackenzie's Voyages in North America, Isaac Weld's Travels in America, Lieutenant Hall's Travels in Canada & the US, Recollections of America by De Chateaubriand, Travels through Canada by George Heriot, Resources of the United States of America by John Bristol, so forth.

Some excerpts from the journal:

"the voyageurs or canoe men were frequently obliged to unload, and carry their goods upon their backs...for a considerable distance to avoid rapids & shallow water, the last portage in this river is 83 paces on entering Turtle Lake...the route changes to SW passing the island of St. Joseph which was the Western most military fort we had in this country" (p15-16)

"The Indians who come to the Island of St. Joseph to receive the annual presents are chiefly from the American territory; the Americans pay them very little attention & tell them that they keep possession of their community by right of conquest.." (p21)