Nova Scotia Archives
African Nova Scotians in the Age of Slavery and Abolition
"Report of lands cleared by the people of colour in the settlement of Preston..."
This important document sheds light on the work patterns of the black refugees. It demonstrates the wide range of their farming abilities. Clearly some were good farmers, while others struggled unsuccessfully to cultivate the poor land allotted to them. Refugee housing is also described. The majority lived in huts, some lived in "snug" houses, and others had not yet built a dwelling.
Date: 9 May 1816
Reference: Commissioner of Public Records Nova Scotia Archives RG 1 volume 421 number 3 (microfilm 15464)