Mi'kmaw Teaching and Learning Resources

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have attracted the attention of the Indians and they would be much gratified if allowed to occupy part of them __ if your Excellency will be at the trouble of perusing the enclosed you will perceive that the situation of the Indians have excited the attention of the Legislature at a former period but the Remnant of these abject beings were so contaminated by the inordinant use of Rum and idle habits that every method to excite them to industry or allure them to our domestic arts proved unavailing __

In their present disposition I apprehend it would be adviseable to discourage their collecting in numbers about the Capital or Towns, to preserve for them by a Law the Moose and Carriboo of the Country and other Animals which have contributed to their chief Support _ to hold out to them a certain moderate price for such articles as they are expert at making, such as oar Rafters [axehelves], Laths, Hoops, Shingles, Clapboards, Brooms, Staves, Handspikes and which would be paid for on delivery __ and if they could be prevailed upon to pursue the Boat Fishery along our shores , which the influence of their Priests might tend to promote _ it would afford Employment and Subsistence for them all _ Upon the whole I cannot avoid considering it as unadviseable to Grant Land to the Indians either in trust or otherwise, excepting merely to Reserve such situations as they have been in the habit of frequenting or using for Planting, taking of Eels &c.

I have the honor to subscribe
your Excellencys most respectful
& [obed:] Servant

Charles Morris
L. [Genl.]

7.March 1815

His Excelly. Lieut. General
Sir John Coape Sherbrooke
K.B L:Governor & Commander in Chief
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