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Letter from H.W. Crawley, Sydney, to Joseph Howe, regarding the administration of Indian Affairs by Fr. J. Courteau of L'Ardoise and Crawley's correspondence with Courteau regarding the same. Mentions monies provided for the education of Michael Noel, a schoolhouse for Eskasoni, Courteau's desire to protect the Mi'kmaq from Scottish trespassers on Mi'kmaq land, and other issues.
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who have invaded their lands - In this matter, as
you know, I am equally powerless - The repre-
sentations made in my annual reports have failed
to attract the notice of the Legislature to the helpless
Indians - and the Representatives of these counties
will probably not interfere, because the aggressors
are their supporters, which the Indians have no
votes to give them - As you have always
befriended these destitute and oppresed creatures
I put it to you (excuse the liberty) whether
it would not be expedient as well as just that
the Govt should interpose, to procure a legis-
lation enactment conforming the Indians the
same rights as the other inhabitants to vote at the
elections in consideration of the large tracts of land
held by them or for them - As before suggesed
in my reports, such a measure would elevate the
Indians - increase their self respect and the
consideration of there neigbours further - incline the members
conduce to the redress of their long endured suffrages -
But I will not further the access on your
time, and shall hope that if any thing can be effected
in this matter, it will obtain your consideration
I remain, my dear Sir,
Yours very truly,
H.W. Crawley -


Date: 1850

Retrieval no.: Commissioner of Public Records — Mi'kmaq and Government Relations series Nova Scotia Archives RG 1 volume 431 number 58

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