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Mi'kmaw Teaching and Learning Resources

Letter from Abraham Gesner, Indian Affairs Commissioner, to Joseph Howe, Provincial Secretary, regarding giving the Mi'kmaq some of the old obsolete arms of the military so they may hunt in winter and get food for their families.
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62
Halifax 8th. Jany: 1852
Sir,
A number of the Indians have
applied to me for guns to enable them
to obtain some food by hunting during
the winter as has always been their
custom. I know that many of them
are without guns, or the means of
obtaining them and I would therefore
most urgently request that the Government
be [desired?] to apply a number
[say fifty - written above so insert here] of
the old Militia Arms to the relief of
these poor and helpless people.

I have the honor
to be Sir
your most
Obedient humble
Servant
A Gesner
Com: Indian Affairs

Hon. Joseph Howe
Provincial Secretary
&c. &c. &c.


A. Gesner
Jany 8 1852
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Date: 1852

Retrieval no.: Commissioner of Public Records — Mi'kmaq and Government Relations series Nova Scotia Archives RG 1 volume 431 number 62

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