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Letter from Dawson to Howe regarding Howe's letter of 5 Dec 1842 [see RG 1 vol. 432 pp. 145]. He will distribute coats and blankets as per directions. Complains that Mi'kmaq were promised liberty to cut firewood about Fisher's Grant, Boat Harbour, and now the owners have broken their promise. Firewood is scarce. A reserve is needed. Recommends land at headwaters of Barney's River, including the whole of Brown Lake and lots 12, 16, 17, 18 and other property on the map prepared by Crerar, the Deputy Surveyor. Also necessary to purchase 50-100 acres at Fisher's Grant, the favoured summer campsite of the Mi'kmaq.
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Deputy Surveyor, and examined all his plans which show Government Land in this County, -- and I see non ungranted that would suit the Indians so well as a spot in the Eastern division of the County at the head waters of Barney's River, where 1000 acres at least should be granted for their use, to include the whole of a lake called "Brown Lake", on Mr Tay's map, and also lots No 12, 16, 17, 18 to the north and N. West of said lake, as shown on Mr. Crerar's plan, of which he says there is a copy in the S. General's Office. Mr. Crerar agrees with me in thinking that this is the most eligible site for them in the County (not granted) for a winter residence as the Lake is well stocked with fine trout and its shores covered with good hard wood -- the land around he says is good and what is of consequence to them moose, caribou and other game are yet plentiful in that quarter. But besides a grant of this land it will be of indispensable necessity to procure by purchase on the shore about Fisher's Grant -- their favorite resort, -- 50


Date: 1842

Retrieval no.: Commissioner of Public Records — Mi'kmaq and Government Relations series Nova Scotia Archives RG 1 volume 432 pp. 145-148

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