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The Haldimand Collection is a valuable resource for the study of events in North America from the beginning of the Seven Years War to the end of the American Revolution and the early period of Loyalist settlement. The Papers contain the correspondence and records of Frederick Haldimand’s various commands at Trois-Rivières, Florida, New York, and Quebec. Included is correspondence with such military commanders as General Jeffery Amherst, Thomas Gage, Sir John Burgoyne, Henry Bouquet, and Sir Henry Clinton; various civil and military officials such as the Earl of Sandwich, First Lord of the Admiralty; Lord Barrington, Secretary at War; Lord Dartmouth and Lord George Germain, Secretaries of State; the Governors of Quebec, James Murray and Sir Guy Carleton; British ministers, including the Earl of Shelburne and Lord North; officers of Loyalist Corps such as Robert Rogers, James Rogers, Sir John Johnson, John Butler, and many others; Indian Department officials, Sir William Johnson, Guy Johnson and Daniel Claus; several governors and lieutenant governors; and many letters by Robert Matthews, Haldimand’s military secretary.
1759/07/20 – Before Niagara – W. M. Johnson to Col. Haldimand
The General (Prideaux).and Col. Johnson killed. Has taken command. Col. Haldimand is to join. Ammunition to be sent on immediately. (Page 1) – SN: 010001
1759/07/21 – Before Niagara – W. M. Johnson to Col. Haldimand
Haldimand not to join ; is sorry he cannot reinforce him. The place much stronger than was expected. The progress of the siege. Ammunition and provisions running short. (Page 2) – SN: 010002
1759/07/25 – Niagara – W. M. Johnson to Col. Haldimand
Beat the French army yesterday ; this morning the fort capitulated. The French garrison to be forwarded to New York. (Page 4) – SN: 010003
1759/07/26 – Niagara – W. M. Johnson to Col. Haldimand
Escort for French garrison. Rum and provisions wanted. (Page 5) – SN: 010004
1760/05/03 – Conajohare- W. M. Johnson to Col. Haldimand
Introducing friends. (Page 6) – SN: 010005
1760/05/12 – Fort Johnson – W. M. Johnson to Col. Haldimand
With Indian presents. Suggestions as of the dealing with Indians. (Page 7) – SN: 010006
1760/05/28 – General Amherst to Sir W. Johnson
How French Indians are to be received. Page 8. – SN: 010007
1760/05/30 – Fort Johnson – W. M. Johnson to Col. Haldimand
As to reception of French Indians . Onondaga Indians sent on an expedition to bring an intelligent prisoner, so as to ascertain the fate of Quebec. (Page 9) – SN: 010008
1760/07/11 – Fort Johnson – W. M. Johnson to Col. Haldimand
The meeting of Swegatchy Indians with Haldimand ; he and the Onondaga Chiefs might arrange with them. Is using every endeavour to bring the Six Nation and other Indians to His Majesty’s interests. Their defection from the French. Will soon be at Haldimand’s post to consult. (Page 11) – SN: 010009
1763/10/07 – St. James (London) – Proclamation.
Copy of Proclamation relative to the lands reserved to the sole use of the different nations or tribes of Indians. (Page 160) – SN: 010010
1767/06/06 – Johnson Hall – Sir W. Johnson to Brigadier Haldimand.
Letter of introduction. (Page 14) – SN: 010011
1768/10/24 – Fort Stanwix – Indian Treaty
Indian Treaty , Present 3,102 Indians, the names and numbers of the tribes being specified. Letter of instructions read empowering James Walker, commissioner from Virginia, to settle boundaries between Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland and the several nations of Indians concerned. The congress lasted from the 24th October till 5th November. The report contains abstract of the speeches, the boundaries settled upon and the conditions. (Page 15) – SN: 010012
1772/09/24 – Sir William Johnson.
Pay list, Indian department. (Page 72) Indian Department. Receipts for pay to Interpreters, &c., 1 November 1772 ; 1 May, l773. (Page 73) – SN: 010013
1773/06/02 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson.
Relative to some Indian accounts. (Page 97) – SN: 010014
1773/06/14 – Major Basset to General Gage
Conference with Indians who brought in the murderers of Pond, &c, at Detroit, which lasted for two days, 9 and 10 May, 1773. (Page 75) – SN: 010015
1773/06/14 – Detroit – Major Basset to General Gage
Confession of the Indians who murdered Pond, his two batteau men and boy. (Page 82) – SN: 010016
1773/06/14 – Detroit – Major Basset to General Gage
Pottawatamie Chiefs’ statement as to attack on Mr. Vanslicke. Charge the French with being the instigators. From pages 87 to 96 are duplicates of confessions, &c. (Page 85) – SN: 010017
1773/06/14 – Detroit – Major Basset to General Haldimand.
Respecting the attack on Vanslick by Indians ; blames the French most. Has refused passes to French and English traders for St. Joseph. Has refused to receive Indians from there till they behave better. Will release the three murderers of Pond when their chiefs arrive. (Page 98) – SN: 010018
1773/06/15 – New York – General Haldimand to Sir W. Johnson
Has taken command during Gage’s absence ; desires to be fully informed of the state of Indian affairs in the northern department. In the south, no prospect of peace between the Creeks and Chocktaws. (Page 100) – SN: 010019
1773/06/15 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand.
Congratulates Haldimand on his command. Is in daily expectation of hearing from the Shawanese and Delawares, summoned to a congress on account of some dangerous belts. (Page 102) – SN: 010020
1773/06/28 – Pittsburg – Alexander McKee
Arrival of six Shawanese from Scioto, relative to surveys of land by Virginians, on the ground that the land had been sold by the Six Nation Indians and Cherokees. They wish the Virginians to pay them for it. (Page 103) – SN: 010021
1773/06/30 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand
Northern Indians complain of the irregular method of carrying on trade ; no proper regulations made by Provincial Governments. Shawanese and Delawares desire to break off from the Six Nations. Congress called to consider the conduct of the Indians at the Wahash and the Pottawatamies. The intrigues of the French to the south ward. His ill health requires absence. (Page 105) – SN: 010022
1773/08/05 – Perth Amboy – Chief Justice Smyth to Haldimand
Regarding the passage of two servants. Reply by General Haldimand. (Pages 107 and 108) – SN: 010023
1773 – General Haldimand to Sir William Johnson
Enclosing speech from four chiefs of the Pottawatamies, at Detroit, and of six Shawanese at Fort Pitt. (The latter a repetition of the proceedings at pp. 103, 104). (Page 109) – SN: 010024
1773/08/26 – Guy Park – Guy Johnson to Haldimand.
That he has sent general directions to Major Basset how to deal with the Indians. (Page 112) – SN: 010025
1773/08/28 – Montaulk – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand
His ill health. Does not see how Major Basset could do otherwise than release the Indian murderers, after the wanton cruelty committed by traders on people of the same nation. Expects a numerous meeting of Indians from Ohio shortly at his house. Colonel Johnson will write what takes place. (Page 113) – SN: 010026
1773/09/29 – Guy Park – Guy Johnson to Haldimand
Murder and robbery of Frenchmen by Seneca Indians. The chief ordered the stolen packs to be secured for return. The Indians are greatly concerned about the murder, and agreed that the murderers should be given up. (Page 115) – SN: 010027
1773/09/15 – New York – General Haldimand to Sir William Johnson
The latter’s health. Extraordinary conduct of Mr.Murray in the Illinois. Steps should be taken to prevent the Indians selling land without the sanction of Johnson ; he should take the opportunity of the meeting to arrange this. Apprehends difficulties from land encroachments. Has received news of the murder of Frenchmen by Indians. (Page 116) – SN: 010028
1773/09/27 – Detroit – Major Basset
Answer of Pitchibaon, Pottawatamie chief, to speech of Sir William Johnson to his and the Six Nations. (Page 118) – SN: 010029
1773/09/30 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand
Unless His Majesty stop the spirit of purchasing and putting settlements in the back lands, where there is no government, despairs of its being done. Indian complaints on that head. Will caution them about selling. Received favourable answer to his speech from Western Indians. The murder of the Frenchmen an act of revenge. (Page 119) – SN: 010030
1773/10/05 – Brunswick – Samuel Cleveland to Haldimand
Respecting constitution of members of a Court Martial. (Page 121) – SN: 010031
1773/10/07 – New York – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand
Has been occupied with a deputation of Indian chiefs from Canada. Has sent his half yearly accounts. (Page 122) – SN: 010032
1773/10/08 – New York – General Haldimand, by his Secretary to Cleveland
Relative to members of Court Martial. (Page 123) – SN: 010033
1773/10/15 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand
The conduct of the Senecas ; has sent a proper message to them, as they have not sent to explain the misconduct of their people. Capt. McLeod. requests that he may not be obliged to go to Ontario. (Page 124) – SN: 010034
1773/10/20 – New York – General Haldimand to Sir William Johnson
The land transactions of .Mr. Murray ; Maisonville’s account of Kennedy. Sends warrants for half year’s disbursements. Is impatient to hear resolution of the Senecas about the late murder. Capt. McLeod need not go to Ontario till spring. Birth of a daughter to General Gage. (Page 125) – SN: 010035
1773/10/29 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand
Has no confidence in Kennedy ; has tried Maisonville and confides in him. The Chiefs of the Six Nations coming down about the murder; the laws ought be enforced. Thanks for indulgence to Capt. McLeod. Has received answer from the Pottawatomies about the murders and robberies committed since the surrender of Canada. (Page 127) – SN: 010036
1773/11/25 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand
Has come to a conclusion with the chiefs of the Six Nations; they are to make good the peltry stolen and deliver up the murderers ; disputes among them ; one of the disaffected fled to stir up strife. (Page 129) – SN: 010037
1773/12/01 – New York – General Haldimand to Sir William Johnson
Discusses the best means of dealing with the Indian murderers, and how to turn the matter to the best account with the Six Nations. (Page 131) – SN: 010038
1773/12/08- Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand
Respecting the conduct of one George Klock, a bad character. He has carried off three Indians to be used in England for mischievous purposes. The Indians exasperated at this. Klock to be apprehended. (Page 132) – SN: 010039
1773/12/17 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand
Concerning the organization of the Indian Department. Agrees as to the means of dealing with the Indian murderers. (Page 135) – SN: 010040
1773/12/22 – New York – General Haldimand to Sir William Johnson
Has taken measures to prevent Klock escaping. Has heard of a number of Indians assembled at the Wabash. Newspapers publish an account of the murder of Virginians on their way to the Ohio. Has just heard that Klock with one Indian had sailed. (Page 138) – SN: 010041
1773/12/27 – New York – General Haldimand to Sir William Johnson
Respecting the organization of the Indian Department. (Page 139) – SN: 010042
1774/01/06 – New York – General Haldimand, by his secretary, to Col. Nesbitt.
Leave of absence to Ensign Turner, 47th Regiment. (Page 141) – SN: 010043
1774/01/26 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand
The organization of Indian Department. Intelligence from Kayaghshota, Ohio Chief ; the French at the bottom of the late meetings to ingratiate themselves with the Indians in case of a war. The Shawanese not to be trusted. Has sent message by Kayaghshota. (Page 142) – SN: 010044
1774/02/07 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand
His son, Sir John, goes to New York. Senecas, it is believed, will fulfil their engagements. Intercedes for a deserter who has been living among the Indians and has been useful. (Page 144) – SN: 010045
1774/02/10 – New York – General Haldimand to Sir William Johnson
Satisfaction at the conduct of Kayaghshota, The refractory conduct of the Shawanese ; they are likely to be humbled by the resolution of the Six Nations to shake them off. The advantage of getting the Seneca murderers delivered up. Is surprised at the interference of the French in Indian affairs. Will take steps to ascertain through what agency they communicate to the southward. How the pardon of the deserter, Andrews, is to be obtained. (Page 145) – SN: 010046
1774/02/24 – General Haldimand to Sir William Johnson
The intrigues of the Creeks ; the combination not yet general, but no knowing what may come of it, or of the gross insult to the English nation. The war between them and the Choctaws is fortunate. (Page 146) – SN: 010047
1774/03/18 – New York – General Haldimand to Sir William Johnson
Hostilities of the Creeks in Georgia carried no further. Account of the cause of the murders and of what took place. (Page 147) – SN: 010048
1774/03/19 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand
The steps he is taking to draw the northern nations closer into alliance to check the refractory Indians. Has a number of Indians with him, who have brought skins to make up for those stolen from the Frenchmen last year, and also chiefs of the Mohawks about a dispute between them and the Corporation of Albany. (Page 149) – SN: 010049
1774/03/31 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand
Further about the murders committed by the Creeks. Suspects that the Shawanese would try to widen the breach. Has deferred sending chiefs, who had prepared to start to negotiate with the Indians to the southward, until he hears further. Has received letter from Lord Dartmouth concerning the Illinois settlement ; will co-operate to prevent what he believes to be a dangerous and impolitic measure. (Page 152) – SN: 010050
1774/04/07 – New York – General Haldimand to Sir William Johnson
Prospects of peace with the Creeks ; approves of his deferring sending the Six Nation chiefs to the Creeks till it is absolutely necessary. To be prepared in case of a rupture. Mr. John (Jehu?) Hay to go to the Illinois to obtain description of the country and inhabitants ; sends with him a proclamation against encroachments and orders to commanding officer to prevent them. (Page 154) – SN: 010051
Sir William Johnson to Haldimand
The Six Nations deliver up the Seneca murderers, but intercede for their lives. The provocation they have received. .Asks for their lives. M. McKee’s accounts at Fort Pitt. (Page 156) – SN: 010052
1774/04/27 – New York – General Haldimand to Sir William Johnson
Pardons the two Seneca murderers, on condition that full reparation be made for the robbery. (Page 158) – SN: 010053
1774/04/29 – New York – General Haldimand to Sir William Johnson
That Mr Hay is going to the Illinois ; to furnish him with presents for the Indians ; sends copy of proclamations relative to encroachments on Indian lands. (Page 159) – SN: 010054
1774/04/29 – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand
The prisoners sent to gaol ; several of the chiefs wait to see the result ; the novelty of ot transaction occasions much private contention. Illness of one of the prisoners aggravates the state of feeling. (Page 162) – SN: 010055
1774/05/04 – New York – General Haldimand to Sir William Johnson
Sends duplicate·of letter respecting prisoners. Hopes the lenity shown on this occasion may be. productive of good effect. (Page 164) – SN: 010056
1774/05/05 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand.
The proceedings at the meeting with the Indians, when the Seneca murderers were delivered up. Will be ready to cooperate to the south ward if necessary. Mr. Hay a suitable man to send to the Illinois. Importance of the operation of the Six Nation Indians. Prays for the pardon of the deserter Andrews. (Page 165) – SN: 010057
1774/05/26 – Amboy – Major Hamilton to Haldimand
Has been acquitted at the court martial on the ground of the want of competency of the court, owing to its composition. Asks that a proper court be constituted to the charges against him fully tried. Accompanying this are the proceedings of the court martial. (Page 171) – SN: 010058
1774/06/09 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson to Haldimand
The outrageous conduct of Colonel Cressor and the forcible entry of Virginians has made an uproar among the Indians. The encroachments on the hunting grounds will not be submitted to peaceably by the Warriors, whatever the chiefs may do, the few acts they have committed are nothing compared with what they suffer. Tho accounts of Mr McKee. (Page 174) – SN: 010059
1774/06/15 – New York – General Haldimand to Sir William Johnson
The two Indian murderers to be released, but proper measures to be taken to have the Canadians indemnified. Has given over the command to General Gage. Hopes that matters to the southward have beeC ~flel up with the Creeks, but the unwarrantable conduct of Colonel Cressor will draw the just resentment of the Indians. (Page 176) – SN: 010060
1774/08/20 – Guy Park – Guy Johnson to Haldimand
Death of Sir William Johnson ; he has been recommended for the succession. Has taken charge in the meantime, and has prevailed on the Indians to send a delegation to the southward. Conduct of the Virginians a great obstruction to every pacific measure. Mr. John (Jehu?) Hay been, appointed to resident at Detroit ; has received instructions as to his journey to Illinois. (Page 178) – SN: 010061
1774/08/31 – New York – General Haldimand to Col. Guy Johnson
Condolences on the death of Sir William Johnson; trusts he will be able to preserve the influence Sir William had with the Indians. (Page 179) – SN: 010062