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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.
1759/10/10 – Crown Point – General Amherst
Stores for Niagara ; molasses to be made into spruce beer. (Page 1) – SN: 018001
1759/10/31 – Crown Point – General Amherst
Instructions to Lt. Col. Eyre, 44th Regt., on Crown Point, taking command at Niagara, to repair and complete all the works ; to try to find easy communication for provisions between there and Pittsburg. The supplies to Indians, and conduct towards them. All stores, &c., to be applied for to General Gage. Major Beckwith to be sent to Oswego. (Page 3.) – SN: 018002
1760/04/29 – New York – General Amherst
Instructions to General Monckton to relieve Niagara, that the present garrison may be employed in the reduction of Montreal and Canada. To secure a communication between Pittsburg and Niagara ; to erect block houses according to plans enclosed. The officer sent to command at Niagara to carry out the instructions given to Col. Eyre. (Page 6) – SN: 018003
1760/06/01 – Albany – William Amherst, D. A. G.
The allowances to the women of the regiment ; 4 per company of 100. To attend the sick when required, and none to be allowed at the posts. (Page 
– SN: 018004
1761/06/01 – Albany – William Amherst, D. A. G.
Orders to be observed at any of the posts where work is carrying on. (Page 9) – SN: 018005
1761/10/12 – Staten Island – William Amherst, D. A. G.
Leave of absence to officers stopped. (Page 11) – SN: 018006
1762/01/16 – New York – General Amherst
To stop all Indian traders carrying rum, it being his intention to put an entire stop to that destructive trade. (Page 12) – SN: 018007
1762/06/20 – Fort Ontario – Major Duncan to Major Walters
Sending men and officers to Niagara, and batteaux to carry on the works. (Page 13) – SN: 018008
1763/07/30 – New York – General Amherst to Lieut.-Col. J. Browning
To proceed with New York. the 46th Regiment to Albany. (Page 15) – SN: 018009
1763/09/09 – New York – General Amherst to Lieut.-Col. Browning.
His instructions on taking command at Niagara. The instructions enter into details of the work to be done ; the stoppages, &c. (Page 17) – SN: 018010
1763/09/22 – New York – Wm. Amherst, D. A. G.
Regulations as to stoppages for provisions. (Page 23) – SN: 018011
1763/09/25 – New York – General Amherst to Lieut-Col. Browning
That the orders as stoppages are not to apply to this district during the Indian Insurrection. (Page 26) – SN: 018012
1763/10/06 – New York – General Amherst to Lieut-Col, Browning
Approves of supplying tents to Majors Wilkins and. Moncrieff. Cattle and carrigges being replaced. If any Indians come near the post they are to be treated as enemies and instantly put to death. Disapproves of sending sick from Niagara, as it is one of the healthiest places in America. No hospital at Montreal or on the continent. The draughts from Canada. He should have enough men to secure his post against all the Indian nations. (Page 27) – SN: 018013
1763/10/10 – New York – General Amherst to Lt. Col. Browning
Recommending an attempt to destroy Chenussio Castle, to show the Indians the difference between the treatment of the hostile and the friendly, and to ensure peaceful communication between Oswego and Niagara. (Page 30) – SN: 018014
1763/10/11 – New York – Wm Amherst, A.G.
The stoppage of provisions. (Page 31) – SN: 018015
1763/10/29 – New York – Wm. Amherst, A.G.
Allowance to troops engaged in working at fortifications, &c. (Page 32) – SN: 018016
1763/10/29 – New York – General Amherst to Lt. Col. Browning
Respecting draughts ; retaining serviceable men and filling up regiments, Sir William Johnson thinks the Mississaugas were not engaged in the disturbances. A large body of troops to be assembled at Niagara early in spring. Vessels to be built for transport. (Page 33) – SN: 018017
1764/09/25 – New York – General Gage to Col. Bradstreet
Instructions with details of the distribution of the troops. Returns of boats, &c., to be made at the conclusion of the campaign. (Page 36) – SN: 018018
1765/01/16 – New York – Rich’d Maitland, D.A.G., to Lt. Col. Vaughan, at Niagara.
Orders for mustering the crews of the vessels at the different stations every two months. (Page 38) – SN: 018019
1765/01/31 and 1765/02/17 New York – Rich’d Maitland, D. A. G. General
Orders respecting allowances to soldiers employed at works. 2. The issue of provisions. 3. Promotions. (Page 39) – SN: 018020
1765/02/09 – Order in Council by the King
Defining the powers of Civil Governors over His Majesty’s forces in the Provinces. (Page 41) – SN: 018021
1765/03/09 – New York – Rich’d Maitland, D.A.G.
General Orders respecting works at the posts or forts. Returns of engineer and artillery stores ; no cattle to be allowed on the slopes of the works. (Page 43) – SN: 018022
1765/03/14 – New York – Rich’d Maitland, D.A.G.
General Orders concerning depredations on the provisions and assistance to be given to the Commissary. (Page 45) – SN: 018023
1765/03/18 – New York – General Gage to Col. Vaughan
Respecting clothing. The works to be completed at Niagara. The Indians quiet ; trade to be resumed. Lt. Col. Browning’ a leave of absence. Appointments.(Page 47) – SN: 018024
1765/03/25 – Kaimandansage – Samuel Thirtland to Capt. Arnot
Indian couriers to be carefully chosen. All quiet ; news from below of disturbance caused by the Stamp Act. Has received letters of recommendation to the various posts. The jealousy of the Indians prevents him writing often. Hopes to do them good. (The writer was a missionary among the Indians). (Page 67) – SN: 018025
1765/04/01 – New York – General Gage
Instructions for James Glassford, Barrack Master from Niagara to Presqu’Isle. (Page 49) – SN: 018026
1765/04/06 – New York – Richd, Maitland, D.A.G.
Orders at Niagara relative to Barrack Masters. (Page 51) – SN: 018027
1765/05/17 – (Cascaskias settlement) Illinois – Alexander Fraser
Pondiaik (Pontiac) is at the settlement with some of his nation. Pottowattomies, and Chippawa Chiefs arrived after him. Took soldiers from Fort Pitt prisoners ; only saved from death by Fraser giving himself up. The intrigues of the Governor of New Orleans with the Indians has led to a hostile spirit among them. (Page 52) – SN: 018028
1765/05/20 – Cascaskias, Illinois – Alexander Fraser to Lieut. Colonel Campbell
More about Indian affairs ; the beaviour of Pontiac, urged on by the traders. Pontiac saves Fraser’s life. Prospects favourable for a peace with the Indians. The flux of French goods. (Page 54) – SN: 018029
1765/05/23 – New York – Rich’d Maitland, D. G. A.
General orders as to staff returns ; Chaplain’s returns. Regimental officers employed on staff duty. Promotions. (Page 58) – SN: 018030
1765/06/05 – New York – Rich’d Maitland, D. A. G.
General orders as to artillery duty. (Page 60) – SN: 018031
1765/10/02 – New York – Rich’d Maitland, D. A. G.
General orders as to provisions returns and returns of command money. (Page 61) – SN: 018032
1765/10/06 – New York – Rich’d Maitland, D. A. G.
General Orders as to provisions. (Page 62) – SN: 018033
1766/03/01 – New York – General Gage to Cap. Arnot, at Niagara
Indians quiet; loss of sloop &c.; surprised at the great quantity of condemned provisions ; more care to be taken. Command money. The delay in sending the accounts of work done by the 46th Regiment. (Page 63) – SN: 018034
1766/03/19 – New York – Rich. Maitland, D.A.G.
General orders regulating the distribution of vessels on the lakes. (Page 66) – SN: 018035
1766 from 06/14 to 07/22 – New York – Rich’d Maitland, D.A.G.
General Orders 1. Neglect of making returns for command money. 2. The Commissaries appointed by Sir William Johnson to treat with the Indians to be assisted. (Page 70) – SN: 018036
1766/06/15 – Fort Erie – Lieut. Sinclair
The exposed state of the vessels now laid up. (Page 71) – SN: 018037
1766/07/20 – New York – General Gage
Respecting the vessels referred to in Lt. Sinclair’s letter (page 71). (Page 72) – SN: 018038
1766/10/05 – New York – General Gage
The miserable state of the Fort at Niagara ; barrack furniture has been sent up. Returns of provisions sent to Detroit to be obtained. (Page 73) – SN: 018039
1766/10/20 – New York – General Gage to Capt. Brown, Niagara
Approves of the steps he has taken with regard to the labourers. Preparations for winter. To prevent Shriner from trading. (Page 75) – SN: 018040
1766/10/31 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson
Respecting the relative duties of Commanding Officers and Commissaries. (Page 77) – SN: 018041
1766/12/01 – New York – General Gage
Materials to be prepared for repairing fort at Niagara. (Page 80) – SN: 018042
1767/02/02 – New York – General Gage
The respective duties of Commanding Officers and Commissiaries (see Sir W. Johnson’s letter, p. 77). The loss by fire of the Victory. (Page 81) – SN: 018043
1767/05/02 – New York – General Gage
Indians peaceable. The want of scows. The stopping of Mr. Papin from Canada to Louisiana approved of. He is to be sent to New York. (Page 82) – SN: 018044
1767/07/28 – New York – General Gage
The Indians to be undeceived about expected French movements. The Spaniards have taken possession of New Orleans, and are relieving the posts on the Mississippi. The mischief done by Indians at the carrying place. (Page84) – SN: 018045
1767/09/02 – New York – General Gage
Terms of contract for maintaining vessels on the lakes. (Page 85) – SN: 018046
1767/09/02 – New York – General Gage
Arrangements for the care of boats and vessels at Fort Erie, &c. (Page 87) – SN: 018047
1767/10/23 – Niagara – Cap. Grant
Orders to Mr. Graves, in charge of the Naval Department at Niagara. (Page 89) – SN: 018048
1768/02/22 – New York – General Gage
Bad condition of the boats at Little Niagara. Man poisoned by a root, Senecas quiet, but suspects their sincerity. Complaint of the officers at Detroit as to expenses of transport across the carrying place at Niagara. (Page 91) – SN: 018049
1768/03/23 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson
Concerning Niagara. An Indian ; his unaccountable conduct ; his burning of a packet of letters. (Page 93) – SN: 018050
1768/03/?? (about) – Sir William Johnson
Relating to Mogra. (Page 94) – SN: 018051
1768/05/03 – New York – Rich’d Maitland
General Orders as to command of ordnance. (Page 95) – SN: 018052
1768/05/16 – May – Governor Carleton
The regulation of travel and the granting of passes. (Page 96) – SN: 018053
1768/05/30 – New York – General Gage
The fort at Niagara to be repaired. All vagrants going west and among the Indians to be stopped and sent back to Oswegatchie. (Page 97) – SN: 018054
1768/06/06 – New York – General Gage
Fort Niagara, he hopes, will soon be in a good state of repair. Mr. Chabert’s letter; Sir W. Johnson suspects him. Belts have been sent to the most remote Indians to be ready ; is not apprehensive of danger. Major Rogers sent down in irons. (Page 99) – SN: 018055
1768/06/21 – New York – General Gage
Politic to keep up jealousies among the Indians. The schooner Brunswick to stop at Ontario for artillery if it will not delay her carrying provisions. The preparation of timber for building vessels. The works at Niagara to be altered so that they can be defended by 40 men. Part of the works to be demolished. The returns ordered have not been received. (Page 101) – SN: 018056
1768/08/01 – New York – General Gage
The arrest of Major Rogers. Respecting the arrest of mischievous vagabonds. Indians quiet ; how they are to be kept in order. (Page 104) – SN: 018057
1768/08/29 – New York – General Gage
The management of Indian affairs to be transferred to the Provinces. (Page 107) – SN: 018058
1768/09/04 – New York – General Gage
Lieut. Pointon’s application. Plans respecting fort at Niagara. To send for the water engine to Ontario. (Page 108) – SN: 018059
1768/11/13 – Boston – General Gage
The treatment of vagabonds in the Upper Country. Sir William Johnson finds it necessary to keep interpreters and smiths longer ; approves of one being kept at Niagara. The burning of the schooner Boston ; no use to build vessels if they are to be at the mercy of every vagabond trader or drunken Indian. (Page 110) – SN: 018060
1768/11/24 – Johnson Hall – Sir William Johnson
New regulations about Indians to be delayed till Colonial Assemblies make regulations. The burning of the schooner Boston. (Page 112) – SN: 018061
1768/12/19 – New York – General Gage
Indian officers to be continued, as the Provinces have not yet made arrangements for new system. The repairs at Niagara. Lieut. Phisbee’s (Pfister ?) saw mill. Arrangements to be made for conveying provisions from Fort Erie to Detroit. Building a new vessel. (Page 114) – SN: 018062
1769/03/25 – New York – T. Sowers, Engineer
Works to be carried on at Niagara by orders of General Gage. (Page 116) – SN: 018063
1769/04/18 – Quebec – Governor Carleton
Regulations respecting traders from the Province of Quebec to the Upper County. (Page 117) – SN: 018064
1769/05/10 – Quebec – Governor Carleton
Transmitting bond and license for traders. (Page 119) – SN: 018065
1769/05/20 – Quebec – Governor Carleton
Caution to be observed regarding the Indians. (Page 120) – SN: 018066
1769/05/29 – New York – General Gage
To ascertain cause of Indian discontent. Believes it is owing to vagabond Canadians. (Page 121) – SN: 018067
1769/06/12 – New York – General Gage
Stores forwarded to Lake Erie. Commotion among the Indians ; need not interfere in the quarrels between the Chippewas and the Pottowatamies. Draughts of men to be distributed. Arms to be sent to Detroit. (Page 122) – SN: 018068
1769/08/12 – Detroit – B. Chapoton (in French)
Petition to have some powder he bought from Capt. Lotteridge delivered to him. Order from General Gage to comply with petition if claim is just: 10 October 1769. Receipt. September 1770. (Page 124) – SN: 018069
1770/06/26 – New York – General Gage
The bad state of the Charlotte and Gladwin ; their materials may be used for a new vessel. (Page 127) – SN: 018070
1770/08/06 – New York – General Gage
Thanks for Indian intelligence. Fraud on Indian by an Albany trader ; the suspioious conduct of the people in Messrs. Wade and Keyser’s batteau. (Page 128) – SN: 018071
1770/09/28 – New York – General Gage
Works at Niagara interrupted ; does not believe indians would expose themselves to fire, even if ditch not stockaded, The mason work ought to be fluished this year. (Page 130) – SN: 018072
1770/10/24 – New York – General Gage
Disputes between departments can only obstruct His Majesty’s Service. (Page 131) – SN: 018073
1771/01/21 – New York – General Gage
Indians firing on a boat and wounding a soldier ; the soldiers should have been armed. Knocking them on the head, the only way to deal with Indians. Question of war with Spain still dubious. Capt. Brown to be on his guard at Niagara ; if Spain begins France will soon follow. (Page 132) – SN: 018074
1771/04/08 – New York – General Gage
Tools for the work at Niagara. Sailors, &c., going up to build two vessels at the Detroit. Sir William Johnson has in hand the affair of the Indian murderer. Hopes this will be a lesson to Capt. Brown to have his people always well armed. He may allow traders to build sheds for store room. (Page 134) – SN: 018075
1771/06/22 – Montreal – Captain Maxwell to General Gage
Report on the vessel built on Lake Ontario. The condition of the schooner Brunswick. (Page 136) – SN: 018076
1771/07/29 – New York – General Gage
Will relieve the garrison at Niagara as soon as possible. The loss of Mr. Grant’s vessel. (Page 138) – SN: 018077
1771/11/12 – New York – Stephen Kemble, A.D.C.
Order that arms deposited in the forts New York. are not to be taken ont of the stores or exchanged. (Page 139) – SN: 018078
1771/11/28 – New York – Stephen Kemble, A. D.C.
All vacancies in regiments to be reported. (Page 140) – SN: 018079
1772/05/15 – New York – T. Sowers, Commanding Engineer
Lieutenant Pfister’s contract for carrying on the works at Niagara for 1772. (Page 141) – SN: 018080
1772/06/16 – New York – General Gage
With sketch of Lieut. Pfister’s contract. (See Sower, pp. 141-142). (Page 143) – SN: 018081
1772/09/10 – New York – General Gage
The charge of Mr. Anthon for taking care of the sick at Detroit. Medical assistance to be procured for detachment at Oswegatchie. The wintering of the vessel’s crew at Niagara. New cradle for the carrying place. (Page 144) – SN: 018082
1773/03/28 – New York – Stephen Kemble, A. D.C.
Returns of ordnance and engineer’s stores to be made half-yearly. (Page 145) – SN: 018083
1773/04/13 – New York – General Gage
Guns and ammunition sent for vessels in the upper lakes. (Page 146) – SN: 018084
1773/04/13 – General Gage
Memorandum of a letter respecting guns, &c., for vessels on the upper lakes. (See letter at page 146 which is probably meant). (Page 169) – SN: 018085
1773/05/19 – New York – General Gage
The disagreeable conduct of Lieutenant Pfister to be checked. (Page 147) – SN: 018086
1773/06/15 – New York – General Haldimand
General Gage sailed for England. The works at Niagara ; materials sent from Montreal. (Page 148) – SN: 018087
1773/07/21 – Oswegatchie – Lieut. James Pettigrew
Return of the state of barracks, &c., at Oswegatchie. (Page 149) – SN: 018088
1773/07/31 – Michillimackinak – Lieut. James Hamilton
Depositions taken in the case of Sergeant Dagg for stabbing Lieut. Hamilton. (Page 150) – SN: 018089
1773/09/20 – Niagara – Colonel Smith
The state of the barracks at Oswegatchie. The discontent of the Indians ; they complain of encroachments. Murder of 3 or 4 Canadians by Indians on Lake Ontario. The artillery men from Canada arrived ; those for the upper posts gone forward. The insufficiency of troops at Niagara. (Page 155) – SN: 018090
1773/10/03 – Niagara – Colonel Smith
Applies for leave of absence for himself and two subalterns. The claims of Mr. Anthon for medical services. (Page 158) – SN: 018091
1773/10/05 – Niagara – Colonel Smith
Sending the depositions in the case of Sergeant Dagg (see Hamilton, pp. 150 to 154). (Page 160) – SN: 018092
1773/10/10 – Niagara – Colonel Smith
The works at Niagara. Messages from Seneca chiefs about the murder of Canadians on Lake Ontario. (Page 162) – SN: 018093
1773/11/02 – Niagara – Colonel Smith
List of materials ; repairs to roof of barracks. Further messages from the Senecas about the murder of Canadians ; the tribe has received liberty to come to the fort to trade. (Page 164) – SN: 018094
1774/03/08 – Niagara – Colonel Smith
Is desirous to avoid a Court Martial on Sergeant Dagg. Batteaux wanted at Niagara. (Page 166) – SN: 018095
1774/03/09 – Niagara – Colonel Smith
That the Indian traders have sent off secretly a petition respecting the trade to the Commander-in-Chief (Page 167) – SN: 018096
1774/07/25 – Salem – General Gage
Death of Sir William Johnson ; Mr. Guy Johnson appointed ad interim. (Page 168) – SN: 018097
1774/10/05 – Boston – General Gage to Col. Caldwell, who has taken command at Niagara
Delay in the reliefs ; approves of his drawing rations for the women and children at Oswegatchie. Repairs at the fort. Surprised at the bad state of Niagara, as it was only lately repaired. Fort Erie to be examined. Trusts the Indians may be disposed to live on friendly terms. (Page 170) – SN: 018098
1776/10/30 – Crown Point – Governor Carleton
Respecting the appointment of Mr. Grant to command the Gage ; his dissatisfaction. (Page 172) – SN: 018099
1776/10/30 – Quebec – E. Foy
During the present rebellion no boats or vessels to be allowed on the lakes without passports, nor any to be built larger than a common boat. All suspicious persons to be seized and sent to Montreal. (Page 173) – SN: 018100
1777/02/02 – Quebec – Governor Carleton
The deficiency of provisions will be made up next summer. Approval of Lernoult’s, (in command at Niagara) and Colonel Butler’s dealings with the Six Nations. Everything to be in readiness for acting. The distribution of rum. The employment of Ensign Butler. (Page 174) – SN: 018101
1777/02/09 – Quebec – Governor Carleton
To dissuade the Indians from an indiscriminate attack, and to induce them to act with the troops. (Page 175) – SN: 018102
1777/05/20 – Quebec – Governor Carleton
Rates of pay, &c., to officers in the naval armament on Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron and Michigan. (Page 181) – SN: 018103
1777/07/02 – Quebec – Governor Carleton
Instructions to assist the merchants in their trade when vessels are not required for the King’s service. (Page 176) – SN: 018104
1777/07/21 – Quebec – E. Foy. To Lt. Col. Bolton
To place such proportion of the regiment as he thinks necessary at Fort Erie. (Page 177) – SN: 018105
1777/09/15 – Quebec – E. Foy
Bouchette to take command of the Seneca vice La Force absent on leave. Recommends a vessel to cruise off Oswego and one off Oswegatchie. (Page 177) – SN: 018106
1777/09/16 – Quebec – Governor Carleton
Presents for Indians, Col. St. Leger has retreated from the Mohawk River ; reinforcements sent to Niagara. Butler authorized to raise a corps of Rangers to act with the Indians. To march with them and all the Indians he can raise to join General Burgoyne. (Page 178) – SN: 018107
1777/09/16 – Quebec – Governor Carleton
Scioye, an Indian Chief, to receive two pounds New York currency monthly. (Page 179) – SN: 018108
1777/09/24 – St. John’s – Governor Carleton
All the vessels on the lakes to be kept in an efficient state. Disagreement between officer in command at Detroit and Lt. Governor. Captain Lernoult to return there, so that an end may be put to these animosities. (Page 179) – SN: 018109
1777/10/06 – Montreal – E. Foy
A guard to be kept at Grand Portage to preserve order whilst the merchants are trading. (Page 180) – SN: 018110
1777/10/23 – Quebec – Governor Carleton
Indian accounts. Has transmitted the establishment of the naval armament. Capt. Grant to command ; other officers. (Page 182) – SN: 018111
1777/11/08 – Quebec – Governor Carleton
Approves of the conduct of Colonel Bolton. (Page 183) – SN: 018112
1778/01/22 – Quebec – F. Le Maistre, D. A. G.
The General has no objection to the merchants erecting a wharf. A person may be appointed to take charge of the naval stores. The expenditure on the Indian Department by Major Butler; he is the best judge of what is necessary ; commissions sent for the Rangers. (Page 183) – SN: 018113
1778/03/14 – Montreal – Governor Carleton
Provisions to be forwarded in spring ; detachment to guard them to be sent from Oswegatchie and Niagara. Seamen have been sent for lake service. Works at Detroit. Receipts to be taken for goods carried to the merchants. (Page 185) – SN: 018114
1778/05/04 – Quebec – F. Le Maistre, D.A.G., to Col. Bolton
Leaves of absence to be left to his judgment. Col. Claus and his Indian accounts ; Captain Tice and his party ordered up. Has advanced the money, but different arrangements to he made in future. Respecting supplies to the garrison. Reinforcements for the naval armament. (Page 186) – SN: 018115
1778/05/04 – Quebec – Governor Carleton
Rations of seamen on the upper lakes to be reduced to the same rates as all others. Conduct of the war has been taken out of his hands, so can give no instructions to Major Butler as to the movements of the Indians. (Page 188) – SN: 018116
No date
Disposition of troops on the Detroit, Niagara and Presqu’Isle, Lake Erie, &c. (Page 189) – SN: 018117