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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.
1773/01/05 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
The tea ship ordered off by the mob at Philadelphia. The ship for New York will probably be treated in the same way. The behaviour of the people at Boston not generally approved. Spirited protest from Plymouth. The mercantile influence is, however, likely to prevail. Pacific disposition of the Indians north and south. Bad effects of encroachments by American emigrants. (Page 1) – SN: 035001
1773/06/02 – Whitehall – Lord Dartmouth to General Haldimand
That Haldimand may depend on his support. All consideration will be given to petitions of inhabitants of Post Vincennes, but new establishments cannot be permitted where settlements are not allowed. The titles must be better established before His Majesty can admit possession, &c. (Page 3) – SN: 035002
1773/06/07 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
Transmitting certificate of having taken the oath of allegiance. Thanks for his appointment. Will send information about the state of military affairs. (Page 5) – SN: 035003
1773/06/15 – Burlington, N. J. – Governor Franklin
Barrack preparations for the reception of troops. Lack of funds. Asks that the Barrack Master General provide for the troops till the Assembly can be called together. (Page 10) – SN: 035004
1773/06/15 – New York – Colonel Robertson (Barrack Master General)
Detailing the inconveniences arising from the employment of a Barrack Master not under military control, for the expenditure of money to be recovered from the Provinces. Reference is made particularly to the case of the Province of New Jersey, the one then before the authorities. (Page 12) – SN: 035005
1773/07/05 – Whitehall – Lord Dartmouth to General Haldimand
The cause of the fire at Crown Point to be investigated. (Page 7) – SN: 035006
1773/07/07 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
Arrival of troops, Preparations for their reception in Jersey. Will have transports to take the troops from St. Augustine. Hopes northern Indians will be pacified. Directions to officers commanding posts to preserve harmony. (Page
– SN: 035007
1773/07/07 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
Arrival of detachments; the transports with troops for Quebec prevented reaching, owing to contrary winds. (Page 14) – SN: 035008
1773/07/29 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia.
Enclosing letter and speech delivered by Shawanese to Ales McKee, Indian agent at Pittsburg. (Page 15) – SN: 035009
1773/08/04 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
Thanks for support in and assurances of faithful discharge of duties of office. Reliefs arrived at Quebec and New York and distribution of troops ; Indian news. Boundary line settled with Creeks and Cherokees at Augusta ; internal wars ; reported hostile designs of the Creeks. Correspondence entered into with French inhabitants on the Wabash. It is desirable to have a disinterested account of their position, &c. (Page 21) – SN: 035010
1773/08/04 – Whitehall – Lord Dartmouth to General Haldimand
Crown Point fort not to be reestablished ; garrison to be distributed, or to increase that at Ticonderoga. Men employed in survey by Captain Holland, if struck off the strength of the 60th, to be paid by warrant on contingencies. (Page 26) – SN: 035011
1773/08/12 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dunmore, Virginia
Suggesting the issue of a reward for the arrest of the murderer, John Collins. Extract of a letter respecting the murder enclosed. (Page 28) – SN: 035012
1773/08/31 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
Information relating to the southern Indians. Fears of a war between tribes on the Mississippi. Northern Indians reported to be in bad humour. The irregularities of the traders and rash proceedings of settlers the provoking cause. Copper mining at Michillimakinak to be abandoned. Repairs ordered to Castle William. (Page 31) – SN: 035013
1773/09/01 – Whitehall – J. S. Pownall (Under Secretary) to General Haldimand
Acknowledging letters. (Page 35) – SN: 035014
1773/09/01 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
Application has been made for military aid against rioters in Charlotte County, N. Y. ; asks His Lordship’s instructions in this and similar cases. (Page 36) – SN: 035015
1773/10/06 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
The abandonment of Crown Point ; Court of New York. Inquiry; will reinforce Ticonderoga. The requisition for troops to Charlotte County dropped. Has taken steps to prevent purchase of Indian lands on the Illinois. Attack on Canadians by Seneca Indians on Lake Ontario. The chiefs have secured the plunder to be returned. Will provide for men of the 60th with Captain Holland. (Page 38) – SN: 035016
1773/10/14 – Whitehall – Lord Dartmouth to General Haldimand
Approves of Haldimand’s course respecting the Indians and of the proposal to employ a man to explore and report on the interior country. Military aid not to be given in cases of rioting, etc. till civil powers fail. (Page 42) – SN: 035017
1773/11/03 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
The difficulty of embarking troops at St. Augustine. The progress of settlement on the Ohio ; it tends to irritate the Indians and the settlements will become asylums for the lawless. Expected opposition to the landing of East India Company’s tea. Steps to obtain satisfaction from the Indians for the murder of Canadians. (Page 45) – SN: 035018
1773/11/30 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
Refers to answers to previous letters, Indiana appear disposed to be friendly. The Senecas will make reparation for the murder of Canadians. Will exercise caution but expects trouble from the encroachments of settlers, No answer from Post Vincennes. Will send a proper person to obtain information. (Page 48) – SN: 035019
1773/12/01 – Whitehall – Lord Dartmouth to General Haldimand
To consider the propriety of reestablishing the fort at Crown Point, in view of the expense of repairing Ticonderoga. Approves of correspondence with Governor Tryon as to military aid. Captain Lord commended for his proceedings to prevent illegal settlements on the Illinois. (Page 52) – SN: 035020
1773/12/28 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
Sailing of a person with an Indian for London (See letter from Sir W. Johnson, 58). The conduct of the people of Boston respecting the East India Company’s tea ; determination to resist taxes laid by the Imperial Parliament and resist monopoly. What is feared in New York. (Page 54) – SN: 035021
1773/12/28 – New York – Haldimand to Lord Barrington
Introducing Lieutenant Ellis More about the tea riots. (Page 56) – SN: 035022
1774/01/05 – New York – Haldimand to Dartmouth
Enclosing copy of letter from Sir W. Johnson (p.58). Tea to Philadelphia sent back ; that for New York not arrived. Protests against the conduct of Boston people from Plymouth, Mass. Pacific disposition of the Indians. (Page 60) – SN: 035023
1774/01/05 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
Sending reports from Illinois. The illegal purchase of lands from the Indians. (Page 62) – SN: 035024
1774/01/08 – Whitehall – Lord Dartmouth to General Haldimand
The embarkation of troops at Pensacola. The ill consequences of settlements on the Wabash. The tea riots ; the policy in respect to military aid. (Page 64) – SN: 035025
1774/02/02 – Whitehall – W. Knox to General Haldimand
With copies of the King’s speech and addresses of both Houses at the opening of Parliament on the 13th January, 1774. (Page 66) – SN: 035026
1774/02/02 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
The inquiry into the fire at Crown Point. Non-arrival of the tea ship at New York. The different Assemblies uniting to oppose the authority of Parliament. (Page 80) – SN: 035027
1774/02/05 – Whitehall – Lord Dartmouth to General Haldimand
The tea riots. The King’s resolution to pursue effectual measures for securing the dependence of the colonies on the kingdom. (Page 82) – SN: 035028
1774/02/22 – Whitehall – Lord Dartmouth to General Haldimand
Arrangements for the relief of the regiments on the north American service. (Page 83) – SN: 035029
1774/03/02 – Whitehall – Lord Dartmouth to General Haldimand
Acknowledging despatch. (Page 85) – SN: 035030
1774/03/02 – Whitehall – Lord Dartmouth to General Haldimand
Birth of a prince. (Page 86) – SN: 035031
1774/03/02 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
Attack by Lower Creeks on Georgia ; its causes. Intention to proceed south to investigate, and make arrangements for war if necessary. The intercourse between Spaniards and Indians harmless. Will send Mr. Hay to the Illinois, Recommends Crown Point to be re-established in preference to Ticonderoga. (Page 87) – SN: 035032
1774/03/07 – House of Lords
House of Lords. Address to the King on the state of colonies in North America. (Page 93) – SN: 035033
1774/03/09 – Whitehall – Lord Dartmouth to General Haldimand
Enclosing copy of letter to Governor Hutchison. Intended to remove the seat of Government and trade from Boston. Troops to be prepared to be sent to Boston to assist the civil power. (Page 94) – SN: 035034
1774/03/09 – Whitehall – Lord Dartmouth to Governor Hutchison
The measures for restrailling and punishing the violations of law at Boston cannot be taken by the sole authority of the Crown. They are referred to both Houses of Parliament. Message and addresses in answer enclosed. The port of Boston to be closed. (Page 96) – SN: 035035
1774/04/05 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
Will not go south, as he believes the Indians not disposed for war. On Indian affairs generally. The policy of assisting the Provinces to quell riots. (Page 103) – SN: 035036
1774/04/06 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
Has delayed granting request for troops to Georgia to defend it against Indians. The desire of the Provinces to encroach on Indians; the late disturbances may teach them a lesson. The profit by getting troops into the Provinces an inducement for getting up stories of Indian wars. (Page 107) – SN: 035037
1774/05/04 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
The reliefs of regiments. Arrival of tea ship at New York. The proceedings to prevent the landing of the cargo, &c. The Six Nations have delivered up tho murderers of Canadians. Proposes pardoning them if restitution be made. (Page 110) – SN: 035038
1774/05/04 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
A formal letter. (Page 114) – SN: 035039
1774/05/13 – New York – John Montresor (Commanding Engineer)
Report, plans and estimate for Crown Point. (Page 123) – SN: 035040
1774/05/15 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
The anticipated effect of the measure to bring Boston to submission is doubtful. The factious spirit prevailing. Will defer movement of troops till he hears from General Gage. Suggests drawing a couple of regiments from Canada to Crown Point. Artillery ordered to Boston. Indian complications. (Page 115) – SN: 035041
1774/06/01 – Whitehall – Lord Dartmouth to General Haldimand
Acknowledging the attention of Haldimand whilst in command and the King’s approbation. General Gage resumes the office of Commander-in-Chief. (Page 118) – SN: 035042
1774/06/01 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
Arrival of General Gage at Boston. Estimates for rebuilding the fort at Crown Point. The effect of the Act passed by Parliament with reference to the tea riots. Fears the fire is only smothered. Attempts in Virginia to foment an Indian war. Thanks for the kindness of Lord Dartmouth during the temporary command. (Page 119) – SN: 035043
1774/09/07 – New York – General Haldimand to Lord Dartmouth
Acknowledgement of the King’s approbation. The alarming spirit which has seized the people of the whole Continent makes General Gage’s task more difficult. Hopes for wise counsels prevailing at Philadelphia. (Page 128) – SN: 035044
1774/12/24 – Williamsburg – Lord Dunmore to General Haldimand
Remonstrating in sharp terms on General Haldimand having sent to Lord Dartmouth reports of outrages on Indians in Virginia, without having communicated with him (Lord Dunmore, the Governor). (Page 130) – SN: 035045
1775/04/13 – St. James – Lord Dartmouth to General Haldimand
Leave of absence to General Haldimand. (Page 133) – SN: 035046
1775/04/15 – Whitehall – Lord Dartmouth to General Haldimand
That in event of a war with the Colonies the command would devolve on Haldimand. In case of General Gage from any cause ceasing to command, it is thought best that a natural born subject should be at the head of the army. He is therefor recalled. (Page 134) – SN: 035047
1775/05/30 – Boston – Joseph Servall
Notes on the state of the Colonies ; the cause of the opposition to Great Britain, &c., addressed to General Haldimand and forwarded to Lord Dartmouth. (Page 136) John Montresor (Commanding Engineer). Memorandum on the defences of Boston. (Page 153) – SN: 035048
1775/07/04 – New York
Memorandum upon William Smith’s ”Thoughts on the disturbances in America,” entering into the discussion of the constitutional questions and proposing remedies. (Page 157) – SN: 035049