1779 in Canada

Events from the year 1779 in Canada.

Incumbents

• Monarch: George III<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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Governors

• Governor of the Province of Quebec: Frederick Haldimand
• Governor of Nova Scotia: Sir Richard Hughes, 2nd Baronet
• Commodore-Governor of Newfoundland: Richard Edwards
• Governor of St. John's Island: Walter Patterson

Deaths

• February 14 – James Cook killed by Hawaiian natives, cutting short his search for Northwest Passage. (born 1728)

Historical documents

American Revolutionary War

Congress concurs with committee that argues U.S. lacks financial, supply and strategic strength to undertake with France "the Emancipation of Canada"<ref>Footnote to Washington letter, U.S. National Archives. (See also Benjamin Franklin's additional reason to delay invasion of Canada: lack of hard money) Accessed 9 November 2022</ref>

"That is the place where the hart of Canada was broke before" - Gen. Washington is told Lake Ontario, Niagara and Detroit are vulnerable to U.S. attack<ref>Letter to Washington (January 27, 1779), U.S. National Archives. Accessed 9 November 2022</ref>

Washington summons Maj. Gen. Sullivan to go over plan for "an Expedition of an extensive nature agt the hostile tribes of the Indians of the six Nations"<ref>Washington to John Sullivan (March 6, 1779), U.S. National Archives. (See also Sullivan's ideas of how to conduct operation "to Destroy those Indian Nations & to Convince others that we have it in our power to Carry the war into their Country whenever they Commence hostilities," and importance of guarding against intervention from Canada) Accessed 9 November 2022</ref>

Schuyler receives word that Joseph Brant "is gone with a very large Belt of Wampum to the seven Tribes in Canada" to recruit them for attack on Oswego<ref>Footnote 1 to Schuyler letter, U.S. National Archives. Accessed 9 November 2022</ref>

Intelligence says Onondaga "seem determined to make peace with the United States" and that Cayuga party is on its way to confer with Oneida<ref>Footnote 2 to Schuyler's letter to Washington (April 24, 1779), U.S. National Archives. (See also Washington's description of destruction of Onondaga settlement) Accessed 9 November 2022</ref>

Intelligence from Canada claims "Canadians being much Oppress’d wish to be delivered from British Bondage; the Abenaques of St Francis wish likewise"<ref>Footnote 1 in letter to Washington (April 12, 1779), U.S. National Archives. (See also intelligence that British plan campaign supporting Haudenosaunee allies) Accessed 10 November 2022</ref>

Wampum message from Canada to Penobscot and "St Johns" Indigenous people: reject Americans, "for Powder & Balls has No Respect to Persons"<ref>Footnote 3 to letter to George Washington, U.S. National Archives. Accessed 11 November 2022</ref>

Washington believes Six Nations will seek peace only as long as they feel fear, and intends "to punish them severely [and] intimidate them in future"<ref>George Washington to John Jay (May 3, 1779), U.S. National Archives. Accessed 9 November 2022</ref>

Onondaga non-combatants coming to Oneida while warriors attack British to prove loyalty, hoping "to repossess their Country after the Close of the War"<ref>Footnote 3 to letter of George Washington to Philip Schuyler] (May 21, 1779), U.S. National Archives. Accessed 11 November 2022</ref>

Joseph Brant warns people of Sussex County, New Jersey that all who do not join him will be considered enemies, and he will "lay the Country waste"<ref>"New-York, April 5; By Persons of Credit[....]," The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume IX, Number 272 (May 11, 1779), Page 2 of 4. Accessed 1 November 2022</ref>

Orders to Sullivan for "total destruction and devastation" of British-allied Six Nations' settlements and crops, even to "prevent their planting more"<ref>George Washington to John Sullivan (May 31, 1779), U.S. National Archives. Accessed 9 November 2022</ref>

"Colonel Louis the Indian" back from Kahnawake with word that Brant failed to recruit there and that 1,000 Odawa and Ojibwe would attack U.S. frontier<ref>Philip Schuyler to George Washington (July 7, 1779), U.S. National Archives. Accessed 14 November 2022</ref>

In undated speech, Gov. Haldimand upbraids and threatens war on Oneida for turning against Britain and its Indigenous allies in Six Nations<ref>"A Translation of His Excellency General Haldimands Speech to the Oneida Indians in the Rebel Interest, as delivered to them in the Iroquois Language," Footnote 1 to letter to George Washington, U.S. National Archives. Accessed 14 November 2022</ref>

Sullivan describes beautifully situated Chemung village's chapel, houses and fields of crops before all are cheerfully "destroyed root and branch"<ref>John Sullivan to George Washington (August 30, 1779), U.S. National Archives. Accessed 15 November 2022</ref>

After long account of battle in Seneca country, Sullivan describes "Fields of the best Corn and Beans so extensive" as took army all day to destroy<ref>John Sullivan to George Washington (August 30, 1779), U.S. National Archives. (See also Washington's orders to push Indigenous people as far as possible out of their country and to leave nothing for them to return to) Accessed 15 November 2022</ref>

Sullivan's thorough scorched earth campaign extends to Chenussio, "the grand Capital of the Indian Country," then turns toward Cayuga territory<ref>John Sullivan to George Washington (September 28, 1779), U.S. National Archives. Accessed 15 November 2022</ref>

"Total ruin of the Indian territories" - Sullivan reports destruction of Indigenous people's crops, orchards and towns near lakes Seneca and Cayuga<ref>"Extract from a Rebel Paper; General Sullivan's Letter to Congress" (September 30, 1779), The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume X, Number 705 (December 14, 1779), Page 3 of 4, continuing on Page 2 of 4. Accessed 2 November 2022</ref>

Pro-British Indigenous forces superior (20 scalps to 1) to "rebel Indians" in New York, and John Johnson bringing 1,000 troops and all "Canada Indians"<ref>"New-York, November 10; Extract of a letter, dated Oswegatchie, in the River St. Lawrence, Sept. 15, 1779," The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume X, Number 703 (November 30, 1779), Page 3 of 4. Accessed 2 November 2022</ref>

"Sullivan and his swarm of locusts" are "demolishing the Indian crops and wigwams," but John Butler and Brant may retaliate along Mohawk River<ref>"New-York, November 11," The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume X, Number 703 (November 30, 1779), Page 4 of 4. Accessed 2 November 2022</ref>

Molly Brant says Indigenous allies from Canada feel Guy Johnson takes "more Notice of those that are Suspected than them that are known to be Loyal"<ref>Letter of Mary (Molly) Brant (October 5, 1779), Library and Archives Canada. Accessed 9 November 2022</ref>

Col. Moses Hazen says Canadians "utterly Refused" active service and clergy "Avoiding as much as Possible entering into the grand Political Dispute"<ref>Footnote 6 to letter to George Washington, U.S. National Archives. (See also Washington's doubts about this intelligence, and word from Montreal that Canadians "are become very saucy" since France entered war against Britain) Accessed 11 November 2022</ref>

Canada

Crown agrees that Peter Livius was improperly dismissed as Quebec chief justice after he complained that Guy Carleton created illegal "Privy Council"<ref>Proceedings between Sir Guy Carleton[...]and Peter Livius, Esquire, Chief Justice of [Quebec] (1779), pgs. 40-52 (Images 46-58). Accessed 27 October 2022</ref>

Montreal snowfall comes after six months without rain, when flour mills at Terrebonne and Sault-au-Récollet lacked enough water to turn wheels<ref>"Quebec, December 30; Extract of a Letter from Montreal, dated the 20th Inst.," The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 748 (December 30, 1779), pg. 3. Accessed 4 November 2022</ref>

"Artful management of rapacious and designing Men" keeps price of wheat and flour high and forces extension of ban on exporting them and biscuit<ref>"By His Excellency Frederick Haldimand[....]" (May 17, 1779), The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 716 (May 20, 1779), pg. 3. (See also proclamation referring to laws against forestalling, regrating and ingrossing) Accessed 3 November 2022</ref>

Royal Navy commanding officer on St. Lawrence River tells shipwrights and caulkers hiding from impressment they will be free to go after employment<ref>"Advertisements; By Augustus Hervey[....]," The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 711 (April 15, 1779), pg. 2. Accessed 3 November 2022</ref>

Rewards of $10 each for "Negro Lad" and "Wench," she very fluent in English and French and has her apparel (black satin cloak, caps, bonnets, etc.)<ref>"Ran-away[....]" (Quebec, November 2, 1779), The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 740 (November 4, 1779), pg. 3. Accessed 4 November 2022</ref>

Missing from ship Susannah "a black Boy" named John Thompson, born in Spanish Town, Jamaica; whoever returns him will receive 1 guinea reward<ref>"Runaway[....]," The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 735 (September 30, 1779), pg. 3. Accessed 4 November 2022</ref>

Reward ($10) for "Negro Slave named Ishmaël," about 35, hair black, long and curly, and "tone of voice peculiar to New-England, where he was born"<ref>"Advertisements; Ten Dollars Reward; Run-away[....]" (Montreal, July 16, 1779), The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 726 (July 29, 1779), pg. 3. Accessed 3 November 2022</ref>

Former surgeon's mate in Quebec City general hospital informs ship captains that he will treat sick and hurt sailors "with the greatest tenderness"<ref>"Advertisements; Mr. Griffiths[....]" (May 10, 1779), The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 715 (May 13, 1779), pg. 2. Accessed 3 November 2022</ref>

"An Institution so peculiarly useful in this Country" - Subscription begun for Quebec City public library, favoured by both governor and bishop<ref>"Advertisements; A Subscription[....]," The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 697 (January 7, 1779), pg. 3. (See also notice (pg. 3) with details of organizing meeting) Accessed 2 November 2022</ref>

List of 68 publicans and retailers with liquor licences in Quebec City, of whom 11 have shops and 6 have women's names<ref>"Advertisements; List of Person who have obtained Licences[....]" (April 27, 1779), The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 713 (April 29, 1779), pg. 2. (See also list of 126 licencees in Montreal and district (pg. 4) and additional names from both lists (pg. 2)) Accessed 3 November 2022</ref>

Nova Scotia

"Unpublished" Nova Scotia act allows government to borrow up to £5,000 for armed ships to protect coast<ref>"An Act to impower the Province Treasurer to borrow a sum not exceeding Five Thousand Pounds, for the purpose of purchasing, fitting and supporting, armed Vessels for the protection of the Coast of this Province" 19 George III, Chapter 1 (not published, 1779). (See also provincial treasurer "desire all Persons inclined to lend the same" in Gazette (Page 1 of 4)) Accessed 27 October 2022</ref>

"Unpublished" Nova Scotia act supports "more effectual" confiscation of land and other property of persons who have left to join rebellion<ref>"An Act for the more effectual securing all the Goods, Chattels, Lands and Tenements, belonging to such Persons who have deserted this Province, to join His Majesty’s Rebellious Subjects in the other Colonies" 19 George III, Chapter 17 (not published, 1779). Accessed 27 October 2022</ref>

Recommending construction of road from Penobscot River to St. John River, Congressional committee summarizes Nova Scotians' efforts to join U.S.A.<ref>Footnote 2 to Jay letter (April 8, 1779), U.S. National Archives. Accessed 10 November 2022</ref>

Intelligence reports say Acadians "Warmly Attached to the American cause;" so are "Indians[...]but are[...]Receiving very Great Supplys from the Enemy"<ref>Footnote 3 to letter to George Washington, U.S. National Archives. Accessed 11 November 2022</ref>

In Council and House of Assembly, Lt. Gov. Hughes reports reestablishing peace with Indigenous peoples, who have ended 1776 alliance with rebels<ref>"Halifax, June 15th 1779," The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume IX, Number 272 (June 15, 1779), Page 3 of 4. Accessed 1 November 2022</ref>

Recent riot on Halifax wharf prompts repeat of proclamation forbidding impressment or searching for deserters without civil authority permission<ref>"Halifax, July 20th, 1779; The disturbances and Riot[....]," The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume IX, Number 682 (July 20, 1779), Page 1 of 4. Accessed 1 November 2022</ref>

While entering Halifax harbour on stormy night, sloop-of-war and armed ship collide and sink, with about 170 lost, including all but 3 on warship<ref>"Halifax, December 14," The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume X, Number 705 (December 14, 1779), Page 1 of 4. Accessed 2 November 2022</ref>

"State of People's mind's in this place is disagreable enough" - Thousands of rumours, many of them false, breed constant uncertainty and suspense<ref>Benjamin Marston's Diary: 1776-1787 (July 30, 1779), University of New Brunswick Archives. https://web.lib.unb.ca/Texts/marston/marston3_mod.html (scroll down to Saturday 30 1779-07-30; scroll also to Thursday ye 16 1779-09-16 for Marston's critique of "Stupid very Stupid fellows" in charge of naval operations) Accessed 2 November 2022</ref>

JPs are to fully enforce ban on gaming ("Cards, Dice, &c.") because "the Fortunes of many have been ruined, and the Lives of many Persons lost"<ref>"Halifax, by The Honorable, Richard Hughes[....]" (June 19, 1779), The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume IX, Number 273 (June 22, 1779), Page 3 of 4. Accessed 1 November 2022</ref>

Printer raises price of Nova Scotia Gazette because of "the extraordinary high Price of every necessary of Life as well of Stock and Materials"<ref>"The Printer of this Paper[....]," The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume IX, Number 280 (July 6, 1779), Page 4 of 6. Accessed 1 November 2022</ref>

Fighting words in reply to Boston-published report of "gasconading" Nova Scotian saying Haligonians openly favour "American Cause"<ref>"Boston, Saturday, May 22," The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume IX, Number 272 (June 15, 1779), Page 4 of 4. Accessed 1 November 2022</ref>

Advertisement for people who can supply 15,000 lb. of fresh beef to Navy ships and yard in Halifax<ref>"Fresh Beef" (February 12, 1779), The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume IX, Number 260 (February 16, 1779), Page 3 of 4. Accessed 28 October 2022</ref>

Plaintiff "Elizabeth Watson alias Phillis a Negro Woman" loses case to William Proud, who may "Recover and hold [her] as the property and Slave of him"<ref>"Watson alias Phillis v. Proud (judgement)" (St. Michael term, 1779), Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 7 November 2022</ref>

"Yeoman" sells to tanner for £50 "Negro Boy Named Abram now about twelve Years of age who was Born of my Negro slave in my House in Maryland"<ref>"Bill of sale for slave 'Abram'(....)" (July 29, 1779), Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 7 November 2022</ref>

For sale: "Negro Wench, about 21 Years of Age who is capable of performing both Town and Country house Work, she is an exceeding good Cook[....]"<ref>"To be Sold[....]" (January 19, 1779), The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume IX, Number 526 (January 19, 1779), Page 3 of 4. Accessed 28 October 2022</ref>

"An Epitaph lately taken from a Grave Stone at Annapolis" (Note: racial stereotypes)<ref>"An Epitaph," The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume IX, Number 272 (May 11, 1779), Page 1 of 4. Accessed 1 November 2022</ref>

Frederick Goget warns all against hiding his wife, Mary, who has "eloped from my Bed and board[...]because, she says, that I am poor, which is false"<ref>"This is to give Notice[....]" (September 13, 1779), The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume IX, Number 690 (September 14, 1779), Page 3 of 4. Accessed 2 November 2022</ref>

Real estate of late Jonathan Belcher for sale, including 1,000-acre farm at Windsor with some "of the best Dyke Land in the Country" and Halifax dwelling<ref>"To be Sold at Public Auction," The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume IX, Number 260 (February 16, 1779), Page 3 of 4. Accessed 28 October 2022</ref>

"Many, particularly the French Acadians" are accused of cutting and taking timber and grass on east shore of Halifax harbour and warned of prosecution<ref>"Whereas all the Lands[....]," The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume IX, Number 688 (August 31, 1779), Page 1 of 4. Accessed 2 November 2022</ref>

To reduce accidents from "negligent and disorderly" riding or cart or sleigh driving, ordinance calls for fine, labour on highways, or "stripes"<ref>"Halifax, January 26," The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume IX, Number 527 (January 26, 1779), Page 1 of 4. Accessed 28 October 2022</ref>

"Wanted. A Woman with a good Breast of Milk, to live in a Family."<ref>"Wanted" (Halifax, May 31, 1779), The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume IX, Number 275 (June 1, 1779), Page 4 of 4. Accessed 1 November 2022</ref>

Prince Edward Island

St. John's Island family has little success in cattle, as high prices keep demand low, they have few cows fit for market, and bear has killed two<ref>Letter of Helen MacDonald to John MacDonald (September 2, 1779), Prince Edward Island Public Archives and Records Office. Accessed 8 November 2022</ref>

To improve horse breeding, no stallions over 1-year-old will be allowed to roam; also, no "partridges" to be killed in breeding season<ref>"An Act for preventing the running at large of Stone-Horses or Stallions, and for the killing of Partridges(....)" George III, 20th Year, Chapter 5, The Statutes at Large, of Prince Edward Island[...]1773 to 1833, inclusive (1834), pgs. 36-8. Accessed 23 February 2023</ref>

Newfoundland

With decline of Newfoundland fishery, objection arises to Palliser-inspired law requiring ships be British-built, offering paltry bounties to fishers, etc.<ref>William Augustus Miles, "Sacred as it is[....]," Remarks on An Act of Parliament passed[...]on the credit Of Vice Admiral Sir Hugh Palliser's Information[....] (1779), pgs. v-vii, 13-15 (Images 10-12, 34-6). Accessed 27 October 2022</ref>

"Without windows, without chimnies, the light of heaven coming in the same hole which lets out the smoke" - Marston finds Quidi Vidi's houses miserable<ref>Benjamin Marston's Diary: 1776-1787 (November 27, 1779), University of New Brunswick Archives. https://web.lib.unb.ca/Texts/marston/marston3_mod.html (scroll down to Nov. Saturday 27 1779-11-27) Accessed 2 November 2022</ref>

Officer at St. John's happy to buy armed brig on which his recruits can escape "an Island destitute of every necessary support whatever for our Men"<ref>Letter of Capt. Alex. Fletcher (copy; November 20, 1779), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 4 November 2022</ref>

Newfoundland Volunteers enlists 200 men who agree to "learn the use of Arms with the utmost Assiduity, [when] care of ourselves & families will allow"<ref>"Newfoundland Volunteers Return and Articles Signed" (1779), U.K. Public Record Office. (See also letter on recruiting success and importance of corps to Newfoundland) Accessed 9 November 2022</ref>

Navy frigate on Newfoundland convoy takes French privateer and distributes its sailors across convoy in swap for merchant hands to man prize<ref>"Halifax, July 13," The Nova-Scotia Gazette and The Weekly Chronicle, Volume IX, Number 681 (July 13, 1779), Page 1 of 4. Accessed 1 November 2022</ref>

Labrador

In Labrador, George Cartwright avoids mutiny over food with threats and convincing staff to eat fox, which saves salt pork and thus averts starvation<ref>C.W. Townsend (ed.), "Tuesday, June 1, 1779," Captain Cartwright and His Labrador Journal (1911), pgs. 266-7 Accessed 28 October 2022</ref>

"Painful necessity of inflicting corporal punishment" - Cartwright lashes worker until he faints, after man had threatened him with hatchet<ref>C.W. Townsend (ed.), "Friday, August 6, 1779," Captain Cartwright and His Labrador Journal (1911), pgs. 274-5 Accessed 28 October 2022</ref>

Cartwright says Mrs. Selby was unfaithful to him with trapper (whose offer to swear oath he refuses (later he confesses)); also disowns her new baby<ref>C.W. Townsend (ed.), "Wednes., May 26, 1779," Captain Cartwright and His Labrador Journal (1911), pgs. 264-5 Accessed 28 October 2022</ref>

Having tamed caribou calf after killing its mother, Cartwright details his impressions of species based on much observation of them<ref>C.W. Townsend (ed.), "Saturday, August 14, 1779", Captain Cartwright and His Labrador Journal (1911), pgs. 275-80 Accessed 28 October 2022</ref>

Cartwright has knowledge of polar bears, including their going far inland where they catch only porcupines and small fish, and elsewhere eat seaweed<ref>C.W. Townsend (ed.), "Not a single track of a white-bear[....]" (February 9, 1779), Captain Cartwright and His Labrador Journal (1911), pgs. 256-8 Accessed 28 October 2022</ref>

Cartwright finds wolverine has gone six miles with his 8-lb. trap on one foot by carrying it in its mouth and running on three legs<ref>C.W. Townsend (ed.), "Thursday, February 4, 1779", Captain Cartwright and His Labrador Journal (1911), pg. 255 Accessed 28 October 2022</ref>

Elsewhere

Traders west of Lake Superior establish North-West Company "for their common safety in a country where they had no protection from their Government"<ref>(Samuel Hull Wilcocke), A Narrative of Occurrences in the Indian Countries of North America[....] (1817), pg. 57 Accessed 28 October 2022</ref>

Hudson's Bay Company sloop at Churchill prepared for voyage with caulking, tarring, painting, overhauling etc. in unusually cold June and July<ref>Magnus Johnston, "A Journal of an Intended voyage by gods Permission in the Good Ship the Charlotte(...)in 1779" pgs. 22-34 (PDF frames 26-40), Churchill Post Journal 1778-1779, Archives of Manitoba. Accessed 4 November 2022</ref>