1811 in Canada

Events from the year 1811 in Canada.

Incumbents

• Monarch: George III<ref name="rh">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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Federal government

• Parliament of Lower Canada: 7th
• Parliament of Upper Canada: 5th

Governors

• Governor of the Canadas: Robert Milnes
• Governor of New Brunswick: George Prévost
• Governor of Nova Scotia: John Wentworth
• Commodore-Governor of Newfoundland: John Thomas Duckworth
• Governor of Prince Edward Island: Joseph Frederick Wallet DesBarres

Events

• John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company establishes a post at mouth of the Columbia River.
• British-Canadian fur trader, surveyor, and cartographer David Thompson follows Columbia to Pacific and finishes charting entire length of the river.
• William Price Hunt, leading Astor's overland party, explores Snake River Valley and much of future Oregon Trail.
• When Governor Craig leaves for England, British Canadians detach the horses and draw his carriage to the place of embarkation.
• U.S. President James Madison, in his message to Congress, says: "We have seen the British Cabinet not only persist, in refusing satisfaction demanded for the wrongs we have already suffered, but it is extending to our own waters that blockade, which is become a virtual war against us, through a stoppage of our legitimate commerce."

Births

• January 9 – John Ferris, businessman, explorer and politician (d.1884)
• March 11 – John Young, politician (d.1878)
• May 29 – William Pearce Howland, politician (d.1907)
• July 20 – James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin, Governor General (d.1863)
• August 16 – Luc-Hyacinthe Masson, physician, businessman and politician (d.1880)
• October 6 – Eulalie Durocher, catholic nun (d.1849)
• December 2 – Jean-Charles Chapais, Conservative politician considered a Father of Canadian Confederation for his participation in the Quebec Conference to determine the form of Canada's government (d.1885)

Full date unknown

• Isabella Clark, first wife of John A. Macdonald, premier of the Province of Canada (d.1857)

Historical documents

"The iniquity of the [slave] trade is now publickly acknowledged by all parties;" it requires "a speedy and vigorous attempt to indemnify" them<ref>A sermon preached before the incorporated Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts(....) (February 15, 1811), pg. 14 (Image 19). See also census data (pg. 2, 2nd and 3rd columns) including almost 1.2 million enslaved people in U.S.A. Accessed 1 January 2025</ref>

In addition to economic penalties, Parliament has made slave traders subject to 5 years' imprisonment at hard labour or 14 years' transportation<ref>"From a Late London Paper; Slave Trade," The Quebec Mercury, August 26, 1811 pg. 269, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 12 January 2025</ref>

Colonization is easier to get into than out of for "a great nation;" thus Britain pays more annually for Canada and Nova Scotia than they are worth<ref>"From Bell's Messenger of October 15; Colonial Conquests," The Quebec Mercury, March 25, 1811 pg. 90, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 9 January 2025</ref>

Trade is greatly increased between British ports and British North American colonies, which "have been so long considered[...]of little value"<ref>"From a London Paper; Shipping," The Quebec Mercury, August 26, 1811 pg. 269, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 12 January 2025</ref>

Pay "serious attention" to report (pg. 2) on Hudson River - Lake Erie canal; our "prospects of prosperity [may] vanish, perhaps for ever"<ref>"Quebec; Thursday, April 18, 1811; The extracts in this day's Gazette[....]," The Quebec Gazette, April 18, 1811 pg. 3, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 15 January 2025</ref>

U.S.A. allows Bonaparte to govern his conquests but denies Britain "the right to make any laws on the ocean which we have conquered"<ref>The Quebec Mercury, April 8, 1811 pg. 108 (right column bottom), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also "United States; Non-Intercourse" (pg. 2) for sections of Non-Intercourse Act, supplementary act (pg. 2, 2nd column), editorial (pg. 286, left column) noting British squadron headed to America and stating "there is nothing like negociating well armed," and Thomas Jefferson's linking of Britain's taking possession of Atlantic and forcing trade through British ports with its need to finance Royal Navy. Accessed 10 January 2025</ref>

"If the United States[...]waged war for territory and ultimate safety, the possession of Canada would[...]be a sufficient inducement for hostility"<ref>"The following Extract is from a writer in the American papers[....]," The Quebec Mercury, November 11, 1811 pg. 356, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 14 January 2025</ref>

"Reinforcement of British Regulars in Canada" shows Britain means war; it recalls Thomas Jefferson's earlier advice to nation: "feel power and forget right"<ref>"Benjamin Galloway to Thomas Jefferson" (September 12, 1811), U.S. National Archives. Accessed 28 January 2025</ref>

U.S. government calls British policy toward U.S.A. "[a] blow at the independence of the U. States," as well as stabbing, violation and mockery<ref>"Halifax, Jan. 4," The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (February 21, 1811) pg. 2 of 2 (righthand page, 3rd column). See also An Appeal to the People, on the Causes and Consequences of a War with Great Britain (Boston, 1811). Accessed 31 December 2024</ref>

"Hostility in the [U.S.] administration towards Great Britain [and] the appaling demands of France[...]must issue in a British war [with] no glory or security"<ref>"An Appeal to the People, on the Causes and Consequences of a War with Great Britain" (1811), pg. 4, Toronto Public Library. Accessed 23 January 2025</ref>

House of Representatives hears foreign relations committee say that British policy "ought to be resisted by WAR"<ref>"From Washington, December 6; Foreign Relations," The Quebec Mercury, December 30, 1811 pg. 414, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 14 January 2025</ref>

"When Jefferson quit the chair of state / He left to Madison his cloak / Impregnated with deadly hate / Against old England's hearts of oak[....]"<ref>"The Blessings of Non-Intercourse" (January 7, 1811), The Quebec Mercury, January 7, 1811 pg. 6, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 7 January 2025</ref>

Bostonians say Congress, by "coercing the only European nation with whom we have any safe or honorable intercourse," deeply wounds U.S. commerce<ref>"Boston, April 2; At a very full assembly[....]," The Quebec Mercury, April 22, 1811 pg. 122, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also on pg. 126 (right column) Mercury comment that "the seaman, the farmer, the tradesman, the labourer, all must feel the shock[...]against the source and being of trade," and Boston broadside (April 1811) warning "war is coming upon you! because your rulers[...]hate Englishmen." Accessed 10 January 2025</ref>

Though U.S. leaders are "anxious" for war, "offensive policy [toward British navy] would be madness[...]; but surely it is time to prepare for defence"<ref>"From the Boston Gazette of June 7; Is our country prepared for war?" The Quebec Mercury, June 24, 1811 pg. 197 (left column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 10 January 2025</ref>

Embargo has sent U.S. citizens "pouring into the Canadas[,] proof of the folly and madness of the measures of our government"<ref>"Emigrations to Canada," The Quebec Mercury, April 1, 1811 pg. 100, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also Hartford, Conn. merchants say "our enterprizing merchants and industrious mechanics" have moved to Canadas. Accessed 9 January 2025</ref>

Virginia newspaper fears "wisdom and firmness will not be a match for the prejudices and the back stairs influence" members face in Congress<ref>"The Virginia Patriot[....]," The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (February 21, 1811) pg. 2 of 2 (righthand page, 2nd column). Accessed 31 December 2024</ref>

---

News comes that 5 ships of the line and 10 frigates under command of Joseph Yorke have sailed for America<ref>"Sunday, August 4th (1811)" The Diary of Simeon Perkins; 1804-1812 (1978), pg. 326. Accessed 4 January 2025</ref>

Rejected British proposals "are the last sacrifices to the spirit of conciliation which has so long prevailed in England towards the United States"<ref>"Quebec; Thursday, August 15, 1811," The Quebec Gazette, August 15, 1811 pg. 3, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 16 January 2025</ref>

Summary of Pres. Madison's address to Congress calls his language "irritating" and his arguments regarding Great Britain "extremely insulting"<ref>"Halifax, Nov. 25," The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (December 5, 1811) pg. 2 of 2 (righthand page, 2nd column). See also Quebec Gazette's opinion (pg. 2, 4th column) that British policy affecting U.S.A. is justifiable given French efforts to destroy British trade, and text of Madison's address, "American Intelligence" pg. 2 of 2 (lefthand page, 3rd column). Accessed 31 December 2024</ref>

U.S. ambassador to Russia John Quincy Adams says French ambassador "hinted to me that with[...]about five thousand Frenchmen, we could easily take Canada"<ref>"10 November 1811" John Quincy Adams Digital Diary, Massachusetts Historical Society. Accessed 29 January 2025</ref>

Madison accepts British reparations in Chesapeake Affair<ref>"Nov. 16; Adjustment of the Affair of the Chesapeake and the Leopard," The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (December 19, 1811) pg. 2 of 2 (righthand page, 1st column). See also opinion from Freeman's Journal (pg. 2, 2nd column bottom) "that the War Hawks in Congress" rage against the Chesapeake settlement. Accessed 31 December 2024</ref>

Besides Battle of Tippecanoe coverage in Kentucky newspaper is its assertion that U.S.A's "Indian war" is really with British - "Greater Savages"<ref>"Frankfort (K) Nov. 6, 1811; More of the Indian War," The Quebec Gazette, December 19, 1811 pg. 2 (2nd column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also editorial (same page, 4th column) alleging theft, intimidation and hypocracy in U.S. policy. Accessed 17 January 2025</ref>

George Heriot says war is "the principal occupation of mankind," with peacetime used "in multiplying, inventing and improving" weapons<ref>Letter of George Heriot (July 3, 1811), Winslow Papers; A. D. 1776–1826 (1901), pg. 671 (frame 693). Accessed 28 January 2025</ref>

British Bible society supports anyone who considers "Holy Scriptures the proper standard of faith [to spread] divine truth over all the earth"<ref>"British and Foreign Bible Society; London" (October 14, 1811), The Quebec Mercury, November 4, 1811 pg. [345], Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 14 January 2025</ref>

Lower Canada

Gov. Craig's final speech to legislature laments fact that members are "divided among themselves, viewing each other with mistrust and jealousy"<ref>Quebec Mercury Extraordinary, March 21, 1811 Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 9 January 2025</ref>

New Gov. George Prevost is to tolerate "the free exercise of the Religion of the Church of Rome," but not recognize it as "an established Church"<ref>"Extract of Instructions(...)to George Prevost Bart. as Captain Genl. & Governor in Chief in & over(...)Lower Canada(...)22 Octo. 1811" Musée McCord Stewart Museum. Accessed 6 January 2025</ref>

In his sermon, Alexander Spark contrasts accepted separation of Church and State with needed link between religion and civil society<ref>The Connexion between the Civil and Religious State of Society(....) (1811), pg. 4 (frame 8), Toronto Public Library. Accessed 2 January 2025</ref>

Montreal merchant has trouble recognizing his city now that most of his friends are dead and newcomers from U.S.A. are doubling its population<ref>"American Invasion of Montreal" (February 10, 1811), The John Askin Papers; Volume II: 1796-1820 (1931), pgs. 673-5. See also May 5 letter to Upper Canada governor saying New Yorkers plan to move to U.C. Accessed 7 January 2025</ref>

Quebec City firm says market in winter with low demand, wheat crop failure and scarcity of cash could mean lower rum sales, wine sales etc.<ref>Letter of Irvine, MacNaught & Co. (March 2, 1811). See also "Mr. Cary" letter pg. 285 (right column) for explanation of why beef prices are so high. Accessed 1 January 2025</ref>

"Unprecedented scarcity of specie[...]nearly amounts to a prohibition of commerce of every description;" provincial bank would address problem<ref>"Mr. Cary[....]" (August 1, 1811), The Quebec Mercury, August 5, 1811 pg. 244, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also editorial ("Quebec, August 5, 1811," pg. 246) supporting bank and its usefulness to "peasants." Accessed 10 January 2025</ref>

"In tenderness[...]to the distressed," farmers who consumed seed grain over winter because of last year's short harvest are facilitated to borrow more<ref>An Act for the Relief of the Poor in the loan of Seed Wheat, Corn and other necessary Grain (March 21, 1811), British North American Legislative Database, 1758-1867. Accessed 30 December 2024</ref>

"What is there that could subdue courage regulated by discipline, strengthened by habits of sobriety and order, and founded upon fidelity[....]"<ref>"Quebec; Thursday, June 13, 1811; Address of the Revd. J.S. Mountain to the Canadian Regiment[....]," The Quebec Gazette, June 13, 1811 pg. 2, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 16 January 2025</ref>

People convicted of crimes for which punishment is burning hand or transportation or death may instead be committed to House of Correction<ref>An Act to provide temporary Houses of Correction in the several Districts of this Province (March 21, 1811), Sections III–V, British North American Legislative Database, 1758-1867. Accessed 30 December 2024</ref>

Reported 600 ships in Quebec taking loads of timber "will supersede in a great measure the importations from Norway or the Baltic"<ref>"London, Jan. 18; Upwards of 600 sail[....]," Kingston Gazette (April 16, 1811), pg. 2 Kingston Frontenac Public Library. Accessed 21 January 2025</ref>

Lower St. Lawrence pilots ask Assembly not to water down pilot apprenticeship law by licensing coast pilots and other mariners<ref>"Friday, 1st February, 1811; A Petition of several Pilots[....]" Journal of the House of Assembly, Lower-Canada (1811), pgs. 298, 300, 302 See also "Sailing Directions for the River St. Lawrence" (1811). Accessed 6 January 2025</ref>

Court of King's Bench judges are disqualified from election to or voting in Legislative Assembly<ref>An Act for declaring Judges to be disabled and disqualifying them, from being elected, or from Sitting and Voting in the House of Assembly (March 21, 1811), British North American Legislative Database, 1758-1867. Accessed 30 December 2024</ref>

Legislature should examine liquor business, which is "injurious to the provincial revenue and destructive to the human constitution"<ref>"Distillation of Spiritous Liquors," The Montreal Herald (December 7, 1811), pg. 3, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Note: limited legibility. Accessed 20 January 2025</ref>

Brewer John Molson petitions Assembly for exclusive right to manufacture and operate steamboats for Montreal - Quebec City route<ref>"Wednesday, 6th February, 1811; A Petition of John Molson[....]" Journal of the House of Assembly, Lower-Canada (1811), pgs. 348, 350 See also Assembly's passage of law allowing Molson exclusive right to operate such steamboats. Accessed 6 January 2025</ref>

Quebec City - Boston stagecoach connection opens with 5-day service including stops at Hatley, Stanstead, St. Johnsbury, VT and Newbury, MA<ref>"New Line of Stages" (December 31, 1810), The Quebec Mercury, January 7, 1811 pg. 1, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also pg. 6 opinion that clearing stumps and draining road are necessary, and pg. 7 advertisement for next-day service between Montreal and Quebec City by coach. Accessed 7 January 2025</ref>

Merchant ship crew sailing from Quebec, having lost foremast in gale, overwhelms crews of 4 attacking French privateers off southeast England<ref>"Very Gallant Action," The Quebec Mercury, April 8, 1811 pg. 107, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 10 January 2025</ref>

New Englander describes her Protestant friend "taking the veil" after 3 years' study in Montreal's Hôtel-Dieu "or Convent of Black Nuns"<ref>"From the Vermont Washingtonian; Taking the Veil," The Quebec Mercury, May 10, 1811 pg. 179, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 10 January 2025</ref>

Long-established Quebec City school teaches boys reading, writing and arithmetic plus everything from logarithms to architecture to history to Greek<ref>"Universal Education" (March 25, 1811), The Quebec Mercury, March 25, 1811 pg. 94, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. See also (pg. 127) that girls' boarding school has been enlarged. Accessed 9 January 2025</ref>

Books for small children containing "their letters and the most simple elements of science and religion" will benefit them even on frontiers<ref>"'Tis education forms the common mind[....]" The Quebec Gazette, September 26, 1811 pg. 3 (2nd column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 16 January 2025</ref>

Books in Montreal Library include "Shakespeare (as now performed)," Johnson's Dictionary, Pamela, Robinson Crusoe, and Sorrows of Werter<ref>Catalogue of the Books in the Montreal Library (1811), pgs. 40, 41, 48, 49, Université Laval, Bibliothèque général. Accessed 2 January 2025</ref>

Quebec City's ladies, gentlemen and children can learn penmanship through instruction based "upon a new, improved, elementary and systematic plan"<ref>"Writing School" (September 23, 1811), The Quebec Mercury, September 23, 1811 pg. 303, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 13 January 2025</ref>

Editorial says street lighting in Montreal would cause "brilliancy[...]which could not fail to facinate [sic] the fair sex and induce them to make evening excursions and occasional visits to their friends"<ref>"Lighting of the Streets," The Montreal Herald (November 9, 1811), pg. 3, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 20 January 2025</ref>

Exhibition has more than "Twenty artificial persons at work at different branches of business;" they move "by mechanical machinery alone"<ref>"To the Curious; A Mechanical Panorama[....]" (September 12, 1811), The Quebec Gazette, September 12, 1811 pg. 3, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 16 January 2025</ref>

Print: Montreal seen from Mount Royal<ref>John Bluck, "A View of the City of Montreal & the River St. Laurence from the Mountain" (1811), Toronto Public Library. Accessed 2 January 2025</ref>

Map: Upper and Lower Canada, from Lake Winnipeg to Lower St. Lawrence River and James Bay to New Jersey<ref>"A New Map of Upper & Lower Canada" (1811), Toronto Public Library. Accessed 23 January 2025</ref>

Upper Canada

"I shall[...]facilitate as many good people into the Province as I possibly can" - Loyalist recruits people in Schenectady, N.Y. to move to U.C.<ref>Letter of Jonathan Walton to Francis Gore (May 15, 1811), Records of Niagara; 1805–1811 image 80, Niagara Historical Society. See also militia commander's remarks (image 82) about "respectable Americans" and disruptive "Democratic" people in his regiment. Accessed 23 January 2025</ref>

Indian Affairs department seeks "to recommend to the Indian[s] Peace and should any attack be made on them by the Americans, to retire"<ref>Letter of William Claus (December 9, 1811), Records of Niagara; 1805–1811 image 92, Niagara Historical Society. Accessed 23 January 2025</ref>

"Vast superiority" of Christian religion over "that of the unfortunate Heathen [is shown by] the consolation which it gives the afflicted"<ref>John Strachan, "A Sermon, on the Death of the Rev. John Stuart, D.D. Preached at Kingston, 25th August, 1811 PDF frame 4, Toronto Public Library. Accessed 23 January 2025</ref>

Because so many debtors leave U.C. without paying debts, sum below which arrest can be made is reduced from £10 sterling to 40s provincial currency<ref>An Act to extend Personal Arrest to the sum of Forty Shillings, and otherwise to regulate the Practice in cases of Personal Arrest (March 15, 1811), British North American Legislative Database, 1758-1867. Accessed 30 December 2024</ref>

"Nothing weakens parental authority so much as its improper exertion" - Boarder says woman fails to discipline sons who continually oppose her<ref>"Miscellany; For the Kingson Gazette," Kingston Gazette (February 26, 1811), pg. 1 Kingston Frontenac Public Library. Accessed 21 January 2025</ref>

Quaker women's meeting formally disowns Mela/Mila Richmond after finding her "making herself too familiar with a man" not her husband<ref>"Adolphus Monthly Meeting of Women friends" (January 17 and March 21, 1811), Adolphustown Monthly Meeting Women 1808 – 1824 frames 27, 28, Canadian Friends Historical Association. Accessed 24 January 2025</ref>

Quaker committee finds Jeremiah Moore "altho he may stand on the U. E. List [cannot be judged to have received] his lands for any service in war"<ref>"Image 11; Left," Canada Half Yearly Meeting 1810–1855 frames 12–13, Canadian Friends Historical Association. Accessed 22 November 2024</ref>

Boxing is bad: "The violation of law is rendered fashionable and popular, either by the passions of our nature, or the contagion of influential examples"<ref>"For the Kingston Gazette," Kingston Gazette (May 7, 1811), pg. 2 (1st column). Kingston Frontenac Public Library. Accessed 22 January 2025</ref>

Nova Scotia

Provincial bank is proposed to counter loss of specie, unfavourable exchange rate with U.S.A. and necessary bartering of goods and services<ref>"From a late Halifax paper; To the Public," The Quebec Mercury, April 8, 1811 pg. 107, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 10 January 2025</ref>

Two brigs and 11 schooners from south coast will, if lucky, catch nearly 10,000 quintals for likely high demand for cod and strong West Indies market<ref>"Monday, June 17th (1811)" The Diary of Simeon Perkins; 1804-1812 (1978), pgs. 313–14. See also on pg. 339 top that fishermen not very successful generally. Accessed 3 January 2025</ref>

"This is a Serious loss to the Owners & underwriters" - Brig taken by French privateer in Caribbean was underwritten £1,200 by Simeon Perkins<ref>"Saturday, May 18th (1811)" The Diary of Simeon Perkins; 1804-1812 (1978), pg. 304. See also pg. 307 (May 25) for Perkins' worries that his son's ship has been taken too. Accessed 3 January 2025</ref>

While primary school can be set up by people in any community, only trustees appointed by lieutenant governor can set up grammar schools<ref>An Act to establish Grammar Schools in several Counties and Districts of this Province (1811), British North American Legislative Database, 1758-1867. Accessed 30 December 2024</ref>

Governor Prevost tells legislators "persons with deranged minds [greatly need] the accommodation and medical aid their wretched situations [require]"<ref>"Halifax, February 18; Legislative Assembly," The Quebec Mercury, April 1, 1811 pg. 6, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 9 January 2025</ref>

Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have "so many vulnerable Points to an invading Army that it is difficult to establish any precise Plan" for defence<ref>"Col. Pilkington general defence of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick" (August 17, 1811), Library and Archives Canada. Accessed 27 January 2025</ref>

Inspection of Nova Scotia Fencibles regiment finds men and officers perform well, but in inferior clothing and with arms needing repair<ref>Francis Moore, "Confidential Report of the Nova Scotia Regiment of Fencible Infantry" (October 14, 1811), Library and Archives Canada. See also 104th Regiment inspection report Accessed 27 January 2025</ref>

Trespassers on timber lot say owner has no title; producing deed, he resolves to sue more often, as his "Lenity" is taken for permissiveness<ref>"Wednesday, Feby. 6th (1811)" The Diary of Simeon Perkins; 1804-1812 (1978), pg. 279. See also Feby 8 entry about paying someone off to avoid "Trouble of any kind about the Business." Accessed 2 January 2025</ref>

Liverpool "Over seers of the Poor" apprentice out two Blacks, "they being poor and not taken Care of by their Mothers"<ref>"Tuesday, Sep. 10th (1811)" The Diary of Simeon Perkins; 1804-1812 (1978), pgs. 335–6. Accessed 4 January 2025</ref>

Law to stop boys and others from sledding on steep Halifax streets makes underage children's parents and apprentices' masters pay 20s fine<ref>An Act to prevent Boys and others from Coasting and Sliding down the Hills in the Streets of Halifax (1811), British North American Legislative Database, 1758-1867. Accessed 30 December 2024</ref>

Lawyers making full-day case out of 2-hour suit "are two Young Lawyers & wish to display their abilities and Law Learning in All the Niceties"<ref>"Thursday, Nov. 14th (1811)" The Diary of Simeon Perkins; 1804-1812 (1978), pgs. 349–50. Accessed 4 January 2025</ref>

Deep snow in woods is "a great advantage to the people [sledding] as wood is very Scarce and Tanners have their Bark in the woods"<ref>"Monday, Feby. 18 (1811)" The Diary of Simeon Perkins; 1804-1812 (1978), pg. 282. Accessed 2 January 2025</ref>

Many watched as Lydia Dexter (over 70 years old) and Baptist minister "walked into the water [near Liverpool, and] he Baptized her in the Name &c."<ref>"Sunday, August 4th (1811)" The Diary of Simeon Perkins; 1804-1812 (1978), pg. 326. Accessed 4 January 2025</ref>

New Brunswick

Saint John charter mandates provincial governor annually to pick mayor, sheriff and coroner while freeholders elect aldermen and constables<ref>The Charter of the City of Saint John in the Province of New Brunswick (1811), pg. 8 (Image 13). Accessed 1 January 2025</ref>

New Brunswick Fencibles renamed 104th Regiment, making N.B. first province "that has raised a regiment of the Line for his Majesty"<ref>"Extract from the Royal Gazette; St. John (N.B.) Feb. 18, 1811," The Quebec Mercury, May 10, 1811 pg. 181, Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 10 January 2025</ref>

Indigenous Julian family are assured government support to stop neighbors usurping their hay field on Little Southwest Branch of Miramichi River<ref>"Indian Affairs; Document #37" (April 1811), University of New Brunswick Archives. Accessed 24 January 2025</ref>

Unmarried woman declares she has no property or income in Britain besides £33+ she receives from Treasury and £40 from insurance office annually<ref>"Affidavit of Sarah Winslow" (June 19, 1811), University of New Brunswick Libraries. Accessed 29 January 2025</ref>

Edward Winslow has "a gingerbread color'd young savage boy that I have undertaken to tame[...]but he's good natur'd, tractable & honest"<ref>Letter of Edward Winslow (January 6, 1811), Winslow Papers; A. D. 1776–1826 (1901), pg. 660 (frame 680). Accessed 28 January 2025</ref>

Newfoundland

St. John's civic leaders ask Prince Regent to see to paving, lighting, and widening of streets, establishing market, endowing seminary, etc.<ref>"Address to the Prince Regent" (November 7, 1811), The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (November 28, 1811) pg. 2 of 2 (righthand page, 2nd column). Accessed 31 December 2024</ref>

Want of specie being "very serious detriment to Trade," price of silver will rise if rates are set for "English stamped Dollar [and] Spanish Dollar"<ref>"By His Excellency[...]Whereas the great want of Specie[....]," The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (October 24, 1811) pg. 3 of 3 (3rd column). Accessed 31 December 2024</ref>

Gov. John Duckworth approves of plan to tax each servant 1 penny per pound of their wages to help raise funds for general hospital in St. John's<ref>"By His Excellency[....]," The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser ("March 7, 1811") pg. 3 of 5 (2nd column). Accessed 31 December 2024</ref>

Benevolent Irish Society resolves, "That considering the advanced price of Provisions," additional charitable funds should be raised<ref>"Benevolent Irish Society," The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (February 21, 1811) pg. 2 of 2 (righthand page, 4th column). Accessed 31 December 2024</ref>

Four "Medical Practioners" have decided to charge families "according to their different circumstances," but not less than what they previously paid<ref>"St John's, Newfoundland, 23rd October, 1811," The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (November 21, 1811) pg. 1 of 2 (lefthand page, 1st column). Accessed 31 December 2024</ref>

Besides lightning strike, waterspout and lunar eclipse, HMS Minerva records all-night rainbow that "celebrated Astronomer [aboard called] a Fog-bow"<ref>"The Royal Gazette; Thursday, October 31, 1811," The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (October 31, 1811) pg. 2 of 2 (2nd column). Accessed 31 December 2024</ref>

B must make return visit after A pays "a complimental visit" to B, except when A is "Negro Tom; no, that would be rather too highly coloured"<ref>"Etiquette," The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (February 14, 1811) pg. 2 of 2 (righthand page, 4th column). Accessed 31 December 2024</ref>

Reader's thought on poetry in newspaper: "I think it shews as much as any other thing, that Literature is making progress where it is encouraged"<ref>"Court of Apollo; For the Newfoundland Royal Gazette" (February 5, 1811), The Royal Gazette, and Newfoundland Advertiser (February 21, 1811) pg. 1 of 2 (lefthand page). Accessed 31 December 2024</ref>

Print: St. John's seen from outside the Narrows, with warships and other craft in foreground<ref>"Outside view of St. John's Harbour, Newfoundland" (1811), Toronto Public Library. Accessed 2 January 2025</ref>

Western interior

In last of series of letters between North West Co. members and Hudson's Bay Co., HBC rejects idea that trade NWC has diverted should be conceded<ref>"Hudson's Bay House [London] ... to Messrs McTavish, Fraser + Co, Inglis Ellice + Co, and Sir Alex. MacKenzie" (August 28, 1811), The North West Company and the Hudson's Bay Company, 1808-1811, as in the Selkirk Papers, Images 66–8 University of Saskatchewan Libraries. See entire series of letters (Images 35–68). Accessed 24 January 2025</ref>

"Murder" by Hudson's Bay Co. employee "far removed from the protection of Justice" leads North West Co. to seek "some arrangement" to prevent violence<ref>"London - McTavish Fraser + Co Inglis Ellice + Co. + Sir Alex. MacKenzie to William Mainwaring, Governor of Hudson's Bay Co." (June 3, 1811), The North West Company and the Hudson's Bay Company, 1808-1811, as in the Selkirk Papers, Images 35–40 University of Saskatchewan Libraries. See also reply from HBC (Image 41) denying allegation of murder. Accessed 24 January 2025</ref>

"The interests of the Company and[...]the condition of the Indians are reciprocally dependent upon each other" - Northwest Company's liquor policy<ref>On the Origin and Progress of the North-West Company of Canada (1811), pgs. 9–11 Library and Archives Canada. Accessed 2 January 2025</ref>

Extreme cold and collapse of hare population forces North West Company men on Mackenzie River to chew hides, including 300+ beaver skins<ref>Letter to Roderick Mackenzie (April 30, 1811), Page #43 of 94), McGill University. Accessed 27 January 2025</ref>

Map: District of Assiniboia before 49th parallel was designated as international boundary<ref>"Map of the District of Assiniboia, 1811" Toronto Public Library. Accessed 23 January 2025</ref>

Hudson's Bay Company

Discussion of problems: supplying Indigenous people ("while we brutalize him with Brandy"), stopping fraud of chief factors, and satisfying men<ref>"Churchill Factory 1811 Jan'y," Churchill - Post Journal; 1810-1811 frames 20–1. Accessed 29 January 2025</ref>

"Misfortunes never come single to perfect the miseries of the poor Indians," with collapse of arctic fox, marten and ptarmigan populations<ref>"Churchill Factory 1811 Jan'y," Churchill - Post Journal; 1810-1811 frame 20. Accessed 29 January 2025</ref>

Churchill men refuse to work on HBC terms, one demanding raise to £22 from £8 and "all expectation of any one renewing his contract was given up"<ref>"[July] 5th [1811]" Fort Churchill - Post Journal; 1810-1811 frames 10-11. Accessed 29 January 2025</ref>

HBC deserter to North West Company is told he is now "a freeman in the Country [but] would never be permitted to return to Orkney" in HBC ship<ref>"[July] 4th [1811]" Fort Churchill - Post Journal; 1810-1811 frame 9. Accessed 29 January 2025</ref>

Separated from his family on winter trip and falling through ice, possibility of their starving pushes factor to advance by breaking ice with his chest<ref>"Churchill Factory 1811 Jan'y," Churchill - Post Journal; 1810-1811 frame 19. Accessed 29 January 2025</ref>

Elsewhere

Prince Edward Island has unique "time of general scarcity," with little hay, potatoes and grain "to supply four months consumption"<ref>"An article in a paper published at Charlotte Town, Prince Edward's Island, of the 14th May last[....]," The Quebec Gazette, July 4, 1811 pg. 2 (3rd column), Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Accessed 16 January 2025</ref>

Moravian missionaries report some Inuit "are spiritually sick and ailing" and take refuge in customs "unbecoming the character of children of God"<ref>Letter from Hopedale (September 16, 1811), Periodical accounts relating to the missions of the Church of the United Brethren established among the heathen (frame 125), Memorial University of Newfoundland. Accessed 24 January 2025</ref>