1796 in Canada

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Events from the year 1796 in Canada.

IncumbentsEdit

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

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Federal governmentEdit

Parliament of Lower Canada: 1st (until May 31)
Parliament of Upper Canada: 1st (until June 3)

GovernorsEdit

EventsEdit

About 600 Jamaican Maroons are deported from Jamaica to Nova Scotia. They helped rebuild the Halifax Citadel. In 1800, most petition to be sent to Sierra Leone, Africa.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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York officially becomes the capital of Upper Canada.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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BirthsEdit

File:John Redpath.jpg

John Redpath in 1836

March 10 – Julia Catherine Beckwith, author (d.1867)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
May 5 – Robert Foulis, inventor, civil engineer and artist (d.1866)
May 8 – Jean-Baptiste Meilleur, doctor, educator and politician (d.1878)
June – Thomas Brown Anderson, merchant, banker and politician (d.1873)
December 17 – Thomas Chandler Haliburton, author, judge and politician (d.1865)

Full date unknownEdit

John Redpath, Scots-Quebecer businessman and philanthropist, Born in Earlston, Scottish Borders, Scotland. (d.1869)

DeathsEdit

July 10 – Joseph Fairbanks, merchant and political figure in Nova Scotia. (b. 1718)

Historical documentsEdit

Secretary of War informs Gov. Gen. Lord Dorchester that U.S. Army detachments are ordered "to take possession of the forts to be evacuated"<ref>"Detachments sent to Canada" (May 1796), Papers of the War Department; 1784-1800. (See also Washington's report to Congress that U.S. has taken possession of "principal" posts) Accessed 2 January 2024</ref>

To objections to British subjects' right to stay on in evacuated forts, one writer says they number fewer than 3,000, most of them French Canadians<ref>"The Western Army," The Royal Gazette: and the Nova-Scotia Advertiser, Vol. VII, No. 364 (March 1, 1796), pg. 3. Accessed 8 January 2024</ref>

Bostonians narrowly support petition asking U.S.A. to observe Jay Treaty terms to ensure value of U.S. merchant property taken by British is restored<ref>"Boston, April 26; Local Prodeedings; on the Omission of Provisions for the Treaty," The Royal Gazette: and the Nova-Scotia Advertiser, Vol. VII, No. 373 (May 3, 1796), pg. 3 (left column). Accessed 10 January 2024</ref>

British preparation to evacuate western posts and French capture of U.S. vessel put American hostility toward Britain and France in "a kind of equipoise"<ref>"New-York, June 21; The public will hear with pleasure," The Royal Gazette: and the Nova-Scotia Advertiser, Vol. VII, No. 412 (July 5, 1796), pg. 3 (centre column). Accessed 10 January 2024</ref>

U.S. merchants are already benefitting from Jay Treaty guarantee of "free trade with Canada," sending "large supplies of foreign goods" for specie and furs<ref>"Albany, July 22; Intercourse with Canada," The New Hampshire Gazette (August 6, 1796), Image 2 of 4 Library of Congress. Accessed 23 January 2024</ref>

Lower CanadaEdit

At election time, look for "wisdom, knowledge, and experience[...]in the higher classes of Society, [not] a Carpenter or a Cook or Blacksmith"<ref>"Quebec, 23 June; To the Worthy Free holders and Electors of the Province of Lower-Canada," The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1620 Cahier 1 (June 23, 1796), pgs. 2–3. Accessed 17 January 2024</ref>

Concerned about treason and sedition, Lieutenant Governor and Executive Council order all subjects of France who have arrived since 1794 to leave L.C.<ref>"Province of Lower Canada(...); At His Majesty's Executive Council(....)" (October 30, 1796). Accessed 12 January 2024</ref>

At treason trial, prosecution witness claims accused told him he "was there for the purpose 'of bringing about a revolution in Canada'"<ref>"Witness for the Crown," The Trial of David M'Lane for High Treason, Before a Special Court of Oyer and Terminer at Quebec, on the 7th July 1797 (1797), pg. 6 (See also other testimony against accused (images 53, 57, 71)) Accessed 12 January 2024</ref>

Importing fresh or salted beef and pork as well as hog lard from U.S.A. is to be allowed because "it is expedient[...]for and during a limited time"<ref>An Act for allowing the Importation of fresh or salted Beef and Pork and Hogslard, for a limited time, from the United States of America (May 7, 1796), 36 George III Chapter 4, British North American Legislative Database, 1758-1867. (See also legislation to allow suspension of trade rules with U.S.A.) Accessed 2 January 2024</ref>

Any "Guide, Conductor, Canoeman, Batteauman or Winterer" to Upper Canada or "Indian Country" must have written, notarized agreement with client<ref>An Act for regulating persons who hire or engage to perform voyages to the Indian Country or to Winter there (May 7, 1796), 36 George III Chapter 10, British North American Legislative Database, 1758-1867. (See also "Wednesday, 20th January, 1796; A petition from the merchants of Montreal(....)" setting out problems this Act addresses) Accessed 2 January 2024</ref>

Blank forms available for insurance policies, bills of exchange, bills of lading, bonds, powers of attorney, attestations, apprentice's indentures etc.<ref>"For Sale at the Printing Office, the Following Blanks," The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1643 Cahier 2 (November 24, 1796), pg. 1. Accessed 18 January 2024</ref>

After French privateer schooner captures brig in Gulf of St. Lawrence, fog clears and Navy frigate retakes brig but loses privateer in fog<ref>"Halifax, June 28; French Privateer," The Royal Gazette: and the Nova-Scotia Advertiser, Vol. VII, No. 411 (June 28, 1796), pg. 3. Accessed 10 January 2024</ref>

Surgeon "will prescribe for[...]the most inveterate venerial [sic] complaints; Hysterics or Mal de Maerice, [and contagious] mal de la baye St. Paul"<ref>"To the Public" (September 6, 1796), The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1632 Cahier 1 (September 8, 1796), pg. 4. Accessed 17 January 2024</ref>

Having been severely beaten by her husband, Mrs. Smith refuses reunion and will carry on running military mess in Quebec City herself<ref>Eliz. Violet Smith, "Advertisement," The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1600 Cahier 1 (February 4, 1796), pg. 3. (See also (in opposite column) her husband's previous announcement that he will not pay her debts, and also "Advertisement; Violata Smith(....)" (pg. 3) in which she asks that no one buy her and her husband's property "as it is not her desire nor consent to sell her Children's Property;" also see her 1798 conviction for bigamy with sentence of six-month imprisonment and burn in hand (pg. 2)) Accessed 17 January 2024</ref>

Books in Quebec Library include "Blackstone's Commentaries; Bentham on Morals and Legislation; Priestley on Air; and Smith's Wealth of Nations"<ref>Catalogue of English and French Books in the Quebec Library at the Bishop's Palace (1796), various pgs. (See also Catalogue of Rare Old Books(...); Americana and Miscellanies; But Specially a Canadian Collection) Accessed 12 January 2024</ref>

Jobseeker knows "all kinds of Housewifery, is well skill'd in puff'd and rais'd Paste, and capable of pickling and preserving; and also[...]good Butter"<ref>"Wants a place in a Gentleman's House[....]," The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1636 Cahier 1 (September 22, 1796), pg. 4. Accessed 17 January 2024</ref>

Elizabeth Simcoe describes her intense fear while descending "Rapids of the Cedars" and Lachine rapids on St. Lawrence River<ref>Elizabeth Simcoe, "Fri. 29th"[–30th July 1796], The Diary of Mrs. John Graves Simcoe (1911), pgs. 345 (PDF frames 345–6). Accessed 22 January 2024</ref>

Year-old body of drowned woman found on Île aux Oies with pair of pockets containing cucumber and melon seeds, wheat grains and silver money<ref>"Advertisement" (July 21, 1796), The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1626 Cahier 2 (July 28, 1796), pg. 2. Accessed 17 January 2024</ref>

Canadian Theatre in Quebec City mounts Le Bourgeois gentilhomme; tickets available "at Mr. Lehoullier Perfumer's opposite to Ferguson's Hotel"<ref>"Canadian Theatre" (January 14, 1796), The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1597 Cahier 1 (January 14, 1796), pg. 4. Accessed 16 January 2024</ref>

Upper CanadaEdit

Lt. Gov. Simcoe speech notes U.C.'s loyalty "during a period of awful and stupendous events [threatening] all that is valuable in civil society"<ref> "Niagara, June 8; Speech; Of His Excellency John G. Simcoe[....]" (June 3, 1796), The Quebec Gazette, Num. 1626 Cahier 1 (July 28, 1796), pg. 2 (note: continued in Cahier 2 pg. 5). Accessed 17 January 2024</ref>

Young man seeking land is son of man with "extensive Commerce until reduced by the sudden revolution in the markets at the Close of the war"<ref>"Milmine, George," Land Petitions of the Niagara Settlers "Miller to Mitchell" Accessed 19 January 2024</ref>

Rodolph Roch, German who served under Riedesel, wants 300 acres for self and widow of soldier "hanged by the Americans on the Mohawk River"<ref>"Stringer, Aaron," Land Petitions of the Niagara Settlers "Strawbridge to Summers" Accessed 19 January 2024</ref>

Land petitioner seeks 48,000-acre grant for 38 Irish immigrants amounting to 1,200 acres each in single settlement on Thames River<ref>"Flemming, James," Land Petitions of the Niagara Settlers "Flack to Forsyth" Accessed 19 January 2024</ref>

Joseph Brant upset that Grand River land granted to "Five Nations" doesn't belong to them and that creation of townships has "destroyed" hunting<ref>"Speech By Joseph Brant Concerning Indian Lands at Grand River" (October 22, 1796), Papers of the War Department; 1784-1800. (See also Brant's discouragement at doing anything for Indigenous people) Accessed 2 January 2024</ref>

Camcommenania and nine other "principal Chiefs, Warriors and People of the Chippewa Nation" sell tract on Thames River near "Deleware Village"<ref>London Township Treaty, No. 6 (September 7, 1796), Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Accessed 12 January 2024</ref>

Negig and twelve other "principal Chiefs, Warriors and People of the Chippewa Nation" sell tract along St. Clair River and Chenail Ecarté River<ref>Sombra Township Treaty No. 7 (1796), Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. (See also Simcoe letter suggesting Lake St. Clair land be bought for Indigenous people leaving U.S.A., and two letters saying Indigenous people will be moving there) Accessed 12 January 2024</ref>

Elizabeth Simcoe describes log building on Don River with 16 ft. pine pillars in portico, called "Castle Frank" after her son Francis<ref>Elizabeth Simcoe, "Sat. 23rd [January 1796], The Diary of Mrs. John Graves Simcoe (1911), pg. 298 (PDF frame 298). (See drawing of Castle Frank on pg. 339; see also Simcoe's record of outdoor winter activity (pgs. 298–303), including dining, berry picking and ice fishing) Accessed 22 January 2024</ref>

Nova ScotiaEdit

With prices beyond ability of poor to pay, contributions needed for purchase of firewood for them, and bread prices should be further regulated<ref>"For the Royal Gazette" (February 4, 1796), The Royal Gazette: and the Nova-Scotia Advertiser, Vol. VII, No. 361 (February 9, 1796), pg. 2. (See also letter (pg. 3) from millers responding to criticism of them re bread prices, and summons "To the Inhabitants of the Town of Halifax (pg. 3) to meet to vote money for support of poor) Accessed 8 January 2024</ref>

Lt. Gov. Wentworth says difficulties of Blacks brought to N.S. in 1783 have changed to health and happiness as they mostly provide for themselves<ref>"Copy of a Letter[...]from Sir John Wentworth to the Duke of Portland, dated Halifax, Nova Scotia, 29th October 1796," Extracts and Copies of Letters from Sir John Wentworth, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, to His Grace the Duke of Portland, respecting the Settlement of the Maroons in that Province (1797?), pgs. 11-12 Accessed 12 January 2024</ref>

Merchant Jonathan Fowler of Digby sells "a female Negro Child named Cathranie about two years old" to John Crosscup of Granville for £5<ref>"Deed of sale of a slave child" (July 14, 1796), Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 18 January 2024</ref>

Just arrived "about 500 Maroon negroes from Jamaica, with two gentlemen[...]to superintend the settlement of those blacks in this Province"<ref>"Halifax, July 26; Friday his Majesty's ship Dover[....]," The Royal Gazette: and the Nova-Scotia Advertiser, Vol. VII, No. 416 (July 26, 1796), pg. 3 (centre column). (See also Lt. Gov. Wentworth's letters with rosy view of settling and administration of Maroons) Accessed 11 January 2024</ref>

To connect with eastern N.S., private company authorized to gather funds for construction of Halifax Harbour drawbridge and charge tolls for 99 years<ref>An Act to encourage the building of a Bridge across the Harbour of Halifax (1796), 36 George III Chapter 7, British North American Legislative Database, 1758-1867. Accessed 2 January 2024</ref>

Apple River farmers, because of "deadness of the times," are in Halifax to "raise Stocks and lay in Stores" while others try to take their land<ref>"Dove, Robert and Others - 1796 - Cumberland County" (September 8, 1796), Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 15 January 2024</ref>

Five landowners apply for additional land in intertidal zone (amounting to 103 acres) at edge of their properties in Annapolis County<ref>"Burket (sic), John & Others - 1796 - Annapolis County" (July 7, 1796), Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 15 January 2024</ref>

Counties authorized to set bounties and other regulations for killing wolves, bears, "loup cervier" (Canada lynx) and "wild cats" (bobcat?)<ref>An Act to encourage the killing of Wolves, Bears, Loup Cerviers, and Wild Cats (1796), 36 George III Chapter 12, British North American Legislative Database, 1758-1867. Accessed 2 January 2024</ref>

Reward of $100 for Duncan Macdonald, described as "a Highland Scot [with] the broad Highland accent and Pronunciation," and wanted for murder<ref>"Proclamation" (April 5, 1796), The Royal Gazette: and the Nova-Scotia Advertiser, Vol. VII, No. 369 (April 5, 1796), pg. 3 (centre column). Accessed 8 January 2024</ref>

Minister of Wilmot Church of England congregation explains financing of church construction by sale of pews and annual assessment on pew owners<ref>Letter of John Wiswall (October 12, 1796), Journal of Rev. John Wiswall image 101, Esther Clark Wright and Atlantic Baptist Archives, Acadia University. Accessed 15 January 2024</ref>

During Sunday service in Truro, spark from Rev. Cock's chimney sets fire to his roof, and high wind pushes fire to destroy more than dozen barns<ref>"Halifax, May 17," The Royal Gazette: and the Nova-Scotia Advertiser, Vol. VII, No. 359 (May 17, 1796), pg. 3. Accessed 10 January 2024</ref>

Ship sailing to Passamaquoddy struck by lightning "which so shattered her main and mizen masts[...]that they were rendered entirely useless"<ref>"Halifax, April 26; We learn that the Ship[....]," The Royal Gazette: and the Nova-Scotia Advertiser, Vol. VII, No. 372 (April 26, 1796), pg. 3 (right column). Accessed 10 January 2024</ref>

Phebe Moody contracted "to keep a light in the light house at the entrance of [Halifax] Harbour"<ref>"The Memorial of Phebe Moody of Halifax Nova Scotia" (June 5, 1803), Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 15 January 2024</ref>

Drug and medicine store has in stock "Salt Petre; Insinglass; Sago and salep; Essence of: Coltsfoot; Peppermint; Pennyroyal; Bergamot" etc.<ref>"Head's Drug & Medicine Store[....]," The Royal Gazette: and the Nova-Scotia Advertiser, Vol. VII, No. 359 (January 26, 1796), pg. 1. Accessed 8 January 2024</ref>

Damage done to Dartmouth pastures, streets and lanes rooted up by pigs running loose causes court to restrict their movements and impose fines<ref>"At a Special Sessions held at the Court House on Monday the 2d Day of May 1796," The Royal Gazette: and the Nova-Scotia Advertiser, Vol. VII, No. 373 (May 3, 1796), pg. 3 (right column). Accessed 10 January 2024</ref>

St. Patrick's Day levee sees Prince Edward, Lt. Gov., Council and Assembly members in "sociability and good humour [of] liberal and enlarged minds"<ref>"Halifax, March 22," The Royal Gazette: and the Nova-Scotia Advertiser, Vol. VII, No. 367 (March 22, 1796), pg. 3. Accessed 8 January 2024</ref>

New BrunswickEdit

Ships coming to Saint John carrying contagious disease to be inspected and possibly quarantined (up to 40 days), with £200 fine for infractions<ref>An Act to prevent bringing Infectious Distempers into the City of Saint John (March 12, 1796), 36 George III Chapter 5, British North American Legislative Database, 1758-1867. Accessed 2 January 2024</ref>

Black man Robert Ross, not given land since Loyalist arrival, wants 200 acres of "broken" land for him to find enough good land to improve<ref>"Memorial of Robert Ross, 18 February 1796, Bellisle Bay" Black Loyalists in New Brunswick, 1783-1854. Accessed 15 January 2024</ref>

George Leonard, Christopher Billop and Abraham de Peyster are among pallbearers at funeral of Jonathan Sewall Sr.<ref>"Letter from Edward Winslow to Jonathan Sewell Jr." (September 27, 1796), University of New Brunswick. Accessed 15 January 2024</ref>

Acadians say that at poll, candidate Stair Agnew required them to take oath which would cause them to "abjure their Religion and be forever lost"<ref>"Petition of Pierre Duperré" (read in Assembly, February 18, 1796), Legislative Assembly: Sessional Records, Provincial Archives of New Brunswick. Accessed 15 January 2024</ref>

James Glennie, long-time provincial assembly member and critic of N.B. elite, is given Freedom of the City in Saint John<ref>"The St. John Gazette; St. John, Friday, December 23," The St. John Gazette and Weekly Advertiser, Volume XI, Number 553 (December 23, 1796), pg. 2 of 2 (righthand page). Accessed 5 January 2024</ref>

Elizabeth Sweeny, 16, dead of smallpox "notwithstanding she had been innoculated three different times some years back"<ref>"The St. John Gazette; St. John, Friday, December 2," The St. John Gazette and Weekly Advertiser, Volume XI, Number 550 (December 2, 1796), pg. 2 of 2 (righthand page). Accessed 5 January 2024</ref>

Prince Edward asks Lt. Gov. Carleton for "any tall, handsome Soldiers of your Provincial Corps who should volunteer to enter into my regiment"<ref>"Letter from Edward Winslow (sic) to Thomas Carleton" (April 25, 1796), University of New Brunswick. Accessed 15 January 2024</ref>

ElsewhereEdit

Lt. Gov. Fanning notes Saint John Island's prosperity from "vast annual Increase" in produce exports and "valuable Articles of Wheat and black Cattle"<ref>"Tuesday, February 2, 1796," Journal of the House of Assembly of His Majesty's Island of Saint John (1796), pg. 4 Accessed 12 January 2024</ref>

Kahnawake, Akwasasne and other Seven Nations of Canada leaders drop New York land claim for £1,233 6/8 one-time payment and yearly £213 6/8<ref>Treaty between Seven Nations of Canada and U.S.A. (May 31, 1796), Papers of the War Department; 1784-1800. (See also Gov. John Jay's comment to N.Y. legislature that it was better to settle Seven Nations' questionable claim than leave them dissatisfied) Accessed 2 January 2024</ref>

Town burned and destroyed at Bay of Bulls, Newfoundland by French fleet, and elsewhere people held by French are returned under flag of truce<ref>"Nova-Scotia" (October 20, 1796), The St. John Gazette and Weekly Advertiser, Volume XI, Number 546 (November 4, 1796), pg. 2 of 2 (righthand page, 2nd column). (See also much more detail on Page 1 of 2, lefthand page) Accessed 5 January 2024</ref>

Homebound Elizabeth Simcoe lessens fear of meeting French warships by playing cards and taking peppermint for "an excruciating headache"<ref>Elizabeth Simcoe, "Sun. 18th"[–22nd September 1796], The Diary of Mrs. John Graves Simcoe (1911), pgs. 353–5 (PDF frames 353–5). Accessed 22 January 2024</ref>

Hudson's Bay Company headquarters tells Moose Factory that war in Europe restricts number of men and goods they can send, including liquor<ref>Paragraphs 3–4, Letter to Moose Factory from Hudson's Bay Company headquarters (June 1, 1796), "Moose Factory inward correspondence; 1746–1808" pg. 235 (PDF pg. 205). Accessed 23 January 2024</ref>

"Scene of horrors" - Ice driven by gale rapidly causes flood at Fort Albany, crushing bateau and threatening livestock<ref>John McNab, "1796; [April] 27th," "Albany - Post Journal; 1795-1796" pg. 21 (PDF pg. 25; note: page recorded twice). Accessed 22 December 2023</ref>

From Trento, General Buonaparte reports French Army's Italian successes in detail and dramatic fashion ("Cavalry sabred the Advanced Posts")<ref>"Army of Italy," The St. John Gazette and Weekly Advertiser, Volume XI, Number 547 (November 11, 1796), pg. 2 of 2 (lefthand page, 4th column). (See also profile of "General Buonaparte" (pg. 2)) Accessed 5 January 2024</ref>

"I made the signal for a general chase" - Commodore Horatio Nelson reports on his squadron's capture of French convoy in Mediterranean Sea<ref> "From the London Gazette, July 16; Agamemnon, off Oneglia, June 1, 1796," The Royal Gazette: and the Nova-Scotia Advertiser, Vol. VII, No. 424 (September 13, 1796), pg. 1 (left column). (See also letter extract "From the London Gazette (pg. 1) in which admiral feels "satisfaction[...]in having an officer of such zeal and local knowledge") Accessed 11 January 2024</ref>

ReferencesEdit

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