The Portrayal of Louis Riel and Métis Resistance in the Print Media:
Louis Riel has been considered as simultaneously one of the most popular and most mysterious figures in Canadian history and culture. He has been portrayed in diverse ways: as a traitor to Confederation, a French-Canadian and Catholic Martyr, a hero, an anti hero, a bloodthirsty rebel, a liberator, a political maverick, an Aboriginal hero, a deluded mystic, an estrange intellectual, and a casualty of Western Canadian progress. In fact, the construction of Riel’s image has changed over time due to the fact that this construction less to do with him than about the creators of these images, their social realities and their specific political standing.
In order to look at the construction of the Red River Rebellion and in particular Louis Riel’s image or identity in the print media, we examined various letters and news papers such as the Globe and Mail, the British Colonist, New York Times, the Washington Post, and La Patrie from March to December 1885. These newspapers represent different versions of the story of the rebellion in Saskatchewan from the early1885 when Canadian troops under the command of Major Frederick Middleton crushed the Métis and their allies who were under the command of Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont until the execution of Riel in Nov. 16, 1885.
In March 30, 1885, the Washington Post’s article “ the Riel Rebellion” reflects newspaper’s sympathy towards rebellions by writing,
“The Least expensive way out of the difficulty would be a compliance on the part of the Government with the not unreasonable demands of the half-breeds along the Saskatchewan, that they be treated with the same consideration that was granted, as a result of the insurrection of 1870, to the half-breeds of Manitoba. The trouble all grows out of the transfer of the Northwest Territory from the Hudson’s Bay Company to the Canadian government, and the disturbance thereby of the proprietary in lands which the half-breed before enjoyed…”
The Globe Toronto (the Globe and Mail) on Monday, May 4, 1885 in the article,“ What a Missionary Did” uses an extract from a letter dated April 13, 1885 and writes,
“You can tell people that we owe our lives to the noble Christian courage of a Presbyterian Missionary, the Rev, Hugh McKay. (I wish I could write his name in golden letters). Riel send word to the Indians that the soldiers who where coming up and going trough broadview were sent to take the Indians prisoners and threat they must help him to drive out the whites, There is nothing an Indian fears like imprisonment, and the poor things were going to fight for their liberty…..
On the same date, the Globe has another article about a Parish Priest at Batoche killed by the Rebels: “Father Tourmand of Batoche had been accidentally killed by the Half-breeds a few days ago. The Frog Lake massacre is confirmed, but no particulars are given…”
In May 20, 1885, the Globe and Mail refers to the New York Times’ reaction to the rebellions:
“The Riel rebellion could have been avoided easily and honourably. The Half-breeds who are a people far above the Half-breeds on our side of the line- have been treated with injustice.” (The Globe and Mail; Wednesday May 20, 1885)
After Louis Riel’s defeat the Globe and Mail writes,
“ On the 11th of February Mr. Mackenzie proposed his resolution granting amnesty to all persons unlawfully concerned in the North-West troubles, excepting Riel, Lapine, and W. B? O’Donohus,….In doing so the reviewed history of the whole troubles, and quoted extensively form the documents and oral evidence laid before the select Committee by Archbishop Tache and others showing conclusively that a full and complete amnesty had been promised the insurgents by Sir John Macdonald and his colleagues….. Mr. Mackenzie said that Sir John Macdonald had sent $1000 to Riel to induce him to leave the country in December 18871. In February, 1872 the Ontario Legislature offered $5000 for the capture of Riel…”(Monday June 8, 1885).
In October, 1885, the New York Times in its current foreign topics section writes, “It is understood that the sentence of death passed on Louis Riel, the leader of the half breed rebellion in Canada, will be commuted life-long servitude.”
In November 15, 1885, New York Times publishes an article by the tile of “Louis Riel To Be Hanged: Excitement in the Dominion among French Canadian”. The article states, “French members of Parliament and French newspapers protest against the execution…”.
The Washington Post in November 1885 writes, “ Riel’s Fate is Settled. He is notified in his cell that he must hang.”
In some of the news Riel is portrayed as a Para-rational individual. There is a focus over his mental state. However, Riel rejects these claims and confesses that in spite of the fact that he was in a mental hospital for a short period, he does not suffer from any mental health during the 1885 uprising.
“Louis Riel Pays the Penalty of Treason-Felony”, this is the title of New York Times in Nov. 17, 1885. The article indicates that Riel’s execution creates intense excitement throughout Canada, and it continues with some of Riel’s speech before his execution.
“ The last act in the Riel rebellion occurred in the jail yard of the mounted police barracks at Regina this morning, when Riel suffered death for treason-Felony. Sunday morning he awoke very early, and declared to his guards that he had another vision from heaven, His guardian angel, he said had revealed to him that he would rise three days after his execution and share the Premiership of Canada with Sir John Macdonald.” The article continues with some of his account in the court, “I was ready to yield my life to my country 15 years and will be ready to-morrow…I desire you [the Governor] to send my body to be laid in St. Boniface. I also want to thank my kind friends in Quebec for their effort in my behalf, and they will now see I had a mission to perform…”
In November 17, 1885 La Patrie writes:
Les démonstrations: “Comme on devait s’y attendre, la nouvelle du crime de Régina, a soulevé dans notre population canadianne-francaise, un violent sentiment de douleur et de colere tout a la fois…” ( La Patrie, November 17, 1885) (Demonstrations: “As one expected, the news of the crime of Regina, in our French-Canadian population has raised a violent feeling of pain and of anger at the same time).
There are also various reactions regarding Riel’s execution throughout Canada:
Montreal - Nov. 16
The city council this afternoon adopted a resolution to adjourn “as a protest against the odious violation of the laws of justice and humanity in the execution of Riel”.
Ferment in Quebec, Nov. 16.
The excitement here is almost beyond all restraint. A flag was hoisted at half mast upon the ‘Canadian’ office, and some English speaking citizens, who felt aggrieved at this, came near being roughly handled. Flags decked with mourning emblems are also displayed, and many men have crape on their hats and around their sleeves.
Toronto, Nov. 16
By 9 o’clock this morning crowds began to gather about the various newspaper offices, eagerly waiting for news of Riel’s execution. Even then doubts were freely expressed that the execution would take place, and bets were made. One man wagered $200 even that the prisoner would not be hanged. When the news was received that Riel had expatiated his crimes on the scaffold the crowds after perusing the bulletin boards quietly dispersed. The excitement here over Riel quickly subsided after it became known that he had been executed. The courage displayed by Riel on the scaffold was admired, but no expression of pity could be heard at his fate.
Ottawa, Nov. 16
The news of Riel’s death was at first received quietly here. The Protestant Conservatives were considerably elated, however, over what they term their triumph. A large number of them waited on the Premier and Hon. Mackenzie Bowell, Minister of Customs, congratulating them on the carrying out of the sentence of the court. Among the French Canadians, who are in a large minority here, there is a deep feeling of displeasure.
Belleville, Nov. 16
There is no excitement over the hanging of Riel. Small knots of people gathered around the bulletin board, but the only opinion expressed was that of satisfaction that the sentence has been carried out.
Halifax, Nov. 16
The execution of Riel caused little excitement here, although Halifax sent a battalion to the front during the rebellion. (http://metis.tripod.com/News_East1.html)
Montreal, Nov. 17
Le Crime: “Le Crime est consommé. Sir John a enfin fait pendre Riel. Les Orangistes sont dans la joie et la province de Québec est dans la douleurs…”( La Patrie, November 17, 1885) (The Crime is consumed. Sir John finally hung Riel, the Orangemen are in joy and the province of Quebec is in pain.)
The Telegraph
The Telegraph was the other form of communication during the Riel rebellion period. Telegraphy made possible instant communication within the country as well as with other countries. In fact, articles of newspapers during the 1885 uprising reflect this rapid spread of news. For instance Riel’s court or execution news were appeared in the Canadian or American newspapers almost at the same day or one day after the events took place. The importance of telegraph can be inferred from the following news. The Globe and Mail May 3, 1885: “The wire Partially Repaired”;
“Winnipeg, May 3, the telegraph wires has been done since Friday midnight, The first break occurred between Qu’Appelle and Humboldt, When that was repaired yesterday it was found that there was interruption west of Humboldt… These frequent break causes the suspicion that the line is being tampered with, but noting certain is known.”
In protest against the Riel execution, French members of Parliament sent the following telegram to the Prime Minister:
“To Sir John Macdonald, G. C. B., Ottawa: Under the circumstances the execution of Louis Riel will be an act of cruelty, the responsibility of which we repudiate….”(New York Times, Nov. 15, 1885)
Winnipeg- Nov. 14
“There is great rejoicing here to-night, an official telegram having been received from Ottawa that the execution of Riel will certainly take place on Monday.” (New York Times, Nov. 15, 1885)
The telegraph constituted a further sophistication in the media displayed against the Métis. The telegraph decreased the response time of the army. General Fredrick Middleton in Winnipeg and Prime Minister Macdonald in Ottawa learned of the skirmish at Duck Lake within twenty-four hours of its having occurred. It also accelerated the rate at which people in the rest of Canada learned through the press of, interpreted, and passed judgment on the events happening in Batoche. The demand for news of Riel was high that J.w. Bengough of the Grip Printing and Publishing Company in Toronto launched the eighteen-issue Illustrated War News, later Canadian Pictorial and Illustrated War News, to profit from it.
In fact, the expansion of communication and transport made Riel and rebellion to mange the political meaning of their actions, and ultimately formed the course of reactions that Canada acquired in response to them (History of the Book in Canada, edited by: Yvan Lamonde, Patricia Lockhart Fleming and Fiona A. Black, 2005).
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Louis Riel: The Man, The myth, The Metis
Louis Riel: The Man, The Myth, The Métis
The importance of Louis Riel for the Métis Nation lives on in the annual Riel Day, commemorated on November 16th, the same date that he was hung. Louis “David” Riel was born at the Red River Settlement, Manitoba on October 22, 1844. He was educated in theology in Montreal, but then pursued law. In 1868, he returned to the Red River area, where he had spent his childhood.
At this critical point, there were tensions between the government’s agenda of settlement and the rights of the Métis. The government, in an effort to unite Canada and “settle the west” wanted to claim the Red River settlement for farming and make room for the influx of white settlers while the Métis people who had settled there previously wanted recognition as a nation and to keep their land. Riel, fluent in English and French, spoke on behalf of them and defended their claim to nationhood. After Riel spoke for the Métis people in Manitoba, there were many battles that ensued, both in the political and military sense. Riel then went into hiding until he was asked by Gabriel Dumont and others from the Red River Settlement to lead the Métis people in 1884. Battle at Batoche, fought from May 9 – May 12, 1885, was the last major battle Riel led against the Canadian military. After losing the battle, many Métis fled and Riel surrendered himself after a period of days into the hands of the government. He was charged with high treason and hung on November 16, 1885 in Regina, Saskatchewan. (http://www.metisresourcecentre.mb.ca/bios/l_riel.htm, accessed March 3, 2009). Although Riel died, the Métis people continue to live on, their vibrant language and music are communicative of their resilience and resistance.
Who are the Métis? Métis artist and scholar, Sherry Farrell Racette notes that the identity of the Métis would be best understood considering Homi Bhabha’s notion of hybridity. Racette proposes, “the notion of fluid cultural spaces which are simultaneously marginalized and dynamic has potential for a more accurate understanding of the evolution and persistence of Métis identity. The hybrid state as described by Bhabha is at once reflective and resistant of its constructive elements. Hybridity is unpredictable and unsettling, particularly to the colonial interest” (Racette 2001: 185). Métis identity then is a fluid entity that has evolved since its inception at the Red River Settlement.
With the advent of the fur trade, many French and English men immigrated to Canada. They married Aboriginal women, resulting in a new nation of people, influenced by both Aboriginal and European traditions. These people are the Métis; they have a unique language, heritage and identity. During the nineteenth century, the best-known geographic space that the Métis occupied was the Red River Settlement. French Métis largely depended on the buffalo hunt to sustain their nomadic lifestyle while the English “half-breeds” farmed the fertile lands. The French Métis valued their Catholic religion and the English looked to their Protestant or Anglican traditions.
Métis were influenced by Aboriginal and European cultures. Perhaps their language, Michif, best reflects this influence. Michif is a unique language that combines Cree and French. Verbs are Cree while nouns are Michif-French in origin (2001:177). Peter Baaker notes that the influence of the Ojibway or Anishnaabe is also present in the Métis language, due to intermarriage between French men and Ojibway women (2001: 178). Baaker states “When the mothers of the first generation speak a language different from the fathers, the new mixed languages of their descendants, if they are a considerable group, appear to combine the grammatical system of the mother’s language and the lexicon of the father’s”(2001: 179). Adopting from Aboriginal traditions, the Métis have used oral history as a mode of communicating, the telling of stories is very important in passing on values, myths and important life skills. For example, when Métis women gather to do beadwork, often they will share stories, fostering a sense of community amongst the women while passing on their wisdom.
Métis music and dance, like identity, has been influenced by a combination of Scottish, French and Aboriginal influences. Métis depend on oral tradition to pass on knowledge, so songs were not recorded on paper, but rather passed through humming and singing. Lynn Whidden notes the similarities between Métis and Aboriginal musical traditions, such as the use of the “one beat pulse” throughout a composition. The origin of the fiddle and the Red River Jig in Métis culture, argued by Whidden, can be traced in particular to the Desjarlais family, part of the Red River Settlement (2001: 169). The songs of the Métis draw on French, English, Cree and Michif traditions. (2001:174).
Artifacts, conceptions of space
In the first module, the sculpture of Louis Riel, artifact # A 2670, CMC, will be a visual for people to identify with the man and the myth. We would also like to include a piece of rope that hung Riel, artifact # 996.2.3 a-c, people may be interested in the historical aspect. A projection of a swinging noose that moves across the space may also add to the sense of sadness conveyed by the death of Riel, as well as a sense of “urgency.” The sound of the “Red River Jig” will also be playing in this first section to convey the vibrancy of Métis today. In addition, the voice of Louis Riel, either through a phone or projected into the space will be reading his plans to convey a sense of his vision for the Métis people. We could also have some example of Métis beadwork as an example of artistic production. The Métis were identified by Ted Brasser, former curator at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, as the “flower-beadwork people.”
The importance of Louis Riel for the Métis Nation lives on in the annual Riel Day, commemorated on November 16th, the same date that he was hung. Louis “David” Riel was born at the Red River Settlement, Manitoba on October 22, 1844. He was educated in theology in Montreal, but then pursued law. In 1868, he returned to the Red River area, where he had spent his childhood.
At this critical point, there were tensions between the government’s agenda of settlement and the rights of the Métis. The government, in an effort to unite Canada and “settle the west” wanted to claim the Red River settlement for farming and make room for the influx of white settlers while the Métis people who had settled there previously wanted recognition as a nation and to keep their land. Riel, fluent in English and French, spoke on behalf of them and defended their claim to nationhood. After Riel spoke for the Métis people in Manitoba, there were many battles that ensued, both in the political and military sense. Riel then went into hiding until he was asked by Gabriel Dumont and others from the Red River Settlement to lead the Métis people in 1884. Battle at Batoche, fought from May 9 – May 12, 1885, was the last major battle Riel led against the Canadian military. After losing the battle, many Métis fled and Riel surrendered himself after a period of days into the hands of the government. He was charged with high treason and hung on November 16, 1885 in Regina, Saskatchewan. (http://www.metisresourcecentre.mb.ca/bios/l_riel.htm, accessed March 3, 2009). Although Riel died, the Métis people continue to live on, their vibrant language and music are communicative of their resilience and resistance.
Who are the Métis? Métis artist and scholar, Sherry Farrell Racette notes that the identity of the Métis would be best understood considering Homi Bhabha’s notion of hybridity. Racette proposes, “the notion of fluid cultural spaces which are simultaneously marginalized and dynamic has potential for a more accurate understanding of the evolution and persistence of Métis identity. The hybrid state as described by Bhabha is at once reflective and resistant of its constructive elements. Hybridity is unpredictable and unsettling, particularly to the colonial interest” (Racette 2001: 185). Métis identity then is a fluid entity that has evolved since its inception at the Red River Settlement.
With the advent of the fur trade, many French and English men immigrated to Canada. They married Aboriginal women, resulting in a new nation of people, influenced by both Aboriginal and European traditions. These people are the Métis; they have a unique language, heritage and identity. During the nineteenth century, the best-known geographic space that the Métis occupied was the Red River Settlement. French Métis largely depended on the buffalo hunt to sustain their nomadic lifestyle while the English “half-breeds” farmed the fertile lands. The French Métis valued their Catholic religion and the English looked to their Protestant or Anglican traditions.
Métis were influenced by Aboriginal and European cultures. Perhaps their language, Michif, best reflects this influence. Michif is a unique language that combines Cree and French. Verbs are Cree while nouns are Michif-French in origin (2001:177). Peter Baaker notes that the influence of the Ojibway or Anishnaabe is also present in the Métis language, due to intermarriage between French men and Ojibway women (2001: 178). Baaker states “When the mothers of the first generation speak a language different from the fathers, the new mixed languages of their descendants, if they are a considerable group, appear to combine the grammatical system of the mother’s language and the lexicon of the father’s”(2001: 179). Adopting from Aboriginal traditions, the Métis have used oral history as a mode of communicating, the telling of stories is very important in passing on values, myths and important life skills. For example, when Métis women gather to do beadwork, often they will share stories, fostering a sense of community amongst the women while passing on their wisdom.
Métis music and dance, like identity, has been influenced by a combination of Scottish, French and Aboriginal influences. Métis depend on oral tradition to pass on knowledge, so songs were not recorded on paper, but rather passed through humming and singing. Lynn Whidden notes the similarities between Métis and Aboriginal musical traditions, such as the use of the “one beat pulse” throughout a composition. The origin of the fiddle and the Red River Jig in Métis culture, argued by Whidden, can be traced in particular to the Desjarlais family, part of the Red River Settlement (2001: 169). The songs of the Métis draw on French, English, Cree and Michif traditions. (2001:174).
Artifacts, conceptions of space
In the first module, the sculpture of Louis Riel, artifact # A 2670, CMC, will be a visual for people to identify with the man and the myth. We would also like to include a piece of rope that hung Riel, artifact # 996.2.3 a-c, people may be interested in the historical aspect. A projection of a swinging noose that moves across the space may also add to the sense of sadness conveyed by the death of Riel, as well as a sense of “urgency.” The sound of the “Red River Jig” will also be playing in this first section to convey the vibrancy of Métis today. In addition, the voice of Louis Riel, either through a phone or projected into the space will be reading his plans to convey a sense of his vision for the Métis people. We could also have some example of Métis beadwork as an example of artistic production. The Métis were identified by Ted Brasser, former curator at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, as the “flower-beadwork people.”
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Communications Museums Around the World
Hey All,
I've been doing some sleuthing in regards to other post museums on the web. Most, it seems, celebrate the technological achievements of their various locales, or, when social/cultural history comes into play, have very little web content (such as the one in St Petersburg). Most also seem geared at children (and the Macao museum's photos are almost inclusively of children interacting with its exhibitions). So, thus far, museography (if that is a word) has nothing readily available (I haven't looked to secondary lit on these establishments yet). Will keep looking.
Pete
I've been doing some sleuthing in regards to other post museums on the web. Most, it seems, celebrate the technological achievements of their various locales, or, when social/cultural history comes into play, have very little web content (such as the one in St Petersburg). Most also seem geared at children (and the Macao museum's photos are almost inclusively of children interacting with its exhibitions). So, thus far, museography (if that is a word) has nothing readily available (I haven't looked to secondary lit on these establishments yet). Will keep looking.
Pete
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Accounts of the Battle of Duck Creek
At the Duck Creek Regional Interpretive Centre there are a number of accounts of the first battle of the resistance.
This includes 'Pioneer, Civilian and Military' accounts, a Willow Cree account and a Métis account.
The DLRIC also is a potential source of artefacts, with a listing on the page linked to in the first paragraph above.
This includes 'Pioneer, Civilian and Military' accounts, a Willow Cree account and a Métis account.
The DLRIC also is a potential source of artefacts, with a listing on the page linked to in the first paragraph above.
summary on newspaper sources
I have been examining the portrayals of Louis Riel and the North West rebellion in French and English new media. The most fruitful source that I have come upon has been the online catalogue of the Globe and Mail. From this resource I have collected a small cache of articles, advertisements and political cartoons. Of especial interest are a series of advertisements by “Thompson’s Clothiers” which feature racist caricatures of native people. These ads offer an interesting visual element for the possible display, as well as expressing some of the popular attitudes in English Canada, which are sometimes obscured by the journalistic tone of the articles. Obviously if these images were to be used they would be handled sensitively so as not to offend visitors, or imply the museum condones the racist portrayal of native people. I have also found a number of full-page spreads which detail the North West rebellion. This could act interesting visual pieces as well, with lines of particular interest highlighted. These English language sources will be contrasted with French sources from Montreal Papers. These sources have been harder to procure, though a number are currently on order from Ottawa University. Using these two sources we hope to show the different ways the rebellion was communicated to central Canada. These feeds into our larger theme of competing modes of communication at play in the Riel rebellion.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Rebellion -1885 (Carleton University Library)
Title
From the St. Lawrence to the North Saskatchewan [microform] : being some incidents connected with the detachment of "A" Battery, Regt. Canadian Artillery, who composed part of the North West Field Force in the Rebellion of 1885 / by Alexr. Laidlaw.
Author
Laidlaw, Alexander.
Publisher
[Halifax, N.S.? : s.n., 1885?]
Floor 1 Microform MCR
FC18.C15 N. 92684
Dated p. [6]: Halifax, N.S. 9th January, 1885.
With: Report upon the suppression of the rebellion in the North-West Territories, and matters in connection therewith, in 1885 / Department of Militia and Defence of the Dominion of Canada. Ottawa, 1886. --Report of the commissioner of the North-West Mounted Police Force, 1885. Ottawa, 1886. --Le 9me Bataillon au Nord-Ouest (journal d'un militaire) / par George Beauregard. Québec, 1886. --The Queen vs. Louis Riel, accused and convicted of the crime of high treason. Ottawa, 1886. --Census of the three provisional districts of th e North-West Territories. Ottawa, 1886.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title
Discours sur la question Riel, prononcé le 17 mars 1886, à la Chambre des communes [microforme] / par Sir Adolphe Caron.
Author
Caron, Adolphe, Sir, 1843-1908
Publishr
[S.l. : s.n., 1886?]
FC18.C15 N. 30087 Floor 1 Microform MCR
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title
Le cas de Louis Riel condamné et exécuté pour haute trahison [microforme] : rapport / de Sir Alexander Campbell.
Author
Campbell, Alexander, Sir, 1822-1892.
Publisher
[Ottawa? : s.n.], 1885 ([Ottawa?] : Imprimeur de la Reine)
FC18.C15 N. 03882 Floor 1 Microform MCR
1 microfiche (10 images).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Louis Riel, martyr du Nord-Ouest. [microform]
Author
Presse (Montreal, Quebec).
Publisher: Montreal, Impr. generale., 1885.
Edition
2d ed.
Floor 1 Microform MCR FC3231.P43
--------------------------------------------------------
From the St. Lawrence to the North Saskatchewan [microform] : being some incidents connected with the detachment of "A" Battery, Regt. Canadian Artillery, who composed part of the North West Field Force in the Rebellion of 1885 / by Alexr. Laidlaw.
Author
Laidlaw, Alexander.
Publisher
[Halifax, N.S.? : s.n., 1885?]
Floor 1 Microform MCR
FC18.C15 N. 92684
Dated p. [6]: Halifax, N.S. 9th January, 1885.
With: Report upon the suppression of the rebellion in the North-West Territories, and matters in connection therewith, in 1885 / Department of Militia and Defence of the Dominion of Canada. Ottawa, 1886. --Report of the commissioner of the North-West Mounted Police Force, 1885. Ottawa, 1886. --Le 9me Bataillon au Nord-Ouest (journal d'un militaire) / par George Beauregard. Québec, 1886. --The Queen vs. Louis Riel, accused and convicted of the crime of high treason. Ottawa, 1886. --Census of the three provisional districts of th e North-West Territories. Ottawa, 1886.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title
Discours sur la question Riel, prononcé le 17 mars 1886, à la Chambre des communes [microforme] / par Sir Adolphe Caron.
Author
Caron, Adolphe, Sir, 1843-1908
Publishr
[S.l. : s.n., 1886?]
FC18.C15 N. 30087 Floor 1 Microform MCR
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title
Le cas de Louis Riel condamné et exécuté pour haute trahison [microforme] : rapport / de Sir Alexander Campbell.
Author
Campbell, Alexander, Sir, 1822-1892.
Publisher
[Ottawa? : s.n.], 1885 ([Ottawa?] : Imprimeur de la Reine)
FC18.C15 N. 03882 Floor 1 Microform MCR
1 microfiche (10 images).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Louis Riel, martyr du Nord-Ouest. [microform]
Author
Presse (Montreal, Quebec).
Publisher: Montreal, Impr. generale., 1885.
Edition
2d ed.
Floor 1 Microform MCR FC3231.P43
--------------------------------------------------------
The Rebellion (Ottawa U Library)
1) Épitome des documents parlementaires relatifs à la rébellion du Nord-Ouest, 1885. --
Publisher
Ottawa : Imprimerie Maclean, Roger et Cie, 1886.
FC 3215 .C288 1886, MRT General (Ottawa U Library)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) The Medical and surgical history of the Canadian North-West Rebellion of 1885 [microform] : as told by members of the hospital staff corps.
Publisher
[Montreal : s.n.], 1886 (Montreal : J. Lovell)
CIHM No. 58777 MRT Microfiche - MRT 1st floor (Ottawa U Library)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3)
Title: Copy of official diary of Lieut.-Co. Irvine [microform].
Author
Irvine, Lieut.-Col., 1837-1916
Publisher
[S.l. : s.n., 1885?]
1 microfiche (14 fr.). (Ottawa U Library)
Series
CIHM/ICMH Microfiche series = CIHM/ICMH collection de microfiches ; no. 30572
CIHM/ICMH Microfiche series ; no. 30572
"(Confidential)."
Covers the activities of the Commissioner of North-West Mounted Police during the Riel Rebellion, from March 18, 1885 to May 23, 1885.
Filmed from a copy of the original publication held by the Glenbow-Alberta Institute, Calgary. Ottawa : Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions, 1983.
Publisher
Ottawa : Imprimerie Maclean, Roger et Cie, 1886.
FC 3215 .C288 1886, MRT General (Ottawa U Library)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) The Medical and surgical history of the Canadian North-West Rebellion of 1885 [microform] : as told by members of the hospital staff corps.
Publisher
[Montreal : s.n.], 1886 (Montreal : J. Lovell)
CIHM No. 58777 MRT Microfiche - MRT 1st floor (Ottawa U Library)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3)
Title: Copy of official diary of Lieut.-Co. Irvine [microform].
Author
Irvine, Lieut.-Col., 1837-1916
Publisher
[S.l. : s.n., 1885?]
1 microfiche (14 fr.). (Ottawa U Library)
Series
CIHM/ICMH Microfiche series = CIHM/ICMH collection de microfiches ; no. 30572
CIHM/ICMH Microfiche series ; no. 30572
"(Confidential)."
Covers the activities of the Commissioner of North-West Mounted Police during the Riel Rebellion, from March 18, 1885 to May 23, 1885.
Filmed from a copy of the original publication held by the Glenbow-Alberta Institute, Calgary. Ottawa : Canadian Institute for Historical Microreproductions, 1983.
Louis Riel- New York Times
MORE TROUBLE FOR ENGLAND.
New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Mar 13, 1885. pg. 3, 1 pgs
Abstract (Summary)
TORONTO, March 12.--A dispatch to-day from Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, says: "The half breed population here is on the verge of an incipient
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RIEL AGAIN CAUSING TROUBLE.; THE DOMINION GOVERNMENT EXCITED OVER NEWS FROM THE NORTHWEST.
New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Mar 24, 1885. pg. 1, 1 pgs
Abstract (Summary)
OTTAWA, March 23.--There is great excitement here to-day over the announcement that an outbreak, headed by Louis Riel, who led the rebellion at Red River in 1870, had taken place among the half breeds near Prince Albert, Northwest Territory. In Parliament to-day, Sir John Macdonald said that there was a disturbance among the half breeds under the leadership...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT FOREIGN TOPICS.
New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Oct 16, 1885. pg. 1, 1 pgs
Abstract (Summary)
LONDON, Oct. 15.--It is understood that the sentence of death passed on Louis Riel, the leader of the half breed rebellion in Canada, will be commuted to life-long servitude.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE REBEL CHIEF HANGED; LOUIS RIEL PAYS THE PENALTY OF TREASON-FELONY. HIS EXECUTION CREATES INTENSE EXCITEMENT THROUGHOUT CANADA--THE GOVERNMENT DENOUNCED.
New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Nov 17, 1885. pg. 1, 1 pgs
Abstract (Summary)
REGINA, Nov. 16.--The last act in the Riel rebellion occurred in the jail yard of the mounted police barracks at Regina this morning, when Riel suffered death for treason-felony. Sunday morning he awoke very early, and declared to his guards that he had another vision from heaven.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BATTLE FLAGS AND SCALPS.; LIEUT. HOWARD EXHIBITS HIS COLLECTION OF RIEL REBELLION RELICS.
New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Jul 18, 1886. pg. 8, 1 pgs
Abstract (Summary)
Louis Riel's battle flag is now floating in Waterbury. It is nothing but an ordinary linen table cloth, bearing at one end, sewed on, a steel engraving, "Notre Dame de Lourdes," with considerable holy writing on the back of it. Beneath it is written the full pedigree of the Riel family down to Louis, who paid the penalty of ...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Mar 13, 1885. pg. 3, 1 pgs
Abstract (Summary)
TORONTO, March 12.--A dispatch to-day from Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, says: "The half breed population here is on the verge of an incipient
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RIEL AGAIN CAUSING TROUBLE.; THE DOMINION GOVERNMENT EXCITED OVER NEWS FROM THE NORTHWEST.
New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Mar 24, 1885. pg. 1, 1 pgs
Abstract (Summary)
OTTAWA, March 23.--There is great excitement here to-day over the announcement that an outbreak, headed by Louis Riel, who led the rebellion at Red River in 1870, had taken place among the half breeds near Prince Albert, Northwest Territory. In Parliament to-day, Sir John Macdonald said that there was a disturbance among the half breeds under the leadership...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT FOREIGN TOPICS.
New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Oct 16, 1885. pg. 1, 1 pgs
Abstract (Summary)
LONDON, Oct. 15.--It is understood that the sentence of death passed on Louis Riel, the leader of the half breed rebellion in Canada, will be commuted to life-long servitude.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE REBEL CHIEF HANGED; LOUIS RIEL PAYS THE PENALTY OF TREASON-FELONY. HIS EXECUTION CREATES INTENSE EXCITEMENT THROUGHOUT CANADA--THE GOVERNMENT DENOUNCED.
New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Nov 17, 1885. pg. 1, 1 pgs
Abstract (Summary)
REGINA, Nov. 16.--The last act in the Riel rebellion occurred in the jail yard of the mounted police barracks at Regina this morning, when Riel suffered death for treason-felony. Sunday morning he awoke very early, and declared to his guards that he had another vision from heaven.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BATTLE FLAGS AND SCALPS.; LIEUT. HOWARD EXHIBITS HIS COLLECTION OF RIEL REBELLION RELICS.
New York Times (1857-Current file). New York, N.Y.: Jul 18, 1886. pg. 8, 1 pgs
Abstract (Summary)
Louis Riel's battle flag is now floating in Waterbury. It is nothing but an ordinary linen table cloth, bearing at one end, sewed on, a steel engraving, "Notre Dame de Lourdes," with considerable holy writing on the back of it. Beneath it is written the full pedigree of the Riel family down to Louis, who paid the penalty of ...
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louis Riel
LOUIS RIEL'S INSURRECTION.; Later Advices Indicate that No Indians Have Joined Him.
The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Mar 27, 1885. pg. 1, 1 pgs
Abstract (Summary)
OTTAWA, Ont., March 26. -- The government has received no information of any collision between the mounted police and Riel. The so-called rebellion is confined to a small district near Fort Carleton, on the outskirts of the Prince Albert settlement. Riel is reported to have about 100 followers, forty of them Indians and the rest half-breeds.
----------------------------------------------------
IN THE NORTHWEST.; A FULL ACCOUNT OF THE SITUATION OF THE REVOLT. Louis Riel Gathering Indians and Half-Breeds to His Support -- Gen. Middle- ton Heard From at Last.
The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: May 3, 1885. pg. 1, 1 pgs
Abstract (Summary)
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, May 2. -- Yesterday afternoon a courier arrived at Qu'Appelle from Fish Creek, the scene of the recent battle, bearing dispatches to Indians at that point, with the object of inciting them to join the rebels. One of these letters, written by Gabriel Dumont, Riel's lieutenant, to Pieapot, was forwarded to some half-breed sympathizers in Winnipeg.
--------------------------------------------
RIEL'S FATE IS SETTLED.; HE IS NOTIFIED IN HIS CELL THAT HE MUST HANG. He Receives the News Calmly and Talks with Apparent Cheerfulness of His Approaching End.
The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Nov 16, 1885. pg. 1, 1 pgs
Abstract (Summary)
REGINA, Nov. 15. -- The special messenger, bringing the warrant signed by the Governor General of Canada, directing that the execution of Louis Riel, leader of the Canadian Half-breeds in their recent rebellion, should take place in accordance with the verdict of the jury which tried him, arrived here on a special train at 8 o'clock to-night.
The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Mar 27, 1885. pg. 1, 1 pgs
Abstract (Summary)
OTTAWA, Ont., March 26. -- The government has received no information of any collision between the mounted police and Riel. The so-called rebellion is confined to a small district near Fort Carleton, on the outskirts of the Prince Albert settlement. Riel is reported to have about 100 followers, forty of them Indians and the rest half-breeds.
----------------------------------------------------
IN THE NORTHWEST.; A FULL ACCOUNT OF THE SITUATION OF THE REVOLT. Louis Riel Gathering Indians and Half-Breeds to His Support -- Gen. Middle- ton Heard From at Last.
The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: May 3, 1885. pg. 1, 1 pgs
Abstract (Summary)
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, May 2. -- Yesterday afternoon a courier arrived at Qu'Appelle from Fish Creek, the scene of the recent battle, bearing dispatches to Indians at that point, with the object of inciting them to join the rebels. One of these letters, written by Gabriel Dumont, Riel's lieutenant, to Pieapot, was forwarded to some half-breed sympathizers in Winnipeg.
--------------------------------------------
RIEL'S FATE IS SETTLED.; HE IS NOTIFIED IN HIS CELL THAT HE MUST HANG. He Receives the News Calmly and Talks with Apparent Cheerfulness of His Approaching End.
The Washington Post (1877-1954). Washington, D.C.: Nov 16, 1885. pg. 1, 1 pgs
Abstract (Summary)
REGINA, Nov. 15. -- The special messenger, bringing the warrant signed by the Governor General of Canada, directing that the execution of Louis Riel, leader of the Canadian Half-breeds in their recent rebellion, should take place in accordance with the verdict of the jury which tried him, arrived here on a special train at 8 o'clock to-night.
Louis Riel Day
As you may (or may not) be aware, yesterday was Louis Riel Day in Manitoba (as opposed to Family Day here in Ontario). This proud holiday dates all the way back to last year - 2008. It was also the day that was chosen by the Manitoba Metis Federation to unveil several jailhouse poems written by Riel that they recently purchased at auction. This might make an interesting afterword to the exhibit.
I'm posting links to a few news stories on the events, one from the Globe and Mail, and two from the Winnipeg Free Press, for your interest.
From the Globe: <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090216.wriel17/EmailBNStory/National/home>
From the Free Press:
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Riels-contributions-to-Canada-praised-39684707.html
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/After-more-than-a-century-Louis-Riels-final-poems-displayed-in-public.html
I'm posting links to a few news stories on the events, one from the Globe and Mail, and two from the Winnipeg Free Press, for your interest.
From the Globe: <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090216.wriel17/EmailBNStory/National/home>
From the Free Press:
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Riels-contributions-to-Canada-praised-39684707.html
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/After-more-than-a-century-Louis-Riels-final-poems-displayed-in-public.html
Monday, February 16, 2009
Summary by Beady I's
A point of clarification: I think we should define the terms Métis and Half-Breed. Sherry Farrell Racette, a Métis art scholar, has proposed a respectful usage of the term Half-Breed which originally referred to mixed-blood peoples who were of English descent. The term Métis today refers to both Métis of French and English descent. Historically, Métis referred to the peoples of Aboriginal and French Canadian descent, but the term is now used to encompass members of the Métis Nation throughout Canada.
Who exactly is Métis? This is a difficult question as there are many interpretations of what Métis means. In general, Métis means mixed-blood, but it also refers to a group of Aboriginal people, with distinct traditions, cultures and languages. Predominantly in the nineteenth century, there was a large group of Métis living at the Red River Settlement in Manitoba. Several groups of Métis then dispersed from this community across Canada including the Northwest Territories.
(Barbara A. Hail and Kate C. Duncan note “The descendents of Indians and Europeans have been referred to variously as Métis, mixed-blood, michif, half-breed, bois brule and non-status Indians.” Barbara A. Hail and Kate C. Duncan, Out of the north: the subarctic collection of the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology (Bristol, R.I.: The Museum, 1989), 22.
Context of the era
Feeling associated with exhibition – Urgency
Cultural temperament
Anxiety, unease, disillusionment between farmers, Métis, Half-Breeds, due to land settlements, scrips, lack of government funding for First Nations people and farm equipment, relief aid
As Guy Lavalee notes, “At the time, the economy of the Métis, hunting of various kinds, fishing and trapping, was well integrated to the land and to the environment and was highly successful, much more successful than the Scots who tried farming! For the Métis people, the ‘unsurrections’ of 1869 at Red River and the ‘rebellion’ of 1885 at Batoche, were caused by the fear of losing their central position in the existing economy. Confederation as understood by the MacDonald government meant marginalization to the Métis, cut off from their economy.” ( Lavalee 1988:15)
Clothing
Both European and Aboriginal styles influenced their clothing. Métis women, according to Harrison, were also influenced strongly by the Grey Nuns, a catholic mission established throughout the Red River Settlement. Women would draw inspiration from the Cathedral decorations as well as the European-influenced designs taught by the religious women. Harrison notes that the sashes the Métis men wore were a style adopted from the fur traders, and were worn for practical reasons. Harrison makes no mention of the symbolic significance that the sash may have held for Métis people, as a signifier of a distinct nation.
Michif Language
According to Lavalee, “The Métis molded the aboriginal and settler languages into coherent patterns which reflected their own cultural and historical circumstances. Over the generations, grammatical structure, accent and idiom transformed into peculiarly Métis usages. And what was peculiarly Métis varied, of course, from place to place and from group to group, reflecting as it did the unique linguistic, cultural and historical antecedents of each group.” (Lavalee 1988: 171) There are four main Michif related languages; Michif Cree, Michif French, Ojibway and Swampy Cree. At St. Laurent, Michif French is prominent.
Michif is a unique language that combines Cree and French. Verbs are Cree while nouns are Michif-French in origin (2001:177). Peter Baaker notes that the influence of the Ojibway or Anishnaabe is also present in the Métis language, due to intermarriage between French men and Ojibway women (2001: 178).
Baaker makes a strong argument for the creation and evolution of the Michif language. He notes that many Aboriginal women married French men and would then teach their children their indigenous language. Usually the child became proficient in the mother’s language. With the second generations of Métis, the children would mix indigenous language such as Cree with French and the Michif language developed. Baaker states “When the mothers of the first generation speak a language different from the fathers, the new mixed languages of their descendants, if they are a considerable group, appear to combine the grammatical system of the mother’s language and the lexicon of the father’s”(2001: 179).
One thing we need to clarify is the type of Michif dialect we could use, because there are several. Perhaps we could use Michif French?
Regarding our aim to have a Michif speaker, we will have to decide – what languages were they speaking at Red River, or more specifically Batoche? Probably Michif French? Michif French, by 1900s in St. Laurent, came to be seen as less prestigious than French, introduced by Bretons, in 1900s (Lavalee 1988:181). The Michif language for the Métis people at St. Laurent is a strong signifier of their identity, kept up during 20th century, taught in home.
Music
Métis music and dance, like identity, has been influenced by a combination of Scottish, French and Aboriginal influences. Métis depend on oral tradition to pass on knowledge, so songs were not recorded on paper, but rather passed through humming and singing. Lynn Whidden notes the similarities between Métis and Aboriginal musical traditions, such as the use of the “one beat pulse” throughout a composition. The origin of the fiddle and the Red River Jig in Métis culture, argued by Whidden, can be traced in particular to the Desjarlais family, part of the Red River Settlement (2001: 169). The songs of the Métis draw on French, English, Cree and Michif traditions. (2001:174).
Perhaps we could have a recording of Métis fiddle music playing at the exhibition?
Possibly use the songs recorded by Lynn Whidden in “Métis Music” in Métis Legacy, 2001.
Settlement of the Prairies
Could perhaps include a scrip document?
Red River Settlement in 1870s
Both Métis and Half-Breeds felt they had a right to the land that they had settled on; many had farms along the Red River. These claims to the land however were ignored by the government, who created new ways of dividing the land into plots, which forced people off the land, to make room for Anglophone settlers, many from Ontario. With scrip, many Métis and Half-Breeds could either receive money or land in payment, however, the land plots were difficult to maintain, sometimes requiring a trip of great distance. After persecution in the 1870s -1880s, many Métis and Half-Breeds fled west to the subarctic, some went to Ontario and some set up a community at Batoche.
References
Bakker, Peter. “The Michif Language of the Métis.” In Métis Legacy, edited by Lawrence J. Barkwell, Leah Dorion, Darren R. Prefontaine, 177-179. Winnipeg: Pemmican Publications, 2001.
Harrison, Julia D. Métis: People between Two Worlds. Vancouver: Douglas and McIntyre, 1985.
Hope, Adrian, Poem “Ode to the Métis.” In Métis Legacy, edited by Lawrence J. Barkwell, Leah Dorion,
Darren R. Prefontaine. Winnipeg: Pemmican Publications, 2001.
2001.
Hourie, Audreen. “Oral History of the Michif/ Métis People.” In Issues in the North, volume 1, edited by Jill Oakes and Rick Riewe, 129-132. Edmonton: Canadian Circumpolar Institute, University of Alberta, 1996.
Lavalee, Guy. The Métis people of St. Laurent, Manitoba, an introductory ethnology. Vancouver: University of British Colombia, 1988.
Whidden, Lynn. “Métis Music.” In Métis Legacy, edited by Lawrence J. Barkwell, Leah Dorion, Darren R. Prefontaine, 169-176. Winnipeg: Pemmican Publications, 2001.
Who exactly is Métis? This is a difficult question as there are many interpretations of what Métis means. In general, Métis means mixed-blood, but it also refers to a group of Aboriginal people, with distinct traditions, cultures and languages. Predominantly in the nineteenth century, there was a large group of Métis living at the Red River Settlement in Manitoba. Several groups of Métis then dispersed from this community across Canada including the Northwest Territories.
(Barbara A. Hail and Kate C. Duncan note “The descendents of Indians and Europeans have been referred to variously as Métis, mixed-blood, michif, half-breed, bois brule and non-status Indians.” Barbara A. Hail and Kate C. Duncan, Out of the north: the subarctic collection of the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology (Bristol, R.I.: The Museum, 1989), 22.
Context of the era
Feeling associated with exhibition – Urgency
Cultural temperament
Anxiety, unease, disillusionment between farmers, Métis, Half-Breeds, due to land settlements, scrips, lack of government funding for First Nations people and farm equipment, relief aid
As Guy Lavalee notes, “At the time, the economy of the Métis, hunting of various kinds, fishing and trapping, was well integrated to the land and to the environment and was highly successful, much more successful than the Scots who tried farming! For the Métis people, the ‘unsurrections’ of 1869 at Red River and the ‘rebellion’ of 1885 at Batoche, were caused by the fear of losing their central position in the existing economy. Confederation as understood by the MacDonald government meant marginalization to the Métis, cut off from their economy.” ( Lavalee 1988:15)
Clothing
Both European and Aboriginal styles influenced their clothing. Métis women, according to Harrison, were also influenced strongly by the Grey Nuns, a catholic mission established throughout the Red River Settlement. Women would draw inspiration from the Cathedral decorations as well as the European-influenced designs taught by the religious women. Harrison notes that the sashes the Métis men wore were a style adopted from the fur traders, and were worn for practical reasons. Harrison makes no mention of the symbolic significance that the sash may have held for Métis people, as a signifier of a distinct nation.
Michif Language
According to Lavalee, “The Métis molded the aboriginal and settler languages into coherent patterns which reflected their own cultural and historical circumstances. Over the generations, grammatical structure, accent and idiom transformed into peculiarly Métis usages. And what was peculiarly Métis varied, of course, from place to place and from group to group, reflecting as it did the unique linguistic, cultural and historical antecedents of each group.” (Lavalee 1988: 171) There are four main Michif related languages; Michif Cree, Michif French, Ojibway and Swampy Cree. At St. Laurent, Michif French is prominent.
Michif is a unique language that combines Cree and French. Verbs are Cree while nouns are Michif-French in origin (2001:177). Peter Baaker notes that the influence of the Ojibway or Anishnaabe is also present in the Métis language, due to intermarriage between French men and Ojibway women (2001: 178).
Baaker makes a strong argument for the creation and evolution of the Michif language. He notes that many Aboriginal women married French men and would then teach their children their indigenous language. Usually the child became proficient in the mother’s language. With the second generations of Métis, the children would mix indigenous language such as Cree with French and the Michif language developed. Baaker states “When the mothers of the first generation speak a language different from the fathers, the new mixed languages of their descendants, if they are a considerable group, appear to combine the grammatical system of the mother’s language and the lexicon of the father’s”(2001: 179).
One thing we need to clarify is the type of Michif dialect we could use, because there are several. Perhaps we could use Michif French?
Regarding our aim to have a Michif speaker, we will have to decide – what languages were they speaking at Red River, or more specifically Batoche? Probably Michif French? Michif French, by 1900s in St. Laurent, came to be seen as less prestigious than French, introduced by Bretons, in 1900s (Lavalee 1988:181). The Michif language for the Métis people at St. Laurent is a strong signifier of their identity, kept up during 20th century, taught in home.
Music
Métis music and dance, like identity, has been influenced by a combination of Scottish, French and Aboriginal influences. Métis depend on oral tradition to pass on knowledge, so songs were not recorded on paper, but rather passed through humming and singing. Lynn Whidden notes the similarities between Métis and Aboriginal musical traditions, such as the use of the “one beat pulse” throughout a composition. The origin of the fiddle and the Red River Jig in Métis culture, argued by Whidden, can be traced in particular to the Desjarlais family, part of the Red River Settlement (2001: 169). The songs of the Métis draw on French, English, Cree and Michif traditions. (2001:174).
Perhaps we could have a recording of Métis fiddle music playing at the exhibition?
Possibly use the songs recorded by Lynn Whidden in “Métis Music” in Métis Legacy, 2001.
Settlement of the Prairies
Could perhaps include a scrip document?
Red River Settlement in 1870s
Both Métis and Half-Breeds felt they had a right to the land that they had settled on; many had farms along the Red River. These claims to the land however were ignored by the government, who created new ways of dividing the land into plots, which forced people off the land, to make room for Anglophone settlers, many from Ontario. With scrip, many Métis and Half-Breeds could either receive money or land in payment, however, the land plots were difficult to maintain, sometimes requiring a trip of great distance. After persecution in the 1870s -1880s, many Métis and Half-Breeds fled west to the subarctic, some went to Ontario and some set up a community at Batoche.
References
Bakker, Peter. “The Michif Language of the Métis.” In Métis Legacy, edited by Lawrence J. Barkwell, Leah Dorion, Darren R. Prefontaine, 177-179. Winnipeg: Pemmican Publications, 2001.
Harrison, Julia D. Métis: People between Two Worlds. Vancouver: Douglas and McIntyre, 1985.
Hope, Adrian, Poem “Ode to the Métis.” In Métis Legacy, edited by Lawrence J. Barkwell, Leah Dorion,
Darren R. Prefontaine. Winnipeg: Pemmican Publications, 2001.
2001.
Hourie, Audreen. “Oral History of the Michif/ Métis People.” In Issues in the North, volume 1, edited by Jill Oakes and Rick Riewe, 129-132. Edmonton: Canadian Circumpolar Institute, University of Alberta, 1996.
Lavalee, Guy. The Métis people of St. Laurent, Manitoba, an introductory ethnology. Vancouver: University of British Colombia, 1988.
Whidden, Lynn. “Métis Music.” In Métis Legacy, edited by Lawrence J. Barkwell, Leah Dorion, Darren R. Prefontaine, 169-176. Winnipeg: Pemmican Publications, 2001.
Artifact List (add as we go?)
Artifacts
1. Painting of Battle of Batoche – CMC collection
Artifact # 78-589, “The Capture of Batoche”, oil
“At the battle of Batoche on 12 May 1885, Canadian militia units under Major General Frederick Middleton defeated the Métis nation. The artist is thought to have fought with the government forces and been wounded, but his painting was probably taken from a lithograph published in the Canadian Pictorial and Illustrated War News (30 May 1885, p. 68). Battle memorials in the form of descriptive paintings have a long history in Europe, a tradition that has been carried on in Canada.” (from website - http://collections.civilization.ca/public/pages/cmccpublic/emupublic/Display.php?irn=74345&QueryPage=%2Fpublic%2Fpages%2Fcmccpublic%2Femupublic%2FQuery.php&lang=0)
2. Ceinture fleche or sash
Artifact # III Z 35
Collection: CMC
3. Metis flag
Artifact # V Z 193
Collection: CMC
4. Photography box – used in communication
Artifact Number 996.2.1
Museum CMC
Place of Use Country - Canada, Province - Saskatchewan, Municipality - Regina
Place of Origin Country - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Inscription (spine/reliure) Riel &c/Photographs
Begin Date 1880/01/01
End Date 1890/12/31
Measurements Length 28.4 cm, Width 19.5 cm, Thickness 6.9 cm
Events Louis Riel North West Rebellion 1885
Category 06: tools and equipment for communication
Sub-category F080: photographic tools and equipment
Image Notes PHNG = S96-24551; S96-24552
Other Cultural Affiliation Canadian
5. Diary of events in Louis Riel’s trial “Autograph Book”
Artifact # 966.2.2
Collection: CMC
- has notes from Louis Riels trial, names of people involved – maybe we could show pages from it at the exhibit?
6. Piece of rope that hanged LR
Artifact # 996.2.3 a-c
Collection: CMC
7. Photograph
Artifact # 996.2.24
MuseumCMCPlace of UseCountry - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Place of OriginCountry - Canada, Province - Alberta, Municipality - Canmore
Inscription(front bottom/devant en bas) Morning Express Canmore (reverse, handwritten/verso écrit à la main) at CanmoreTitleMorning Express Canmore
Has image of people in front of train – Canmore in Alberta – showing the importance of communication
8. Print of guns going to Batoche
Artifact Number19850109-011
MuseumCWMCollectionBeaverbrook Collection of War Art Canadian War Museum
Person / InstitutionAssociated institution, Toronto War News
Associated institution, Harper's Weekly
9. Print of Capture of LR
Artifact Number19850109-021MuseumCWMCollectionBeaverbrook Collection of War Art Canadian War Museum
Person / InstitutionSubject, Riel, Louis
Place of UseCountry - Canada, Province - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Place of OriginCountry - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Artist/Maker/ManufacturerAnonymous
Date of Manufacture1885/08/01TitleTHE CAPTURE OF LOUIS RIEL BY THE SCOUTS ARMSTRONG AND HOWIE, MAY 15, 1885
10. Print of “Half Breeds” with LR
Artifact Number19850109-022MuseumCWMCollectionBeaverbrook Collection of War Art Canadian War Museum
Place of UseCountry - Canada, Province - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Place of OriginCountry - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Artist/Maker/ManufacturerAnonymous
Date of Manufacture1885/05/09TitleTHE REBELLION OF HALF BREEDS IN CANADA UNDER LOUIS RIEL
11. handcuff
Artifact Number20030122-004MuseumCWMPerson / InstitutionAssociated historical figure, Riel, Louis
Place of UseCountry - Canada, Province - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Place of OriginCountry - Canada, Province - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Begin Date1885/11/01End Date1885/11/30MeasurementsLength 27.0 cm, Width 10.0 cm, Thickness 1.5 cmEvents1885 North West RebellionService ComponentRoyal North West Mounted Police
Category05: tools and equipment for science and technology
12. rifles used in Rebellion
Artifact Number19620059-005MuseumCWMPlace of UseCountry - Canada, Province - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Place of OriginCountry - United States of America, Municipality - New Haven
Artist/Maker/ManufacturerWinchester Repeating Arms Company
Date of Manufacture1878InscriptionCarved in Buttstock: Cut Knife Creek, 2 May 1885, with the Indians; On triggerguard tang; 32325; On receiver tang: Model 1873Begin Date1878/01/01End Date1878/12/31MeasurementsHeight 21.1 cm, Length 109.5 cm, Width 4.6 cmEvents1885 North West RebellionBrand Name / Model(model) 1873 Second ModelPattern NameWinchester
Category05: tools and equipment for science and technology
Sub-categoryE060: armament, firearm
13 print of Dumont
Artifact Number19850109-012MuseumCWMCollectionBeaverbrook Collection of War Art Canadian War Museum
Person / InstitutionAssociated institution, The Montreal Star Publishing Co. Limited
Associated institution, Harper's Weekly
Subject, Dumont, Gabriel
Place of UseCountry - Canada, Province - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Place of OriginCountry - Canada, Province - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Artist/Maker/ManufacturerAnonymous
Date of Manufacture1885/05/09TitleDumont, Riel's Lieutenant; Haranguing A Detachment of Rebels; The Pursuit of Applegarth; The Fight at Duck Lake; The Fish Lake FightBegin Date1885/05/09End Date1885/05/09MeasurementsHeight 39.8 cm, Width 27.3 cmEvents1867-1899, North-West CampaignCategory08: communication artifacts
Sub-categoryH040: art
Image NotesIMREF = CWM96-09457
14 – Birch bark note used in NW rebellion – could probably get facsimile?
Artifact Number 20030283-001
Museum CWM
Person / Institution Associated Military Personnel, Middleton, Major-General Frederick Dobson
Place of Use Country - Canada, Province - Northwest Territories, Municipality - no entry
Place of Origin Country - Canada, Province - Northwest Territories, Municipality - no entry
Date of Manufacture 1885/01/01
Inscription (reverse/verso): This piece of Birch Bark, the property of C.S. Clapp, was cut, by him, from a tree on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, N.W.T., during the Rebellion of 1885. He being on board the Str. "Northcote" with the Midland BATT. who were on their way to join Gen. Middleton at Fish Creek. South Saskatchewan River April 1885 C.S. Clapp Private "A" Co. MID. BATT BELLEVILLE 1893
Begin Date 1885/01/01
End Date 1885/01/01
Measurements Length 10.0 cm, Width 8.5 cm
Events 1885 North West Rebellion
Category 10: unclassifiable artifacts
Sub-category J020: artifact remnant
1. Painting of Battle of Batoche – CMC collection
Artifact # 78-589, “The Capture of Batoche”, oil
“At the battle of Batoche on 12 May 1885, Canadian militia units under Major General Frederick Middleton defeated the Métis nation. The artist is thought to have fought with the government forces and been wounded, but his painting was probably taken from a lithograph published in the Canadian Pictorial and Illustrated War News (30 May 1885, p. 68). Battle memorials in the form of descriptive paintings have a long history in Europe, a tradition that has been carried on in Canada.” (from website - http://collections.civilization.ca/public/pages/cmccpublic/emupublic/Display.php?irn=74345&QueryPage=%2Fpublic%2Fpages%2Fcmccpublic%2Femupublic%2FQuery.php&lang=0)
2. Ceinture fleche or sash
Artifact # III Z 35
Collection: CMC
3. Metis flag
Artifact # V Z 193
Collection: CMC
4. Photography box – used in communication
Artifact Number 996.2.1
Museum CMC
Place of Use Country - Canada, Province - Saskatchewan, Municipality - Regina
Place of Origin Country - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Inscription (spine/reliure) Riel &c/Photographs
Begin Date 1880/01/01
End Date 1890/12/31
Measurements Length 28.4 cm, Width 19.5 cm, Thickness 6.9 cm
Events Louis Riel North West Rebellion 1885
Category 06: tools and equipment for communication
Sub-category F080: photographic tools and equipment
Image Notes PHNG = S96-24551; S96-24552
Other Cultural Affiliation Canadian
5. Diary of events in Louis Riel’s trial “Autograph Book”
Artifact # 966.2.2
Collection: CMC
- has notes from Louis Riels trial, names of people involved – maybe we could show pages from it at the exhibit?
6. Piece of rope that hanged LR
Artifact # 996.2.3 a-c
Collection: CMC
7. Photograph
Artifact # 996.2.24
MuseumCMCPlace of UseCountry - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Place of OriginCountry - Canada, Province - Alberta, Municipality - Canmore
Inscription(front bottom/devant en bas) Morning Express Canmore (reverse, handwritten/verso écrit à la main) at CanmoreTitleMorning Express Canmore
Has image of people in front of train – Canmore in Alberta – showing the importance of communication
8. Print of guns going to Batoche
Artifact Number19850109-011
MuseumCWMCollectionBeaverbrook Collection of War Art Canadian War Museum
Person / InstitutionAssociated institution, Toronto War News
Associated institution, Harper's Weekly
9. Print of Capture of LR
Artifact Number19850109-021MuseumCWMCollectionBeaverbrook Collection of War Art Canadian War Museum
Person / InstitutionSubject, Riel, Louis
Place of UseCountry - Canada, Province - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Place of OriginCountry - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Artist/Maker/ManufacturerAnonymous
Date of Manufacture1885/08/01TitleTHE CAPTURE OF LOUIS RIEL BY THE SCOUTS ARMSTRONG AND HOWIE, MAY 15, 1885
10. Print of “Half Breeds” with LR
Artifact Number19850109-022MuseumCWMCollectionBeaverbrook Collection of War Art Canadian War Museum
Place of UseCountry - Canada, Province - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Place of OriginCountry - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Artist/Maker/ManufacturerAnonymous
Date of Manufacture1885/05/09TitleTHE REBELLION OF HALF BREEDS IN CANADA UNDER LOUIS RIEL
11. handcuff
Artifact Number20030122-004MuseumCWMPerson / InstitutionAssociated historical figure, Riel, Louis
Place of UseCountry - Canada, Province - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Place of OriginCountry - Canada, Province - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Begin Date1885/11/01End Date1885/11/30MeasurementsLength 27.0 cm, Width 10.0 cm, Thickness 1.5 cmEvents1885 North West RebellionService ComponentRoyal North West Mounted Police
Category05: tools and equipment for science and technology
12. rifles used in Rebellion
Artifact Number19620059-005MuseumCWMPlace of UseCountry - Canada, Province - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Place of OriginCountry - United States of America, Municipality - New Haven
Artist/Maker/ManufacturerWinchester Repeating Arms Company
Date of Manufacture1878InscriptionCarved in Buttstock: Cut Knife Creek, 2 May 1885, with the Indians; On triggerguard tang; 32325; On receiver tang: Model 1873Begin Date1878/01/01End Date1878/12/31MeasurementsHeight 21.1 cm, Length 109.5 cm, Width 4.6 cmEvents1885 North West RebellionBrand Name / Model(model) 1873 Second ModelPattern NameWinchester
Category05: tools and equipment for science and technology
Sub-categoryE060: armament, firearm
13 print of Dumont
Artifact Number19850109-012MuseumCWMCollectionBeaverbrook Collection of War Art Canadian War Museum
Person / InstitutionAssociated institution, The Montreal Star Publishing Co. Limited
Associated institution, Harper's Weekly
Subject, Dumont, Gabriel
Place of UseCountry - Canada, Province - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Place of OriginCountry - Canada, Province - no entry, Municipality - no entry
Artist/Maker/ManufacturerAnonymous
Date of Manufacture1885/05/09TitleDumont, Riel's Lieutenant; Haranguing A Detachment of Rebels; The Pursuit of Applegarth; The Fight at Duck Lake; The Fish Lake FightBegin Date1885/05/09End Date1885/05/09MeasurementsHeight 39.8 cm, Width 27.3 cmEvents1867-1899, North-West CampaignCategory08: communication artifacts
Sub-categoryH040: art
Image NotesIMREF = CWM96-09457
14 – Birch bark note used in NW rebellion – could probably get facsimile?
Artifact Number 20030283-001
Museum CWM
Person / Institution Associated Military Personnel, Middleton, Major-General Frederick Dobson
Place of Use Country - Canada, Province - Northwest Territories, Municipality - no entry
Place of Origin Country - Canada, Province - Northwest Territories, Municipality - no entry
Date of Manufacture 1885/01/01
Inscription (reverse/verso): This piece of Birch Bark, the property of C.S. Clapp, was cut, by him, from a tree on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River, N.W.T., during the Rebellion of 1885. He being on board the Str. "Northcote" with the Midland BATT. who were on their way to join Gen. Middleton at Fish Creek. South Saskatchewan River April 1885 C.S. Clapp Private "A" Co. MID. BATT BELLEVILLE 1893
Begin Date 1885/01/01
End Date 1885/01/01
Measurements Length 10.0 cm, Width 8.5 cm
Events 1885 North West Rebellion
Category 10: unclassifiable artifacts
Sub-category J020: artifact remnant
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Notes from John
Reminder of what is involved in this western vision:
We begin with Riel, his surrender in May of 1885, and all communication circumstances surrounding the putting down of the Northwest Rebellion. But we must also be concerned with the consequences which are integral to the process: namely the resettlement of the Canadian Prairie. In the case of certain portions of Saskatchewan (See Bill Waiser’s book on Saskatchewan) and Alberta, the High River areas (Paul Voisey, High River and the Times); there is a two-step sequence of resettlement: first ranching, then wheat +mixed farming. The latter generates a different relationship to the land, a different ordering of elements in space and hence of infrastructure in space: including communication infrastructure: post offices, means of conveying mail, telegraph, telephone, newspapers…
The Last Spike
It might be interesting to know more about communication events surrounding the last spike in the fall of 1885. Check out Pierre Berton and also contemporary descriptions. Maybe a little something re the trial of Louis Riel. A propos I have a couple of books loaned by our plains ethnologist (Morgan Baillargeon): George R.D. Goulet The Trial of Louis Riel; Chester Brown, Louis Riel. A Comic-Strip Biography. There is more stuff out there than this.
Objects:
The CMC may be receiving some firearms that pertain to Batoche. I suggest you have a look at the Métis sections of the displays either in the Canada Hall, or in the First Nations display. I am not sure what they have at the Canadian War Museum. There there is the Mountie Museum out west….
We begin with Riel, his surrender in May of 1885, and all communication circumstances surrounding the putting down of the Northwest Rebellion. But we must also be concerned with the consequences which are integral to the process: namely the resettlement of the Canadian Prairie. In the case of certain portions of Saskatchewan (See Bill Waiser’s book on Saskatchewan) and Alberta, the High River areas (Paul Voisey, High River and the Times); there is a two-step sequence of resettlement: first ranching, then wheat +mixed farming. The latter generates a different relationship to the land, a different ordering of elements in space and hence of infrastructure in space: including communication infrastructure: post offices, means of conveying mail, telegraph, telephone, newspapers…
The Last Spike
It might be interesting to know more about communication events surrounding the last spike in the fall of 1885. Check out Pierre Berton and also contemporary descriptions. Maybe a little something re the trial of Louis Riel. A propos I have a couple of books loaned by our plains ethnologist (Morgan Baillargeon): George R.D. Goulet The Trial of Louis Riel; Chester Brown, Louis Riel. A Comic-Strip Biography. There is more stuff out there than this.
Objects:
The CMC may be receiving some firearms that pertain to Batoche. I suggest you have a look at the Métis sections of the displays either in the Canada Hall, or in the First Nations display. I am not sure what they have at the Canadian War Museum. There there is the Mountie Museum out west….
Pete vs Carleton's Library's Exporter
Here are some secondary and primary resources care of Carleton's library Catalogue. I tried to put them into refworks, but failed miserably.
Henkin, David M.
The postal age : the emergence of modern communications in nineteenth-century America / David M. Henkin.
Chicago : University Of Chicago Press, 2006.
CALL # HE6371 .H46 2006.
Arnell, J. C.
Atlantic mails : a history of the mail service between Great
Britain and Canada to 1889 / J.C. Arnell ; with the editorial
collaboration of K.S. Mackenzie.
Ottawa : National Postal Museum, c1980.
CALL # HE6940.M3A72.
Smith, William, 1859-
The history of the post office in British North America,
Cambridge [Eng.] The University press, 1920.
CALL # HE6655.S7.
Amyot, Chantal.
Country post : rural postal service in Canada, 1880 to 1945 /
Chantal Amyot and John Willis.
Gatineau, Quebec : Canadian Postal Museum, c2003.
CALL # HE6655 .A455 2003.
Lee, Ian R. (Ian Richard), 1953-
The Canadian postal system: origins, growth and decay of the
state postal function, 1765-1981.
Ottawa., 1989.
CALL # PH.D. 1989.L42.
Canadian postal guide [electronic resource] : containing the
chief regulations of the Post Office, the rates of
postage ... / compiled by John Dewé.
Montreal : E. Pickup 1863.
Amyot, Chantal.
Special delivery [electronic resource] : Canada's postal heritage
/ Chantal Amyot, Bianca Gendreau, John Willis ; edited by
Francine Brousseau ; principal photography by Claire Dufour.
Fredericton, N.B. : Goose Lane Editions : Canadian Museum of
Civilization/Canadian Postal Museum, 2000.
Doherty, Bill, 1916-
Slaves of the lamp : a history of the federal civil service
organizations, 1865-1924 / Bill Doherty.
Victoria, B.C. : Orca Book Publishers, c1991.
CALL # JL108.D64.
Mulock, William, Sir, 1844-1944.
The administration of the Post Office Department [microform].
S.l. : s.n., 1900?]
CALL # FC18.C15 N. 34057.
Canadian Pacific Railway Company.
Canadian railway postal payments [microform].
[Montréal? : s.n., 1908?]
CALL # FC18.C15 N. 85775.
Great Britain. Colonial Office.
Conveyance of mails (North America) [electronic resource] :
return to an address of the Honourable the House of Commons,
dated 7 July 1859, for, Copies of all correspondence between
Her Majesty's government and the provincial government of
Canada, in reference to the conveyance of mails between this
country and British North America ; of an address to Her
Majesty ; ... and of all correspondence between Her Majesty's
government and the British and North American Royal Mail Steam
Packet Company or Sir Samuel Cunard, Baronet, on the subject of
the prolongation or renewal of the contract made with that
company for the conveyance of the mails to and from North
America.
[London : HMSO, 1859]
Adie, Douglas K.
The mail monopoly : analyzing Canadian postal service / Douglas
K. Adie.
Vancouver : Fraser Institute, c1990.
CALL # HE6655.A34.
The post office and the railway [microform].
[S.l. : s.n., 1863?]
CALL # FC18.C15 N. 23105.
Fleming, Sandford, Sir, 1827-1915.
Postal and telegraphic communication by the Canadian route
[microform] : submitted at the meetings of the Colonial
conference on the 19th and 20th April, 1887 / by Sandford
Fleming.
[Ottawa? : s.n., 1887?]
CALL # FC18.C15 N. 91412.
Drummond, A. T. (Andrew Thomas), 1843-1923.
Postal reform [microform] / by A.T. Drummond.
[Montreal? : s.n.], 1893 (Montreal : J. Lovell)
CALL # FC18.C15 N. 03927.
Conference Colonial Conference (1887 : London, England)
Proceedings of the Colonial Conference at London, in 1887
[microform] : in relation to imperial postal and telegraphic
communications throughout Canada.
Ottawa : Printed by order of Parliament by B. Chamberlin, 1888.
CALL # FC18.C15 N. 03397.
Media sense; the folklore-popular culture continuum.
Bowling Green, Ohio, State U. Popular P., 1986.
CALL # FC95.M43.
Heyer, Paul, 1946-
Communications and history : theories of media, knowledge, and
civilization / Paul Heyer.
New York : Greenwood Press, 1988.
CALL # P91.H49.
Hindley, M. Patricia, 1934-
The tangled net : basic issues in Canadian communications / M.
Patricia Hindley, Gail M. Martin, Jean McNulty ; foreword by
George Woodcock.
Vancouver : J.J. Douglas, c1977.
CALL # P92.C3 H55.
Friesen, Gerald, 1943-
Citizens and nation; an essay on history, communication and
Canada.
Toronto, University of Toronto Press., 1999.
CALL # FC95.F74.
Communication and the Canadian North.
Montreal, Concordia U., Dept. of Communication Studies., 1983.
CALL # HE215.Z7N828.
Kenney, Gerard I., 1931-
People communications in Canada's north. Part II. The solution.
Montreal, Arctic Institute of North America., 1971.
CALL # P94.5.I532C36.
Harlow, Alvin Fay, 1875-
Old wires and new waves; the history of the telegraph, telephone
and wireless.
New York, Arno., 1971-1936.
CALL # TK5115.H3.
Dudley, Leonard, 1943-
The word and the sword : how techniques of information and
violence have shaped our world / Leonard M. Dudley.
Cambridge, Mass., USA : B. Blackwell, c1991.
CALL # JC325.D83.
Lucy, Niall.
Beyond semiotics : text, culture and technology / Niall Lucy.
London ; New York : Continuum, 2001.
Green, Lelia, 1956-
Communication, technology and society / Lelia Green.
London : SAGE, 2002.
CALL # HM846 .G74 2002.
O'Donnell, James Joseph, 1950-
Avatars of the word : from papyrus to cyberspace / James J.
O'Donnell.
Cambridge, Mass. : Harvard University Press, 1998.
CALL # P96.T42O36.
How Canadians communicate [electronic resource] : media,
globalization, and identity / edited by David Taras, Maria
Bakardjieva, and Frits Pannekoek.
Calgary [Alta.] : University of Calgary Press, c2007
There is a good deal of microfilm data, of which a small sample is included here.
Henkin, David M.
The postal age : the emergence of modern communications in nineteenth-century America / David M. Henkin.
Chicago : University Of Chicago Press, 2006.
CALL # HE6371 .H46 2006.
Arnell, J. C.
Atlantic mails : a history of the mail service between Great
Britain and Canada to 1889 / J.C. Arnell ; with the editorial
collaboration of K.S. Mackenzie.
Ottawa : National Postal Museum, c1980.
CALL # HE6940.M3A72.
Smith, William, 1859-
The history of the post office in British North America,
Cambridge [Eng.] The University press, 1920.
CALL # HE6655.S7.
Amyot, Chantal.
Country post : rural postal service in Canada, 1880 to 1945 /
Chantal Amyot and John Willis.
Gatineau, Quebec : Canadian Postal Museum, c2003.
CALL # HE6655 .A455 2003.
Lee, Ian R. (Ian Richard), 1953-
The Canadian postal system: origins, growth and decay of the
state postal function, 1765-1981.
Ottawa., 1989.
CALL # PH.D. 1989.L42.
Canadian postal guide [electronic resource] : containing the
chief regulations of the Post Office, the rates of
postage ... / compiled by John Dewé.
Montreal : E. Pickup 1863.
Amyot, Chantal.
Special delivery [electronic resource] : Canada's postal heritage
/ Chantal Amyot, Bianca Gendreau, John Willis ; edited by
Francine Brousseau ; principal photography by Claire Dufour.
Fredericton, N.B. : Goose Lane Editions : Canadian Museum of
Civilization/Canadian Postal Museum, 2000.
Doherty, Bill, 1916-
Slaves of the lamp : a history of the federal civil service
organizations, 1865-1924 / Bill Doherty.
Victoria, B.C. : Orca Book Publishers, c1991.
CALL # JL108.D64.
Mulock, William, Sir, 1844-1944.
The administration of the Post Office Department [microform].
S.l. : s.n., 1900?]
CALL # FC18.C15 N. 34057.
Canadian Pacific Railway Company.
Canadian railway postal payments [microform].
[Montréal? : s.n., 1908?]
CALL # FC18.C15 N. 85775.
Great Britain. Colonial Office.
Conveyance of mails (North America) [electronic resource] :
return to an address of the Honourable the House of Commons,
dated 7 July 1859, for, Copies of all correspondence between
Her Majesty's government and the provincial government of
Canada, in reference to the conveyance of mails between this
country and British North America ; of an address to Her
Majesty ; ... and of all correspondence between Her Majesty's
government and the British and North American Royal Mail Steam
Packet Company or Sir Samuel Cunard, Baronet, on the subject of
the prolongation or renewal of the contract made with that
company for the conveyance of the mails to and from North
America.
[London : HMSO, 1859]
Adie, Douglas K.
The mail monopoly : analyzing Canadian postal service / Douglas
K. Adie.
Vancouver : Fraser Institute, c1990.
CALL # HE6655.A34.
The post office and the railway [microform].
[S.l. : s.n., 1863?]
CALL # FC18.C15 N. 23105.
Fleming, Sandford, Sir, 1827-1915.
Postal and telegraphic communication by the Canadian route
[microform] : submitted at the meetings of the Colonial
conference on the 19th and 20th April, 1887 / by Sandford
Fleming.
[Ottawa? : s.n., 1887?]
CALL # FC18.C15 N. 91412.
Drummond, A. T. (Andrew Thomas), 1843-1923.
Postal reform [microform] / by A.T. Drummond.
[Montreal? : s.n.], 1893 (Montreal : J. Lovell)
CALL # FC18.C15 N. 03927.
Conference Colonial Conference (1887 : London, England)
Proceedings of the Colonial Conference at London, in 1887
[microform] : in relation to imperial postal and telegraphic
communications throughout Canada.
Ottawa : Printed by order of Parliament by B. Chamberlin, 1888.
CALL # FC18.C15 N. 03397.
Media sense; the folklore-popular culture continuum.
Bowling Green, Ohio, State U. Popular P., 1986.
CALL # FC95.M43.
Heyer, Paul, 1946-
Communications and history : theories of media, knowledge, and
civilization / Paul Heyer.
New York : Greenwood Press, 1988.
CALL # P91.H49.
Hindley, M. Patricia, 1934-
The tangled net : basic issues in Canadian communications / M.
Patricia Hindley, Gail M. Martin, Jean McNulty ; foreword by
George Woodcock.
Vancouver : J.J. Douglas, c1977.
CALL # P92.C3 H55.
Friesen, Gerald, 1943-
Citizens and nation; an essay on history, communication and
Canada.
Toronto, University of Toronto Press., 1999.
CALL # FC95.F74.
Communication and the Canadian North.
Montreal, Concordia U., Dept. of Communication Studies., 1983.
CALL # HE215.Z7N828.
Kenney, Gerard I., 1931-
People communications in Canada's north. Part II. The solution.
Montreal, Arctic Institute of North America., 1971.
CALL # P94.5.I532C36.
Harlow, Alvin Fay, 1875-
Old wires and new waves; the history of the telegraph, telephone
and wireless.
New York, Arno., 1971-1936.
CALL # TK5115.H3.
Dudley, Leonard, 1943-
The word and the sword : how techniques of information and
violence have shaped our world / Leonard M. Dudley.
Cambridge, Mass., USA : B. Blackwell, c1991.
CALL # JC325.D83.
Lucy, Niall.
Beyond semiotics : text, culture and technology / Niall Lucy.
London ; New York : Continuum, 2001.
Green, Lelia, 1956-
Communication, technology and society / Lelia Green.
London : SAGE, 2002.
CALL # HM846 .G74 2002.
O'Donnell, James Joseph, 1950-
Avatars of the word : from papyrus to cyberspace / James J.
O'Donnell.
Cambridge, Mass. : Harvard University Press, 1998.
CALL # P96.T42O36.
How Canadians communicate [electronic resource] : media,
globalization, and identity / edited by David Taras, Maria
Bakardjieva, and Frits Pannekoek.
Calgary [Alta.] : University of Calgary Press, c2007
Letters, diaries, and journals in Ontario Archives
Letter, Geo T. Denison (Humboldt) to W.A. Foster (Toronto) | June 17, 1885
Though pleased with the outcome of the Battle of Batoche, he deplores
"the fullsome flattery of the Press" and "the braggart boasting of many men
who have written home letters which have been published." Sympathetic to
the Indians, he makes harsh reference to the "breach of faith" which led to
Col. Otter's attack on Poundmaker.
F 70 William A. Foster fonds
Item is located in F 70, container B299654
Letter, Col. A. Sproat, Garrison Prince Albert, to A.E. Belcher | May 18, 1885
re the North West Rebellion, mentioning the capture of Riel, the great anxiety
during the campaign, praises Irvine but has no use for Dewdney.
F 18 Alexander Emerson Belcher fonds.
Item is found on self serve microfilm reel MS 93.
Panorama #172 | Film
Item is a film featuring two stories consisting of the following:
100-year-old Billy Mills is interviewed about the Riel Rebellion, smoking,
sports and new year’s resolutions.
F 4396-7-1 CFPL-TV Farm Shows and other films
Item is located in F 4396-7-1, container T004953
A Psycho-Medical History of Louis Riel, by Dr. Daniel Clark | July 1887.
Clark was Medical Superintendent of the Asylum for Insane in Toronto.
F 2-3 Published material collected by Edward Blake
Item is located in F 2-3, container B226552
Discours de L'Hon. J.A. Chaplea, M.P., sur L'Execution de Louis Riel,
Chambre des Communes, March 24, 1886.
F 2-3 Published material collected by Edward Blake
Item is located in F 2-3, container B226552
Selected Manitoba resources relating to Louis RIel
Archives of Manitoba records
Letter from Louis Riel to his wife Marguerite, written from the prison in Regina, October 5, 1885
Archives of Manitoba P5563, f.12
Riel family correspondence and poetry, 1869-1923
Archives of Manitoba MG3 D2
George A. Flinn fonds, 1884-1935
Diary of George A. Flinn, newspaper correspondent, 24 March-11 June 1885; memoirs written in 1935; correspondence and papers, 1884-1935, including an account of the trial and execution of Louis Riel.
Archives of Manitoba MG3 C13a-b
Charles A. Boulton fonds, 1855-1961
Charles A. Boulton (1841-1899) was part of a Dominion Land Survey party sent to the Red River Settlement in 1869. He organized a group of volunteers to try to suppress the Red River Rebellion by Louis Riel and in 1885, he led a group of militia to help put down the North-West Rebellion. Records include correspondence, articles, speeches, invitations and genealogical material, including a description of the capture of Louis Riel in 1885
Archives of Manitoba MG3 C13
Alexander Ross Family fonds, 1810-1903
Alexander Ross (1783-1856) was an author, fur trader and prominent citizen of Red River
Archives of Manitoba MG2 C14; #380, 396, 399, 402, 411, 430, 447-8 & 500
Alexander Morris fonds, 1839-1913
Alexander Morris (1826-1889), Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba. Correspondence, letters and papers
Archives of Manitoba MG12 B2
Photographs
Louis Riel, ca 1876. Photographer: Hall and Lowe
Archives of Manitoba Louis Riel 1 (N5730)
Louis Riel, ca 1873
Archives of Manitoba Louis Riel 2-3 (N5735)
Louis Riel and Council, [1870]. Photographer: Joseph Langevin
Archives of Manitoba Red River Disturbance 1 (N5396)
Letter from Louis Riel to his wife Marguerite, written from the prison in Regina, October 5, 1885
Archives of Manitoba P5563, f.12
Riel family correspondence and poetry, 1869-1923
Archives of Manitoba MG3 D2
George A. Flinn fonds, 1884-1935
Diary of George A. Flinn, newspaper correspondent, 24 March-11 June 1885; memoirs written in 1935; correspondence and papers, 1884-1935, including an account of the trial and execution of Louis Riel.
Archives of Manitoba MG3 C13a-b
Charles A. Boulton fonds, 1855-1961
Charles A. Boulton (1841-1899) was part of a Dominion Land Survey party sent to the Red River Settlement in 1869. He organized a group of volunteers to try to suppress the Red River Rebellion by Louis Riel and in 1885, he led a group of militia to help put down the North-West Rebellion. Records include correspondence, articles, speeches, invitations and genealogical material, including a description of the capture of Louis Riel in 1885
Archives of Manitoba MG3 C13
Alexander Ross Family fonds, 1810-1903
Alexander Ross (1783-1856) was an author, fur trader and prominent citizen of Red River
Archives of Manitoba MG2 C14; #380, 396, 399, 402, 411, 430, 447-8 & 500
Alexander Morris fonds, 1839-1913
Alexander Morris (1826-1889), Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba. Correspondence, letters and papers
Archives of Manitoba MG12 B2
Photographs
Louis Riel, ca 1876. Photographer: Hall and Lowe
Archives of Manitoba Louis Riel 1 (N5730)
Louis Riel, ca 1873
Archives of Manitoba Louis Riel 2-3 (N5735)
Louis Riel and Council, [1870]. Photographer: Joseph Langevin
Archives of Manitoba Red River Disturbance 1 (N5396)
Letters, diaries, and journals in LAC collection
Letters, diaries, and journals in LAC collection
Louis Riel - documents and papers relating to Louis Riel and his part in the North West rebellion (includes copies of documents found on his person at the time he was captured).
MIKAN no. 879978 | RG18-B-5 2477
Finding aid no. 18-12
Prime Minister (Canada) - Series of telegrams on the subject of Riel Rebellion.
MIKAN no. 1822039 | RG25-B-1-a 124
Finding aid no. 25-71
Note to Big Bear from General Sir Fred Middleton [textual record]. Item is a note, dated 2 June 1885, from General Middleton demanding that Big Bear surrender and release his prisoners.
MIKAN no. 98287 | MG29-E23 1
North West Field Force fonds [textual record]. Fonds consists of a list of wounded in the fighting before Batoche, dated 13 May 1885, and three receipt books for supplies received from the commissary officers for delivery to supply offices at Battleford and Clark's Crossing; and brigade orders, photocopy, dated 29 March to 29 April 1885.
MIKAN no. 101426 | MG29-E75 1
Finding aid no. 5
Journal of John Tomkins [textual record (microfilm)]. Item is a microfilmed journal of John Tomkins, an Indian Agent, covering the period 20 March - 30 June, and 20 September 1885. Entries indicate discussions and battles with the Indians in the Battleford and Prince Albert areas of Saskatchewan. Other topics covered include: the issuance of food and provisions to the Indians; lists of provisions required; crop sowing; the movements of Louis Riel and General Middleton; and their own voyage to Duck Lake. This material is located on microfilm reel M-1965.
MIKAN no. 98437 | MG29-E102 M-1965
Finding aid no. 5
Diary of Lewis Wallbridge's service [textual record]. Item is a diary of Lewis Wallbridge's service with "A" Company of the Midland Battalion during the Northwest Rebellion of 1885. Wallbridge describes the train journey west, the forced march from Swift Current to Saskatchewan Landing, the voyage down the South Saskatchewan River by the steamer NORTHCOTE and the battle of Batoche as well as the marches to Prince Albert, Battleford and Frog Lake. Originals, 130 pages.
MIKAN no. 98233 | MG29-E119 2
Finding aid no. 5
Captain James Peters album 1 [photographic material]. File consists of snapshots taken by Captain James Peters, officer of 'A' Battery of the Regiment of Canadian Artillery. Personal activities of military life as well as military parades and formal activities at Quebec City. Captain Peters is known as Canada's first military photographer. Inludes a photograph of Louis Riel outside the prisoner's tent where he was held captive at Batoche. Northwest Rebellion of 1884-85.
MIKAN no. 156505 | R2547-2-3-E
Charles Salyer Clapp fonds [textual record]. Fonds consists of a handwritten reminiscence of Clapp's service with "A" Company of the Midland Battalion during the Northwest Rebellion in 1885, recounting incidents during the train journey west, including the passage of the gaps in the railway around Lake Superior. There are also descriptions of the forced march of "A" and "C" Companies of the Battalion from Swift Current to Saskatchewan Landing and the descent of the South Saskatchewan River by the steamer Northcote. The manuscript ends with an account by Clapp of the Battle of Batoche. Original, 38 pages.
MIKAN no. 101502 | MG29-E103 2
Finding aid no. 5
William Thomas Wrighton fonds [textual record]. Fonds consists of letters from Color Sergeant William Thomas Wrighton to a Mr. Hewton describing the march across Lake Superior and to Battleford, the ensuing battle with the rebels at Batoche, the wounding of Sergeant Wrighton, and his subsequent recuperation at the Moose Jaw Hospital, 13 April, 12 June 1885.
MIKAN no. 101429 | MG29-E82 1
Finding aid no. 5
Harold Penryn Rusden fonds [textual record]. Fonds consists of extracts from the LONDON GAZETTE, 7 August 1885, containing despatches from Major General F. Middleton relating to engagements in the Northwest and a list of killed and wounded at Batoche, annotated by Harold Penryn Rusden, 10 pages; and handwritten accounts by Rusden of the Northwest Rebellion, consisting of "Notes on the Suppression of the Northwest Insurrection", 97 pages, "The Steamer Northcote and her work in conjunction with the column", 8 pages, and "A tough time for Scouting in the N.W.", 11 pages.
MIKAN no. 101414 | MG29-E64 1
Letter from Charles Tupper to John A. Macdonald May 15, 1885
MIKAN no. 511528
Graphic Material
Reporter's Brigade at the Riel trial. Photograph.
MIKAN no. 3233088 | Copy negative 1977-241 NPC PA-120254
Erection of a monument to the memory of the men killed in the Riel Rebellion.
MIKAN no. 867949 | RG18-B-1 1025
Finding aid no. 18-7
Souvenir Number of the Illustrated War News, being a history of Riel's Second Rebellion.
MIKAN no. 2956869 | Copy negative 19XX-XXX C-011539
Plan Of the Position At The Battle Of Batoche May 12th 1885. From a Sketch made by Messrs. Burrows and Denny of the Surveyors. Intelligence Corps. "The Canadian Pictorial & Illustrated War News. Vol. I, No. 13, Saturday, June 27, 1885" (unverified)
MIKAN no. 2945531
The Capture of Batoche. This print was published with numerical notations on the image and corresponding key to notations, all inscribed below the image. The lithograph is after sketches by Sergt. Grundy and others, according to printed inscription. Present location barcode: 2000792071, Gat. Vault 7, Bay 4, Shelf 19
MIKAN no. 2999644
Canada - Fighting in the North West, [1885]. Illustration for the front cover of Frand Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, for the week ending May 23, 1885. With text on page 223. See acc. no. 1984-207-2.
MIKAN no. 2937011 | Box A284-02 Item no. assigned by LAC 1
Louis Riel - documents and papers relating to Louis Riel and his part in the North West rebellion (includes copies of documents found on his person at the time he was captured).
MIKAN no. 879978 | RG18-B-5 2477
Finding aid no. 18-12
Prime Minister (Canada) - Series of telegrams on the subject of Riel Rebellion.
MIKAN no. 1822039 | RG25-B-1-a 124
Finding aid no. 25-71
Note to Big Bear from General Sir Fred Middleton [textual record]. Item is a note, dated 2 June 1885, from General Middleton demanding that Big Bear surrender and release his prisoners.
MIKAN no. 98287 | MG29-E23 1
North West Field Force fonds [textual record]. Fonds consists of a list of wounded in the fighting before Batoche, dated 13 May 1885, and three receipt books for supplies received from the commissary officers for delivery to supply offices at Battleford and Clark's Crossing; and brigade orders, photocopy, dated 29 March to 29 April 1885.
MIKAN no. 101426 | MG29-E75 1
Finding aid no. 5
Journal of John Tomkins [textual record (microfilm)]. Item is a microfilmed journal of John Tomkins, an Indian Agent, covering the period 20 March - 30 June, and 20 September 1885. Entries indicate discussions and battles with the Indians in the Battleford and Prince Albert areas of Saskatchewan. Other topics covered include: the issuance of food and provisions to the Indians; lists of provisions required; crop sowing; the movements of Louis Riel and General Middleton; and their own voyage to Duck Lake. This material is located on microfilm reel M-1965.
MIKAN no. 98437 | MG29-E102 M-1965
Finding aid no. 5
Diary of Lewis Wallbridge's service [textual record]. Item is a diary of Lewis Wallbridge's service with "A" Company of the Midland Battalion during the Northwest Rebellion of 1885. Wallbridge describes the train journey west, the forced march from Swift Current to Saskatchewan Landing, the voyage down the South Saskatchewan River by the steamer NORTHCOTE and the battle of Batoche as well as the marches to Prince Albert, Battleford and Frog Lake. Originals, 130 pages.
MIKAN no. 98233 | MG29-E119 2
Finding aid no. 5
Captain James Peters album 1 [photographic material]. File consists of snapshots taken by Captain James Peters, officer of 'A' Battery of the Regiment of Canadian Artillery. Personal activities of military life as well as military parades and formal activities at Quebec City. Captain Peters is known as Canada's first military photographer. Inludes a photograph of Louis Riel outside the prisoner's tent where he was held captive at Batoche. Northwest Rebellion of 1884-85.
MIKAN no. 156505 | R2547-2-3-E
Charles Salyer Clapp fonds [textual record]. Fonds consists of a handwritten reminiscence of Clapp's service with "A" Company of the Midland Battalion during the Northwest Rebellion in 1885, recounting incidents during the train journey west, including the passage of the gaps in the railway around Lake Superior. There are also descriptions of the forced march of "A" and "C" Companies of the Battalion from Swift Current to Saskatchewan Landing and the descent of the South Saskatchewan River by the steamer Northcote. The manuscript ends with an account by Clapp of the Battle of Batoche. Original, 38 pages.
MIKAN no. 101502 | MG29-E103 2
Finding aid no. 5
William Thomas Wrighton fonds [textual record]. Fonds consists of letters from Color Sergeant William Thomas Wrighton to a Mr. Hewton describing the march across Lake Superior and to Battleford, the ensuing battle with the rebels at Batoche, the wounding of Sergeant Wrighton, and his subsequent recuperation at the Moose Jaw Hospital, 13 April, 12 June 1885.
MIKAN no. 101429 | MG29-E82 1
Finding aid no. 5
Harold Penryn Rusden fonds [textual record]. Fonds consists of extracts from the LONDON GAZETTE, 7 August 1885, containing despatches from Major General F. Middleton relating to engagements in the Northwest and a list of killed and wounded at Batoche, annotated by Harold Penryn Rusden, 10 pages; and handwritten accounts by Rusden of the Northwest Rebellion, consisting of "Notes on the Suppression of the Northwest Insurrection", 97 pages, "The Steamer Northcote and her work in conjunction with the column", 8 pages, and "A tough time for Scouting in the N.W.", 11 pages.
MIKAN no. 101414 | MG29-E64 1
Letter from Charles Tupper to John A. Macdonald May 15, 1885
MIKAN no. 511528
Graphic Material
Reporter's Brigade at the Riel trial. Photograph.
MIKAN no. 3233088 | Copy negative 1977-241 NPC PA-120254
Erection of a monument to the memory of the men killed in the Riel Rebellion.
MIKAN no. 867949 | RG18-B-1 1025
Finding aid no. 18-7
Souvenir Number of the Illustrated War News, being a history of Riel's Second Rebellion.
MIKAN no. 2956869 | Copy negative 19XX-XXX C-011539
Plan Of the Position At The Battle Of Batoche May 12th 1885. From a Sketch made by Messrs. Burrows and Denny of the Surveyors. Intelligence Corps. "The Canadian Pictorial & Illustrated War News. Vol. I, No. 13, Saturday, June 27, 1885" (unverified)
MIKAN no. 2945531
The Capture of Batoche. This print was published with numerical notations on the image and corresponding key to notations, all inscribed below the image. The lithograph is after sketches by Sergt. Grundy and others, according to printed inscription. Present location barcode: 2000792071, Gat. Vault 7, Bay 4, Shelf 19
MIKAN no. 2999644
Canada - Fighting in the North West, [1885]. Illustration for the front cover of Frand Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, for the week ending May 23, 1885. With text on page 223. See acc. no. 1984-207-2.
MIKAN no. 2937011 | Box A284-02 Item no. assigned by LAC 1
Monday, February 9, 2009
Citizens and Nation, or Space and Time and Talk in Canadian History
This is the book I found this weekend in the basement of a little used book store a few blocks from the Department of History at the University of Toronto's downtown campus. The cover picture was a horrendous choice and suggests the publisher cared more about catching people on the title and the idea of Emily Carr as Nationalist Painter, but the book has little if anything to do with Carr.Instead it looks at different societies within the geographic space of Canada and, particularly, how they communicate in mundane, economic, cultural, and wider discourse. It's a bit simplistic (which might be an understatement) at times, but it is effective in debasing the idea that Canadian history is that of Reformers and Tories.
I'll talk more about it tomorrow, but it's emphasis is on communication and how it changes and is used differently by different culture groups--and ultimately how different forms merge in the hybrid spaces (and sometimes bodies) that have occurred in Canada. Friesen also challenges standard, European, conceptions of time and space.
This latter point might be something to think about as, Friesen argues, ideas of time and space help to define what is communicated and how that occurs in social contexts. He doesn't quite get into questions of power, but it is definitely implied (or read in to the text on my part).
Another way of thinking of the question is through the idea of "movable knowledge,"** which generally refers to turning information into material (or electronic) form and transmitting it through space and time to somewhere and, effectively, sometime else. Technology, as well as cultural ideas regarding space and time, is an important but not necessarily dominant factor.
The question is translating this way of thinking into the language of the target audience and the sense of urgency required of us. I think it's doable, and it will also allow us to frame the topic in a more unconvential and edgy, and I hope intriguing, light.
More tomorrow (and hopefully I'll have a chance to read more--I've only read the first part so far!)
**This is, as far as I know, a term coined by French science studies thinker Bruno Latour, or one of his translators. It came up in one of the most interesting papers from the conference last weekend.
School Maps
This map is from either David Duncan's (of Manitoba) 1905 History of the Canadian People, authorized for use in the Western Provinces during the early decades of the 20th Century and in Ontario until 1910, or from the 1910 rip off of Duncan's book cleverly titled The Ontario Public School History of Canada, authorized for use in this province into the early 1920s.
The simplicity of this map is intentional, but I won't get into the pedagogy, ect, here.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The Hanging of Luis Riel
http://metis.tripod.com/Louis.html
The Hanging of Louis Riel
In 1885, front page headlines across Canada, The news stories reported on one of the most important events in the history of Canada, the execution of Louis Riel. At the time of the execution many newspapers across Canada printed accounts and reactions to the hanging of Riel.
At the time, The Manitoba Daily Free Press located in Winnipeg printed a total of 12 separate stories on the execution. In the March 16, 1997 issue of the The Winnipeg Free Press, these original stories were reprinted.
http://metis.tripod.com/
MDumont.html
Michel Dumonts Report
St. Vincent, Minn, Nov 16. Michel Dumont, half brother to Gabriel, arrived at St. Vincent yesterday, and went to Neche today expecting his family. He says there is no question of RielÕs insanity even at the time of the rebellion, that they know of his intention to surrender at Batoche, and that they searched three hours for him before leaving intending to tie him on a horse and take him with them to Montana.
Photo of Gabriel Dumont brother of Michel Dumont
http://metis.tripod.com/The_interview.html
An Interview - Toronto, Nov. 10,1885
The Globe this morning containing a telegram from its Regina correspondent giving what is declared to be a bona fide interview with Riel. After referring to the reasons which led him to cross the line, he said, When I was asked to come from Montana the half-breeds wanted me to petition, and I did so, and an answer resulted in an increase of police. I had no protection at all, and reports and threats came from all quarters about me, and agitation was considered a thing out of place by many in Saskatchewan, and the Government began having special constables at all meetings. The police are out of place. If they would give us our rights instead of keeping guard over us, men so employed could be kept to much better purpose in developing the country.
I wish the Dominion Government would book one seventh of our land and compute that as capital and give us for the present what interest they could on that capital, and as the country became more prosperous increase that interest, still retaining the capital. He then wandered off on the subject of Divine mission, and said, Since December 8, 1875, the year I was banished, God has appointed me his prophet, and all my points are as clear as water of the purest fountain. With the many interests bound against us it was impossible man should succeed, and I was praying day and might that God would grant me mercy and help men in my extremity. Before consenting to the invitation I told them to give me six hours for prayer and confession, and next morning, with Gabriel Dumont and Michael Dumais, went to confession and received communion. When twenty-four hours had expired, God showed me what good I would be doing the country. In the Gospel it is said: From him that asketh thee turn not against. They wanted to borrow my help, and I thought it not christianlike for me to refuse to give it. The first difficulty arose a Duck Lake, where Major Crozier came with cannons to fetch oats from our settlement. If he was justified in using cannon to fetch oats, why were we not justified in using small guns in defending our lands.
The parish of St. Louis de Langevin had been completely sold with the property of twenty-four families, and they could not get even an appearance of a title, and chapel, priests house, all ground, and everything were taken away, and this only is an instance of the injustice under which we labored. Then followed some revelations, after which the guard notified me that my time had expired. As I turned to go away Riel said: I want to tell you one thing more; last night I had a vision and way the bucket, but did not kick it. It was another man who kicked it. I think it was Langevin. This was symbolical of his belief that he would not hang.
http://metis.tripod.com/another_account.html
Another Account - Regina, N.W.T. , Nov. 16
Louis David Riel was executed on the scaffold at the barracks of the Mounted Police, for high treason against the Queen of Great Britain, at 8:23 0 clock. The same extraordinary precaution against the possible escape of Riel or intrusion into the barracks by unauthorized persons, was observed again this morning. At a mile from the barracks mounted patrols challenged all persons and compelled them to disclose written passes. Two other lines of guards were stationed at points nearer the posts. Here the same precautions were observed. No one was permitted to enter the guard room until 8:12 O clock. The scene presented there was Riel on the scaffold with Pere Andre and Father McWilliam with him celebrating mass, Riel on bended knees, wearing a loose woollen surtout, gray trousers and woollen shirt. On his feet were moccasins, the only feature of his dress that partook of the Indian that was in him. He received the notice to proceed to the scaffold in the same composed manner shown the preceding night on receiving warning of his fate. His face was full of color, and he appeared to have complete self-possession, responding to the service in a clear tone. The prisoner decided only a moment before starting to the scaffold not to make a speech. This owing to the earnest solicitation of both priests attending him. He displayed an inclination at the last moment to make an address, but Pere Andre reminded him of his promise, and he then arose and walked toward the executioner, repeating prayers to the last moment. The final words escaping him being Mercie Jesus. He died without a struggle. Not to exceed twenty persons were admitted within the confines of the barracks to witness the execution.
Before the Execution - Regina Nov.16
Riel has been confined in the guard room of the Mounted Police barracks, whose headquarters post is located on the open prairie, three miles west of the city, ever since the conclusion of his trial here in the month of July. The leader of the Metis in their second revolt against the authority of the Canadian Government has been kept under the closest surveillance by the force stationed here. Ever since the denial of the Imperial Council of Great Britain to overturn the verdict rendered against him, capionage has been more strict than before, both to guard against the escape of their state prisoner and to prevent any attempt at rescue which might be made by his countrymen in Canada or over the American border. Ninety men were told off for this duty, on Saturday might and last night even this number was increased, videttas occupying commanding points a mile from the barracks and a double cordon about the camp proper.
The prison of Riel is a long wooden structure, one story in height, with long slanting roof and small windows under the eaves, grated with iron. The two reliefs of the guard occupied the rooms in the front portion of the building, while six sentinels paced up and down continuously outside the structure. Another sentinel paced in front of the cell of the condemned half-breed and the precautions extended as far that the officer of the guard was compelled to visit and certify that he had visited his prisoner each quarter hour. Never was a captive more zealously guarded, and possibly never was a captive during the full period of his imprisonment less in need of watchmen in his outward department. Whatever his character may have been in the field as a martial leader of his countrymen, in prison he has fallen little short of a religieux. His time has been devoted assiduously to prayer. Even when given his constitutional on the open ground adjoining the guard-room for an hour each morning, he has paced back and forth with his hands clasped together in front, his head bowed with prayers issuing from his lips, voiced in either the French or Indian Cree tongue. Soon after his capture by the Canadian troops he professed to throw off his allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church and took the guise of a prophet, claiming to see various and foretelling events. latterly, as his fate seemed more surely sealed, he has sought comfort again of his original faith, and his constant and almost only companion for the past two weeks has been Pere Andre, from Prince Albert, close to the scene of the recent rebellion. The churchmanÕs visits have been paid twice daily, and in his absence Riel was frequently kneeling at his couch in prayer.
The remainder of his time has been spent in writing out predictions of the future and a defence of his conduct in leading the half-breeds twice to war. These papers have all bee entrusted to Pere Andre, and will doubtless be produced at some time in the future, although the prelate refuses what his credentials, was permitted to surrender them now. No one, no matter what his credentials, were permitted to passed through the guard room to see the prisoner in his cell, and the immediate friends of the condemned man even did not see him, though no restriction was placed upon them. He received a few days ago a letter from his aged mother which affected him visibly, but at no other time during his confinement did he show any signs of the weakness which was imputed to him after his capture by the Canadian scouts.
The strict privacy of the prisoner was broken down for the first time yesterday when the representative of the associated press was permitted to visit the prisoner in company of the sheriff and the commandant of the mounted police. This was on the occasion of the formal announcement that his death warrant had arrived, The charm of the rebels manner was undeniable. He anticipated what the sheriff would say in his own greeting: Well, you have come with the great announcement. I am glad. He spoke slowly, but very distinctly, looking at the Sheriff with resolute eye and without a tinge of braggadocio. He rallied the Sheriff when the latter suggested that he should not speak too long. You think I will speak too long; that I will be unnerved. Oh, no At the last moment I will be firm, There was a trace of the French patois in his accent which did not lessen the charm of his speech. His beard was dark brown, neatly trimmed, and his hair was brushed back from his high forehead with a tendency to curl in contrast to the straight hair of his Indian progenitors. His nose was slightly Roman, and his skin dark but not swarthy. Looking at him and witnessing his manner it was easy to discern the influence he had with his people.
His address was that of a skilled courtier, and his college training had never deserted him in the perfection and grace of his speech, all the more remarkable in contrast with that of his followers. While it has been charged that he showed a lack of spirit on the battle field or in the presence of danger, no one would urge it against him in witnessing the non-chalance in his bearing and the suavity of his speech in acknowledging the fiat of his doom. The stoicism lent by the savage strain in his blood, it would be conceded stood him in good stead as he made his final plea, that he was urged on in his career by the motive of a patriot. I have only the, (striking his breast) to leave: and this I tendered to my country fifteen years ago, am willing to give now.Ó Beyond the prelate who wisited him it was the fate of Riel that there were none of his former companions, either from political or personal fear, that found their way to his cell, and beyond the announcement of the results of the various stages of his trial he had no knowledge of passing events or criticism passed upon his career. His concluding hours were passed in the sole company of his spiritual adviser, who performed masses for hime during the early portion of the night. Riel then lay down and appeared to sleep soundly, awaking at an early hour, and again resuming his devotions.
http://metis.tripod.com/Chronology.html
Chronology of Riels Life
The chronology of RielÕs life, up to the time of the rebellion, is as follows:
1847 - Born at St. Boniface
1853 - First attends school at St. Boniface town hall
1856 - Goes to Montreal and attends the Jesuit college
1866 - Returns to his home in Manitoba
1867 - Clerk in a store in St. Paul, Minnesota
1868 - Returns home and becomes a farmer in St. Vital
1869 - July 29 - First meeting of half-breeds and others at court house, St. Boniface to demand a portion of the money the Hudsons Bay Company was to receive from Canada
Oct 19 - Hon. William Macdougall warned not to enter the Northwest
Oct 20 - Riels followers assemble on the banks of the River Salle to oppose McDougalls advance
Oct 20 - McDougall retreats across the lines to Pembina
Nov 3 - The insurgents take possession of Fort Garry
Nov 16, 17 - Meeting of 24 deputies at St. Boniface to arrange a programme in Riels interest
Dec 1 - Mr. McDougall issues a proclamation against the rebels
Dec 6 - A Government proclamation of amnesty granted
Dec 7 - Dr. Schultz and forty-four Canadians captured and imprisoned by Riels force.
Dec 8 - Riels Provisional Government formed
1870
Jan 7 - Archbishop Tache asked to mediate by the Government of Canada
Jan 11 - The Archbishop agrees to do so
Feb 14 to 16 - Major Boulton attempts to organize a force to march against Riel. Sir John Macdonald authorizes Archbishop Tache to proclaim a general amnesty, and to assure the insurgents the Canadian Government would stand between them and all harm
Feb 17 - Major Boulton and 47 others captured and imprisoned by Riel
Mar 4 - Archbishop Tache arrives at Red River and in a letter written June 9, states that he promised, in the name of Imperial and Canadian Governments, both to the insurgents generally and to Riel and Lepine in particular, a full amnesty for every breach of the law of which they had been guilty, including the murder of Scott.
Mar 11 - Archbishop Tache meets Riel and Lepine and others, and promises them an amnesty in the name of the Governor-General
Mar 24 - Father Ritchot, Judge Black, and Mr. A. Scott start for Ottawa as delegates to present the claims of the Provisional Government to the Dominion authorities
April 11 - They arrive at Ottawa
June 17 - They return to Fort Garry, and Father Ritchot assures Archbishop Tache that a full and complete amnesty was promised by the Governor-General and Sir Clinton Murdoch in the name of the Queen
June 24 - The Red River delegates make their report to the representatives of the river settlement and the Provisional Government notifies the Secretary of State that the people of the settlement agree to enter into the Canadian Confederation
July 12 - Sir George E. Cartier, in a letter to Archbishop Tache, corroborates Father Ritchots statements regarding the amnesty promised
Aug 24 - Arrival of WolseleyÕs force at Fort Garry
Oct 3 - Proclamation issued by Lieutenant-Governor Archibald asking for volunteers to serve against the Fenians
Oct 4 - Meeting at St. Vital, at which Riel urges his friends to aid the Government against the Fenians
Oct 7 - Lieutenant-Governor Archibald receives a letter from Riel and Lepine and Parenteau announcing the organization of several companies of Metis for service against the Fenians, and containing assurances of loyalty
Oct 8 - The Lieutenant-Governor accepts the proffered assistance, and, through his Secretary of State, addresses Riel and Lepine an official reply, complimenting them on the loyalty they had shown and the assistance they had rendered. He also reviewed the troops under Riel and Lepine and their companions, and publicly shook hands with them. In his communication to Sir John Macdonald on the subject, he said, If the Dominion has at this moment a province to defend and not one to conquer, they owe it to the policy of forbearance. If I had driven the French half-breeds into the hands of the enemy, O Donohue would have been joined by all the population between the Assiniboine and the frontier. Fort Garry would have passed into the hands of an armed mob, and the English settlers to the north of the Assiniboine would have suffered horrors it makes me shudder to contemplate.
Dec 27 - Sir John Macdonald, sends a private and confidential communication to Archbishop Tache, announcing that her has made an arrangement regarding Riel, and enclosing a sight draft on the Bank of Montreal for $1,000 to aid him in leaving the country.
1872
Jan 1 - Archbishop Tache consults with Riel and Lepine, and they are finally prevailed upon to leave the country on condition that they are furnished with $1,600 each.
Jan 1 - At the suggestion of Lieutenant-Governor Archibald, Donald A. Smith advanced 600 pounds to be added to the $1,000 provided by Sir John Macdonald, the understanding being, that Mr. Smith was to be reimbursed by the Dominion Government.
Feb - Riel and Lepine leave the Northwest by private conveyance, Mr. Plainval, chief police, sending several of his men with them to protect them in case of danger.
Sept 14 - Riel declines the nomination for the House of Commons for Provencher in favor of Sir George Cartier.
1873
June 4 - the Imperial Government is asked by order-in-council, approved by Lord Dufferin, to deal with the question of amnesty for Riel and his associates.
July 24 - Lord Kimberly, Secretary of State for the Colonies, reports the Imperial authorities willing to do so.
Oct - Riel is returned for Provencher by acclamation
1874
Jan 22 - Riel is again returned for Provencher
Mar 28, 29 or 30 - He signs the roll in the Clerks room, House of Commons.
April 16 - He is expelled from the House by a vote of 124 to 68
Sept 3 - He is again elected for Provencher
Oct 10 - Lepine is capitally convicted of the murder of Scott at the Winnipeg assizes
Oct 15 - A warrant of outlawry is issued by the Court of QueenÕs Bench of Manitoba against Riel
Dec 10 - Lord Dufferin sends a dispatch to Earl Carnavon, Secretary of State for the Colonies, reviewing at length the circumstances which were urged as entitling Riel and Lepine to clemency, placing special stress upon Lieutenant-Governor Archibalds acceptance of their services on the occasion of the threatened Fenian invasion, and the public expression of confidence and thanks tendered them by the representative of the Crown in Manitoba. In reference to the commutation of LepineÕs sentence he said: This commutation, when the proper time arrives, I propose to order on my own responsibility, under the powers accorded to me by my instruments.
1875
Jan 14 - Earl Carnarvon, in a dispatch to Lord Dufferin, states that in LepineÕs case neither amnesty nor entire pardon is possible, but that his sentence should be commuted, that Riel should have similar punishment, and that both should be politically disqualified.
Jan 15 - LepineÕs sentence is commuted to two years imprisonment and forfeiture of his political rights.
Jan 26 - Lord Carnarvon cables Lord Dufferin: I fully approve the course taken by you in LepineÕs case.
Feb 12 - Amnesty granted to Riel and Lepine on condition of five years banishment and forfeiture of political rights, and in fulfilment of pledges made by Sir John Macdonald and his Cabinet to Archbishop Tache and the Red River delegates, and of those of Lieutenant-Governor Archibald to Riel, Lepine and his associates.
1877 - Riel spends several months in Beauport Asylum, Quebec
1878 - Riel engages at farming at St. Joe, Minn.
1879 - He removes to the Sun River settlement, Montana, and takes a situation as teacher in an industrial school.
1981 - He marries a half-breed named Marguerite Bellimeure, daughter of Jean Baptiste Bellimeure, of Fort Ellice.
1884 - Returns to Saskatchewan
1885 - Engages in the resistance in Saskatchewan
News in the East
http://metis.tripod.com/News_East1.html
News in the East
Montreal - Nov. 16
The city council this afternoon adopted a resolution to adjourn Ò as a protest against the odious violation of the laws of justice and humanity in the execution of Riel.Ó Portraits of Riel, Hon. Mr. Chapleau, and Col. Ouimet were exposed in windows on St. James street and an excited crowd kept the sidewalk blocked all day. RielÕs picture was framed with Crape, and had a French flag for a background. The other two portraits were prostrate, and each had a drop of red sealing wax on the forehead to represent drops of RielÕs blood. Underneath these pictures were French inscriptions signifying Òtraitor,Ó Òhangman,Ó etc. There is a movement on foot to have requiem masses celebrated in all the Catholic churches throughout the Province next Monday for the repose of RielÕs soul. About 400 students started from Victoria University tonight to parade through the city. When they had reached the Camp de Mars their numbers had been augmented by a following variously estimated at from 5,000 to 10,000 persons. The paraders carried French flags, transparencies and effigies of Sir John Macdonald, Sir Hector Langevin, Hon L. A. Chaleau, Hon, Mr. Caron. Hon. Mr. ChapleauÕs and Sir HectorÕs effigies were burned in the Champ de Mars, where a number of shots were exchanged between the paraders and the police. No one, however, was hurt. An effigy of Sir A. P. Caron was burning at Dominion Square tonight, and after proceeding to the Champ de Mars the mob went to Col. OuimetÕs house, were the Colonel;s effigy was burned. Mayor Beaugrand appeared at the doorway and asked the crowd to go home. the crowd then placed a smallpox placard on the ColonelÕs front door and departed for their homes.
Ferment in Quebec, Nov. 16.
The excitement here is almost beyond all restraint. A flag was hoisted at half mast upon the ÒCanadianÓ office, and some English speaking citizens, who felt aggrieved at this, came near being roughly handled. Flags decked with mourning emblems are also displayed, and many men have crape on their hats and around their sleeves. It would be hard to tell what the result will be. Tonight 200 or 300 students with their friends have been marching through the streets shouting ÒGlory to Riel,Ó and cursing the Orangemen. Crowds are gathered near Sir Hector LangevinÕs house in St. Louis Street, and it is feared that they intend mischief in that quarter. the police, however, are patrolling in large numbers. Handbills have been distributed to all passers-by calling on them to meet tonight. these bills are headed in large letter, and read as follows: ÒRiel Hanged. (Infamie Consomme) The triumph of Orangemen over Catholics and French Canadians. There will be this evening at Jacques Cartier marketplace, a meeting of the French Canadians, of the city of Quebec, to protest against the terrible murder committed this morning by Sir John Macdonald, Sir Hector Langevin, Sir A.P. Caron, and Hon. Mr. Chapleau. Let everyone be at his post tonight.Ó
The bill, appearing, as it did when the people were almost beside themselves, nothing but roaring and imprecatious against the Orangemen have been ÒspattedÓ and are likely to feel the result of tonightÕs demonstration. The uneasiness felt has been intensified by the news that Major Langelier left the city this morning on professional business and that it will be impossible for him to return tonight except by special train. It is believed he has left someone to act in his place in case of a riot. ÒBÓ battery and other soldiers on garrison duty in the citadel have not been allowed out all day, and are held in readiness for any emergency. Three scaffolds have been erected in St. Rochs, and effigies are to be hoisted and burned and each mock execution accompanied by a stirring national speech which will undoubtedly stir the already kindled enthusiasm of the populace and cause a riot. A meeting of the St. Jean Baptiste Society was held this afternoon an a resolution passed ordering the president to have their national flag draped in mourning and hoisted at half-mast for eight days. It is stated that Mr. Morrisette, who was to have been married this morning, postponed his marriage on account of the execution of Riel. For this he is loudly applauded by some of the French evening papers. LÕElecteur, the Liberal organ, appears tonight draped in mourning and all its articles are most stirring. all its columns are devoted to the Riel matter, and it calls upon French Canadians not to forget the martyr who was murdered for the French cause. The story that the 8th Battalion had been ordered under arms is contradicted. It is believed that if that battalion was called out great disturbance would be caused, as it is almost entirely composed of English-speaking residents.
Toronto, Nov. 16
By 9 oÕclock this morning crowds began to gather about the various newspaper offices, eagerly waiting for news of RielÕs execution. Even then doubts were freely expressed that the execution would take place, and bets were made. One man wagered $200 even that the prisoner would not be hanged. When the news was received that Riel had expatiated his crimes on the scaffold the crowds after perusing the bulletin boards quietly dispersed. The excitement here over Riel quickly subsided after it became known that he had been executed. The courage displayed by Riel on the scaffold was admired, but no expression of pity could be heard at his fate.
Ottawa, Nov. 16
The news of RielÕs death was at first received quietly here. The Protestant Conservatives were considerably elated, however, over what they term their triumph. A large number of them waited on the Premier and Hon. Mackenzie Bowell, Minister of Customs, congratulating them on the carrying out of the sentence of the court. Among the French Canadians, who are in a large minority here, there is a deep feeling of displeasure.
Belleville, Nov. 16
There is no excitement over the hanging of Riel. Small knots of people gathered around the bulletin board, but the only opinion expressed was that of satisfaction that the sentence has been carried out.
Halifax, Nov. 16
The execution of Riel caused little excitement here, although Halifax sent a battalion to the front during the rebellion.
News in the East
Montreal - Nov. 16
The city council this afternoon adopted a resolution to adjourn Ò as a protest against the odious violation of the laws of justice and humanity in the execution of Riel.Ó Portraits of Riel, Hon. Mr. Chapleau, and Col. Ouimet were exposed in windows on St. James street and an excited crowd kept the sidewalk blocked all day. RielÕs picture was framed with Crape, and had a French flag for a background. The other two portraits were prostrate, and each had a drop of red sealing wax on the forehead to represent drops of RielÕs blood. Underneath these pictures were French inscriptions signifying Òtraitor,Ó Òhangman,Ó etc. There is a movement on foot to have requiem masses celebrated in all the Catholic churches throughout the Province next Monday for the repose of RielÕs soul. About 400 students started from Victoria University tonight to parade through the city. When they had reached the Camp de Mars their numbers had been augmented by a following variously estimated at from 5,000 to 10,000 persons. The paraders carried French flags, transparencies and effigies of Sir John Macdonald, Sir Hector Langevin, Hon L. A. Chaleau, Hon, Mr. Caron. Hon. Mr. ChapleauÕs and Sir HectorÕs effigies were burned in the Champ de Mars, where a number of shots were exchanged between the paraders and the police. No one, however, was hurt. An effigy of Sir A. P. Caron was burning at Dominion Square tonight, and after proceeding to the Champ de Mars the mob went to Col. OuimetÕs house, were the Colonel;s effigy was burned. Mayor Beaugrand appeared at the doorway and asked the crowd to go home. the crowd then placed a smallpox placard on the ColonelÕs front door and departed for their homes.
Ferment in Quebec, Nov. 16.
The excitement here is almost beyond all restraint. A flag was hoisted at half mast upon the ÒCanadianÓ office, and some English speaking citizens, who felt aggrieved at this, came near being roughly handled. Flags decked with mourning emblems are also displayed, and many men have crape on their hats and around their sleeves. It would be hard to tell what the result will be. Tonight 200 or 300 students with their friends have been marching through the streets shouting ÒGlory to Riel,Ó and cursing the Orangemen. Crowds are gathered near Sir Hector LangevinÕs house in St. Louis Street, and it is feared that they intend mischief in that quarter. the police, however, are patrolling in large numbers. Handbills have been distributed to all passers-by calling on them to meet tonight. these bills are headed in large letter, and read as follows: ÒRiel Hanged. (Infamie Consomme) The triumph of Orangemen over Catholics and French Canadians. There will be this evening at Jacques Cartier marketplace, a meeting of the French Canadians, of the city of Quebec, to protest against the terrible murder committed this morning by Sir John Macdonald, Sir Hector Langevin, Sir A.P. Caron, and Hon. Mr. Chapleau. Let everyone be at his post tonight.Ó
The bill, appearing, as it did when the people were almost beside themselves, nothing but roaring and imprecatious against the Orangemen have been ÒspattedÓ and are likely to feel the result of tonightÕs demonstration. The uneasiness felt has been intensified by the news that Major Langelier left the city this morning on professional business and that it will be impossible for him to return tonight except by special train. It is believed he has left someone to act in his place in case of a riot. ÒBÓ battery and other soldiers on garrison duty in the citadel have not been allowed out all day, and are held in readiness for any emergency. Three scaffolds have been erected in St. Rochs, and effigies are to be hoisted and burned and each mock execution accompanied by a stirring national speech which will undoubtedly stir the already kindled enthusiasm of the populace and cause a riot. A meeting of the St. Jean Baptiste Society was held this afternoon an a resolution passed ordering the president to have their national flag draped in mourning and hoisted at half-mast for eight days. It is stated that Mr. Morrisette, who was to have been married this morning, postponed his marriage on account of the execution of Riel. For this he is loudly applauded by some of the French evening papers. LÕElecteur, the Liberal organ, appears tonight draped in mourning and all its articles are most stirring. all its columns are devoted to the Riel matter, and it calls upon French Canadians not to forget the martyr who was murdered for the French cause. The story that the 8th Battalion had been ordered under arms is contradicted. It is believed that if that battalion was called out great disturbance would be caused, as it is almost entirely composed of English-speaking residents.
Toronto, Nov. 16
By 9 oÕclock this morning crowds began to gather about the various newspaper offices, eagerly waiting for news of RielÕs execution. Even then doubts were freely expressed that the execution would take place, and bets were made. One man wagered $200 even that the prisoner would not be hanged. When the news was received that Riel had expatiated his crimes on the scaffold the crowds after perusing the bulletin boards quietly dispersed. The excitement here over Riel quickly subsided after it became known that he had been executed. The courage displayed by Riel on the scaffold was admired, but no expression of pity could be heard at his fate.
Ottawa, Nov. 16
The news of RielÕs death was at first received quietly here. The Protestant Conservatives were considerably elated, however, over what they term their triumph. A large number of them waited on the Premier and Hon. Mackenzie Bowell, Minister of Customs, congratulating them on the carrying out of the sentence of the court. Among the French Canadians, who are in a large minority here, there is a deep feeling of displeasure.
Belleville, Nov. 16
There is no excitement over the hanging of Riel. Small knots of people gathered around the bulletin board, but the only opinion expressed was that of satisfaction that the sentence has been carried out.
Halifax, Nov. 16
The execution of Riel caused little excitement here, although Halifax sent a battalion to the front during the rebellion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)