Baronia anglica concentrata, or, A concentrated account of all the baronies commonly called baronies in fee

“The pages of this work are … compiled to show the origin of every barony, from its first commencement by writ of summons to parliament, to the time it became (as presumed) extinct, or terminated in an heir general in dormancy; or in coheirs general in abeyance between them; accompanied with such remarks as appear explanatory of their course of descent.”

“Heralds and critics, that abusive throng; May as they please, speak of me right or wrong; Their praise will never give me any pride, Their spite, I heed not, and their snarls deride.”

“In the Appendix to the second volume is an account of the first settlement of the Scots in Nova Scotia, the occupation of the country by them, and the institution of the Order of Knights Baronets therein. No similar account has ever before been published; and, indeed, the several writers who have attempted to show the said first settlement, have made most erroneous representations in asserting that Sir William Alexander, after his grant from the crown, ever sold the country to the French, and that king Charles I, by the treaty of St. Germains, ceded it to them. The contrary of all this will be substantiated by the Documents herein set forth.”


“After this institution, and not long before his death, king James formed the idea of founding a similar order of rank for his Scottish subjects; and inasmuch as the one just mentioned, was for the security and defence of the kingdom of Ireland, and for encouraging persons of ambition, wealth, and consideration to make settlement therein, so the institution of Nova Scotia; baronets was intended for the advancing the plantation of that district of country in America, which he had recently annexed to his kingdom of Scotland, and for establishing a colony there, to the aid of which these knights were designed. His majesty, by charter dated at Windsor the 10th day of September, 1621, made a grant to Sir William Alexander, of Menstrie, knight, his favorite counsellor and secretary of state for Scotland, of a certain extent of territory in America, contained within particular boundaries recited in a copy of the said charter, set forth in No. I. of the appendix hereto attached, which territory in all time therefrom, and thence ensuing, was to be denominated Nova Scotia; and annexed to his majesty’s kingdom of Scotland; the said name being given in contradistinction to that other territory of country, which had theretofore been granted by special charter (situate also in America), to certain persons incorporated by the name of the Plymouth company, and which territory was then designated new England.

King James having deceased shortly after this grant to Sir William Alexander—and his son Charles having succeeded to the throne, he was pleased to carry out the intententions of his royal father; and for that purpose, by another charter, called de Novo Damus, dated at Oatlands, the 12th day of July, 1625, re-gave and confirmed to Sir William Alexander, his heirs and assignees all the said territory of Nova Scotia;, to be enjoyed by him and them in full regality, hereditarily for ever; with very special previleges, rights, and immunities, as detailed in a copy of the charter printed in No. 2, of the appendix hereto.

And Sir William had seisin under the said charter given to him at the castle of Edinburgh, soon after, as therein mentioned No. 15. and ordained. On reference to the first charter, in 1611, it will appear that notice is therein made of the knights baronets of Nova Scotia; but in the subsequent charter of Nova Scotia, in 1625, they will be found particularly alluded to; and that the groundwork of the by agreeing with Sir William Alexander, for a certain district of land in that country, to be erected into a barony, to be holden either of Sir William, or of the king, as might be agreed on by the party; and having thus qualified, a patent of creation should be then passed free of any compensation to be made by the said baronet, for the obtainment thereof from the crown: for this purpose the charter thus recites, viz.:

“And that men of honorable birth may be incited to the undertaking of that expedition, and the settling of planters in the said lands, We for us and our heirs and successors, with advice and consent aforesaid, in virtue of our present charter, give and grant free and full power to the said Sir William Alexander, and his foresaids, of conferring favors, privileges, offices, and honours on the deserving, with plenary power of disponing and overgiving to them, or any of them, who shall happen to make the aforesaid agreements or contracts for the said lands, with him, Sir William, and his aforesaids, under his subscription, or theirs, and their seal, any portion or portions of the said lands, &c., as to him shall seem fit, &c.”

Further, the charter recites, viz. : “Therefore that this our present charter, may be more effectual, and that seisin thereupon may be more conveniently taken, it is necessary that seisin of all and sundry the aforesaid lands, of the said country and lordship of Nova Scotia; be taken within our said kingdom of Scotland, and on the grounds and lands of the same in the most eminent place thereof, which can neither conveniently nor lawfully be done without an express union of the said country and lordship of Nova Scotia; to the said kingdom of Scotland. Wherefore for the advantage and readier convenience of the aforesaid seisin, we with the advice aforesaid, have annexed, united and incorporated, and by our present charter, unite, annex, and incorporate with our said kingdom of Scotland, all and sundry the aforesaid country and lordship of Nova Scotia;, with the teinds and teind sheaves thereof included, and all and sundry parts, purtinents, privileges, jurisdictions, and liberties of the same, and others generally, and specially above mentioned; and by our present charter, will, declare, decern, and ordain, that one seisin now to be taken at our castle of Edinburgh, as the most eminent and principal place of our said kingdom of Scotland, of all and sundry the said lands, country, and lordship of Nova Scotia;, or any part of the same, with the teinds and teind sheaves thereof included, respectively, is, and shall be sufficient seisin for all and whole the aforesaid lands, country, and lordship of Nova Scotia;, notwithstanding the said lands, country, and lordship of Nova Scotia; are far distant, and lie discontiguous from our said kingdom of Scotland, as to which, we, with advice and consent aforesaid have dispensed, and by our present charter for ever dispense, without prejudice and derogation always to the said privilege and prerogative granted to the aforesaid Sir William Alexander, and his heirs, and assignees, of making and establishing laws, acts, and statutes concerning all and sundry the aforesaid lands, country, and lordship of Nova Scotia;, as well by sea as by land; and by our present charter we declare, that notwithstanding the said union, which is declared to be granted solely for the advantage and convenience of seisin, the said country and lordship of Nova Scotia; shall be judged, ruled, and governed by the laws, and statutes made, and to be made, constituted and established, by the said Sir William Alexander, and his heirs and assignees, relating to the said country and lordship of Nova Scotia;, in like manner, and as freely in that respect as if the said union had never been made, or hitherto granted.”

“And further, notwithstanding the aforesaid union, it shall be lawful to the aforesaid Sir William Alexander and his heirs, and assignees, to give, grant, and dispone any parts, or portions of the said lands, country, and lordship of Nova Scotia;, heritably belonging to them, to and in favour of whatsoever persons, their heirs and assignees, heritably, with the teinds, and teind sheaves thereof included (provided they are our subjects) to be holden of the said Sir William Alexander, or of us, and our successors, either in blench farm, fee farm, or in ward and relief, at their pleasure, and to intitle and denominate the said parts and portions by whatsoever stiles, titles, and designations shall seem to them fit, or be in the will and option of the said Sir William Alexander and his aforesaids, which infeftments and dispositions shall be approved and confirmed by us, or our successors, freely, without any composition to be made therefor. ”

“Moreover we and our Successors shall receive whatsoever resignations shall be made by the said Sir William Alexander, and his heirs and assignees, of all and whole the aforesaid Lands and Lordship of Nova Scotia;, or of any part thereof in our hands and (those) of our successors, and commissioners aforesaid, with the teinds and teind sheaves thereof included, and others generally and specially above mentioned, to and in favour of whatsoever person or persons (provided they are our subjects, and live under our obedience) and they shall pass infeftments thereon, to be holden in free blench farm of us, our heirs and successors, in manner above mentioned, freely without any composition.”

“Further we for us, and our successors, with advice aforesaid, have given, granted, ratified, and confirmed, and by our present charter, give, grant, ratify, and confirm to the said Sir William Alexander, and his heirs and assignees, all places, privileges, prerogatives, preeminences, and precedencies whatsoever, given, granted, and reserved to the said Sir William Alexander, and his heirs and assignees, and his successors, lieutenants of the said country, and lordship of Nova Scotia;, on behalf of the Knights Baronets, and remanent portioners, and associates of the said plantation, so as the said Sir William Alexander, and his heirs male descending of his body, as lieutenants aforesaid, shall and may take place, prerogative, preeminence, and precedence, as well before all Esquires, Lairds, and Gentlemen of our said kingdom of Scotland, as before all the aforesaid Knights Baronets of our said kingdom, and all others, before whom the said Knights Baronets in virtue of the privilege granted to them, can have place and precedency, for the advancement of which plantation and colony of Nova Scotia;, and in respect of it, especially the said Knights Baronets were, with advice aforesaid, created in our said kingdom of Scotland, with their state and dignity, as a special token of our favour conferred upon such gentlemen, and honourably born persons, portioners of the aforesaid plantation and colony; with this express provision always, that the number of the aforesaid never exceed one hundred and fifty.”

Thus far the charter, under which the Nova Scotia; Baronets were primarily created, and grants of lands conceded to be made to them, to constitute their respective qualifications, and to enable them to further out the intention of colonizing the plantation, and of sustaining their title and dignity. The repugnance to recognise the order, may account for the few persons who came forward to accept of it; so that Sir William Alexander was left chiefly to his own means, and the king’s countenance, to carry on his undertaking: In 1629, however, Sir William had so far succeeded, as to have a thriving colony in Nova Scotia;, and his eldest son and heir apparent, Sir William Alexander, had gone there as his lieutenant. This being the case, his majesty king Charles, to give stronger encouragement to persons of honour and character to join their assistance; and also to render the dignity of baronet more inviting to seek, was pleased to confer upon the order the special distinction, that the said baronets and their heirs male, should thenceforth wear, and carry about their necks, an orange tawny silk ribbon, whereon shall hang pendant in an Escutcheon Argent, a Saltier Azure, thereon, an Escutcheon of the Arms of Scotland, with an imperial crown above the Escutcheon and encircled with this motto, “Fax mentis honeste gloria.”

It is here to be observed that the right of creating the baronets, did not rest in the king, but in his grantee, Sir William Alexander,—the institution of them was not like a peerage flowing from the grace of the crown for the mere purpose of conferring honour; but it was specially erected to carry into effect a particular object, which object was made a stipulation to give an interest to the baronet thereupon created, to promote it;—thus the king having granted away the whole country of Nova Scotia; had divested himself of the lands and territories comprehended in his charter, and this charter was confirmed (as before mentioned) by the parliament of Scotland, his majesty himself being present therein.”

Banks, T. C. (Thomas Christopher), 1765-1854. Baronia Anglica Concentrata, Or, A Concentrated Account of All the Baronies Commonly Called Baronies In Fee: Deriving Their Origin From Writ of Summons, And Not From Any Specific Limited Creation, Shewing the Descent And Line of Heirship As Well of Those Families Mentioned by Sir William Dugdale, As of Those Whom That Celebrated Author Has Omitted to Notice, (interspersed With Interesting Notes And Explanatory Remarks), Whereto Is Added the Proofs of Parliamentary Sitting, From the Reign of Edw. I to That of Queen Anne, Also, a Glossary of Dormant English, Scotch And Irish Peerage Titles, With Reference to Presumed Existing Heirs. [England]: The author, 1843-4. https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015025951651, https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015025951867

Rambles among the Blue-noses; or, Reminiscences of a tour through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia during the summer of 1862

“On the east side of the harbor opposite the city is situated the town of Dartmouth; between which places a semi-hourly communication is kept up by steam-boats.”

Spedon, Andrew Learmont. Rambles Among the Blue-noses: Or, Reminiscences of a Tour Through New Brunswick And Nova Scotia During the Summer of 1862. Montreal: Lovell, 1863. https://hdl.handle.net/2027/umn.31951002286200x

Case of the honourable the baronets of Scotland and Nova Scotia

“The baronetage, which forms a distinct estate of nobility in the British empire, intermediate between the peerage and knighthood, was erected by his majesty king James I by Charter under the great seal, on the 22nd of May, 1611”

“Sir William Alexander obtained by Royal Charter under the Great Seal of Scotland, bearing date the 10th of September 1621. a grant of the whole of the country of Nova Scotia, with the hereditary Government thereof as the Locum Tenens of the British Crown. The Charter farther invests Sir William Alexander, his heirs, and assignees, with plenary power to colonize the country, erect towns, appoint officers, coin money, administer justice, &c ; reserving however to King James 1st, his heirs and successors, “all places, privileges, prerogatives, pre-eminences and precedencies whatsoever, given, granted, and reserved, or to be given granted and reserved, to the said Sir William Alexander, and his heirs, and assignees, Lieutenants of the said country of Nova Scotia, on behalf of the Knight Baronets, and remnant portioners and associates of the said plantation.” On the passing of this Charter under the Great Seal, Sir William Alexander took seisen of Nova Scotia, and thereafter proceeded to found and establish a colony in it.”

“We now come to consider the rights and privileges annexed to their Territorial grants in Nova Scotia.

1st, Territorial ; — A grant of sixteen thousand acres of land to be incorporated into a full, entire, and free Barony and Regality for ever, to be held of the Kingdom of Scotland in blench farm for payment yearly of one penny, if asked only ; the said Regality to extend three miles in length alongst the sea coast, and six in length inland, with gifts of benefices, patronage of churches, fisheries, huntings, minerals, mines, pearls, jewels, offices, jurisdictions, and power of pit and gallowes as plenary as had ever formerly been enjoyed by whatsoever noblemen under the Crown of Scotland; also with express power of planting the said Regality, and of transporting thence from Scotland, or any other parts, persons, goods, and chattels ; with liberty to such persons, their children, and posterity, to have, hold, acquire, enjoy, and possess, all, and whatever, the liberties, privileges, and immunities of children, and natural born subjects of the Kingdom of Scotland, and the other dominions thereunto belonging, as if they had been born in the said Kingdom or dominions.

2 d, Seigneurial ; — The right and liberty to erect cities, towns, villages, corporations, burghs of Barony, &c.; of making and appointing captains, commanders, leaders, governors, mayors, provosts, baillies, justices of the peace, constables, &c. ; of making such particular laws, ordinances, and constitutions as shall be deemed expedient for the good order and police of the Regality, with the heritable justiciary and sheriff-ship of the same ; the power of judging and decerning in all causes as well civil as criminal, within the bounds; of holding Courts of Justiciary, Sheriff Courts, Courts of Free Regality, and Baron, and Barony Courts ; also of appointing their officers, and of exacting and appropriating all escheats, amercements, &c.; also of imposing and levying tolls, customs, anchorages, Sec. Sec.

3d, Commercial : — The right of erecting free ports, harbours, naval stations, Sec., of building ships, craft, vessels. Sec. as well for war as merchandise ; of importing and exporting from and to Scotland or any other country, wares, merchandizes, and commodities of whatever description, for payment of the sum of five pounds Scots money of custom for every hundred pounds only, without payment of any other custom, impost, or duty of any kind ; also of imposing and exacting five pounds for every hundred, on all goods imported into Nova Scotia by the colonists, and ten per cent on all imported by foreigners.

4th, Legislative . — The right, either personally or by deputy, of a suffrage and vote in framing all and sundry the laws to be made concerning the public state, good, and government of the Realm of Nova Scotia, in all assemblies, parliaments, synods, councils, and conventions, to be called together, convened, or held for that end ; and that no person or persons whatsoever, who shall not be heirs of the said Baronies of Regality, shall have vote or suffrage in whatsoever laws concerning the said Realm, without the advice, counsel, and consent of the Baronets.

5th, Personal: — Freedom from arrest, and exemption from all penalties and execution of the laws.

In addition to these rights and privileges, the said Charters empower the Baronets, 1st, if furth of the Kingdom of Scotland, to sit in the Scottish Parliament by deputy ; 2d, gives to them, and those who colonize their Regalities in Nova Scotia, to be judged, ruled, and governed, in all time coming, in all cases, civil and criminal, by the laws of the said Realm of Nova Scotia only, and not by others ; 3d, to have all and whatsoever privileges, liberties, permissions, commodities and immunities, profits, prerogatives, dignities and casualities, generally and particularly, that are specified and expressed in the original infeftment granted to Sir William Alexander and his heirs, and that in as full, free, and ample manner and form, as if the said privileges, prerogatives, immunities, liberties, permissions, dignities, commodities, Sec. with all the clauses and conditions, had been inserted at full length in their patents ; 4th, dispenses with non-entry, and taking seisen in Nova Scotia, and grants authority to have seisen and instruments of possession taken on the Castle Hill of Edinburgh, because the said Realm of Nova Scotia, and original infeftment thereof, is holden of the ancient Kingdom of Scotland, and forms part of the county of Edinburgh ; 5th, promises that the said Charters, with all and sundry privileges, liber- ties, clauses, articles, and conditions as specified, should be ratified, approved, and confirmed, by the Parliament of Scotland, in order that they should have the strength, force, and effect of a decree and sentence of that supreme and pre-eminent tribunal ; and lastly provides, that “the said Charters are and shall be valid, sufficient and effectual, in all time coming, in all parts thereof, as set forth for ever to the said Baronets, their wives, sons, daughters, and son’s wives respectively, and each of them, in law against King Charles I. his heirs and successors, and against all other persons whatsoever, in all His courts, and those of his heirs and successors, and in all other places whatsoever, at all times and occasions, notwithstanding whatsoever law, custom, prescription, practice, ordinance, or constitution hitherto made, ordained, or published ; or hereafter at whatsoever time to be made, ordained, and published, or provided, and notwithstanding any other matter, cause, or occasion whatsoever.”

Such are the rights and privileges dignitorial and territorial, conferred upon the Baronets of Scotland and Nova Scotia, by the Charters of King James I. and King Charles I. Up to the date 31st July, 1637, all the Baronets created by King Charles I., or under his commission of the 25th of July, 1625, had their grants of land and their boundaries, fully defined in their diplomas; and out of this number, 111 in all, 66 had seisen of their Baronies. From this latter date to the Union in 1707, all the Baronets created, whether during the reign of King Charles 1. or by his successors, of whom nearly 100 representatives exist, had no grants of land in Nova Scotia given per expressum, but the rights of the institution were conveyed to them in shorter, and general terms. There seems to be an impression that the Baronets created after 1657, stand on a different foundation from those created before that date. This is an error. The Baronetage was ex- tended to Scotland for a specific object — the plantation of New Scotland, and King Charles I. bound himself, his heirs and successors, never to elevate any one to that dignity, except for this purpose. Every Baronet, therefore, created under the Great Seal of Scotland, whether before or after 1637, is entitled to the rights and privileges of the institution, whether dignitorial and territorial, in their complete extent. The only difference between the senior Baronets and the junior, is this, that the former got their grants of land, whilst the latter have still to get them.”

Broun, R. (Richard), Sir, 1801-1858. Case of the Honourable the Baronets of Scotland And Nova Scotia: Shewing Their Rights And Privileges, Dignatorial And Territorial. Edinburgh: W. Blackwood, 1836. https://archive.org/details/McGillLibrary-108341-122

Acadia And Thereabouts

“Then one should visit Dartmouth, across the harbor from Halifax, so picturesquely dropped among its dark hills. Ferry-boats run every quarter hour between the places. The town has some 6,000 inhabitants, a sugar refinery, a marine railway, a rope-walk, a skate factory, and – by no means least imposing feature – the great grim pile of Mount Hope Lunatic Asylum.

Back of Dartmouth, to the north, lies the beautiful chain of the Dartmouth Lakes, a famous resort of skaters, when the ice has set firmly. From these lakes runs the old Shubenacadie Canal, connecting those waters with those of Minas Basin and Fundy by way of the Shubenacadie River.”

Presbrey, Frank, 1855-1936. Acadia And Thereabouts … [New York: Seaman-Presbrey, 1896. https://hdl.handle.net/2027/yale.39002034879321

Ambling through Acadia

“Across the harbor from Halifax is Dartmouth, where there are numerous rope-works and dry-docks – a purely commercial and practical district; and two miles out of Dartmouth, at Woodside, the Acadia Sugar Refining Plant has extensive works. Pretty names, these two towns possess, but perhaps they don’t live up to them. Just as Cow Bay, a stretch of shore where people sought pleasure in bathing and boating, certainly did not live down to its name. I was told an American made the remark that it was an outrage for such a beautiful place to bear so ugly a cognomen; and a prize was forthwith offered for a substitute. Now it is called Silver Sands. Can you see the psychology of the change? Far more people go there now, no doubt lured by the alliterative phrase.”

Towne, Charles Hanson, 1877-1949. Ambling Through Acadia. New York: Century co., 1923. https://hdl.handle.net/2027/uva.x000691985

Sketches on a tour through the northern and eastern states, the Canadas & Nova Scotia

“I learned… that there was a class of persons in Nova Scotia called the Blue Noses (so called from a kind of potato which thrives well here.) Whether this nick-name is an appropriate one or not, I did not become sufficiently acquainted with their habits to determine. This much however is true, that they are not in the habit of setting a very high value either on their own time or that of others.”

“In spite of the large extent of barren and rocky land in the south, and what is a more serious evil, those seven or eight months of frost and snow, which crowd the labors of the agriculturalist into so brief a season, the resources of the province are very great.”

“In this province the stranger may see that there is a political dissatisfaction among the inhabitants; however not to so great an extent as in the Canadas. In this province may be heard complaints against the British government, for their habitual disregard of the claims of native merit, as citizens native born, men too of the greatest talent and moral worth are excluded from the most important places of trust and honor; all posts of rank and profit being awarded to foreigners, or which is the same thing, to natives of the mother country, who they contend, have not their hearts in the country where they are but temporary soujourners, which by the way, is not so absurd an argument as is sometimes held forth in matters of less importance.”

Myers, J. C. Sketches On a Tour Through the Northern And Eastern States, the Canadas & Nova Scotia. Harrisonburg [Va.]: J.H. Wartmann and brothers, prs., 1849. https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015059481047

Military operations in eastern Maine and Nova Scotia during the revolution, chiefly compiled from the journals and letters of Colonel John Allan

That the letter sent by Washington to the St Johns Tribe was written on the eve of the crossing of the Delaware, December 24th 1776, adds so much to the symbolism of these communications.


“In the autumn of 1852, the compiler with a few friends made an excursion to the Schoodie Lakes to enjoy a few weeks in hunting and fishing in that region. Here a part of the Passamaquoddy tribe has for centuries made its home, and it was while recording by fire-light in a tent the recollections and traditionary legends of this people and their fathers, that he first heard of their services in the revolution, and of the name and exploits of John Allan. And here too he saw the documents which have been preserved with great care and fidelity by the tribe.”


“Friends Brothers & Countrymen,

In the Spring of the year we received with Joy and Gladness, a very kind letter from our friend and brother His Ex’y George Washington. What he said therein gave us great satisfaction and Determined we were to continue in that friendship, with the same faith as he professed towards us and to keep the chain bright forever. A few days ago an alarm was spread among as that another paper was come, to require us to take up the hatchet. We met thereupon and found that some of our young men had been with you in the Character of Chiefs and made a treaty to go to war, contrary to our desire, and as we understand from them was not rightly understood.

Our situation and circumstances being such at present, our natural inclination being peace, only accustomed to hunt for the subsistence of our family, we could not comply with the terms – our numbers being not sufficient among other objections. And as it was not done by our authority & consent of the different tribes we are necessitated to return it. Still depending upon the promise of our brother Washington, and relying upon the friendship of all our brothers & friends your way we hope & trust no offense in sending it back. And protesting at the same time that the Chain of Friendship is still subsisting between us on our side & that we hope for ever – a further account of our situation will in our name be delivered our brothers & countrymen by John Allan Esq bearer of this – our love and friendship be with you all.

We are, your friends & Brothers: Joseph Sapsarouch, Chief of Miramichi, Jean Baptist Alymph Chief of Richibouctou, Augsutin Michel of Ricchibouctou, Thomas Athanage Chief of Chediac and Cocaga, Jerome Athanage of Chediac, Baptist Arguimon Chief of Chiguenictou, Jean Neol Arguimon of Chiguenictou, Charles Aleria of Cape Sable, At Coquen, September 19th 1776.”


“Brothers of the St Johns Tribe,

It gave me great pleasure to hear by Major Shaw, that you kept the chain of Friendship, which I sent you in February last from Cambridge bright & unbroken. I am glad to hear that you have made a Treaty of peace with your brothers and neighbors of the Massachusetts Bay, who have agreeable to your desire established a Truck House at St Johns out of which they will furnish you with everything you want and take your furs in return – My good friend & brother Gov Pierre Tommar and the Warriors that came with him, shall be taken good care of, and when they want to return home, they and our brothers of Penobscot shall be furnished with everything necessary for their journey –

Brothers, I have one more thing to say to you, our enemy, the King of Great Britain, endeavored to stir up all the [indigenous people] from Canada to South Carolina against us. But our brethren of the Six Nations and their Allies the Shawnese and Delawares would not listen to their advice, but kept fast hold of our ancient Covenant chain. The Cherokees and the Southern tribes were foolish enough to hearken to them and to take up the hatchet against us, upon which our warriors went into their country burnt their houses destroyed their corn and obliged them to sue for peace and to give hostages for their future good behavior – Never let the Kings wicked Counsellors turn your hearts against me and your Brethren of this country, but bear in mind what I told you last February what I tell you now – In token of my friendship for you I send this from my army on the banks of the great river Delaware this 24th day of December, 1776.

George Washington”


“So universal was the sympathy for the Americans in the county of Cumberland, that in the townships Truro, Onslow and Londonderry only five persons would take the oath of allegiance to the British government, and therefore their members were excluded from the house of assembly. In King’s county N.S., a large liberty pole was cut and made to be hoisted, when the arrival of a detachment of rangers [the King’s Orange Rangers] put a stop to the movement.”

“On the 18th (of August, 1782) arrived at my quarters, Michel Augustine, Chief of the Village of Enechebucto a Principal Sachem of the [Mi’kmaq] Tribe, also a chief of Cape Briton with other young men, the former well known in Nova Scotia for his sagacity as a Politician & abilitys as a Warrior. The business they are upon is to know the certainty of news & state of matters between America and France; as also to make complaint against the small boats for plundering the traders that live among them. “They say they would rather choose to trade with the Americans than the English, if any came among them would defend them against the English to the last, but necessity compels them to trade with somebody, and before their eyes, have seen property themselves had a right to, taken away, but from a principle of friendship to America has made no opposition.”

Allan, John, 1746-1805, Frederic Kidder, and George Hayward Allan. Military Operations In Eastern Maine And Nova Scotia During the Revolution. Albany, [N.Y.]: J. Munsell, 1867. https://hdl.handle.net/2027/aeu.ark:/13960/t4kk9pp91

Nova Scotia: the province that has been passed by

“A change has come over the Imperial aspect of the Province since the Dominion Government took over the naval and military defenses of Halifax from the Mother Country. I found Halifax, with its Citadel crowned slopes, its wooden houses, its tree lined avenues bathed in glowing summer sunshine, but Haligonian society with no sunshine in its heart. “Where are the tars of yester-year?” the belles of Halifax seemed to be saying. “Where are the gallant captains, commanders, lieutenants, sub-lieutenants, and middies whom we waltzed, and flirted, and played tennis, and acted and boated within the Northwest arm?” I was prepared for this, but not for a similar complaint with regard to the British Army. For on parade, at church, at the Halifax Club, were not the regulation uniforms denoting the British officer as much in evidence as ever? “Oh, those!” was the supercilious rejoinder of one fair damsel, lying back in a canoe on the shores of Bedford Basin; “they don’t count. They’re Canadians.” … “I’m sorry the fellow was offended; but nobody interests me who reaches Nova Scotia by land.”

Willson, Beckles, 1869-1942. Nova Scotia: the Province That Has Been Passed By,. London: Constable & Co., Ltd., 1911. https://hdl.handle.net/2027/yale.39002009522237

A history and geography of Nova Scotia

“Dartmouth, which was settled in the year after the founding of Halifax, suffered most from the [Mi’kmaq]. Six men belonging to this place were attacked whilst cutting wood in the forest; four of them were killed and scalped, and one was taken prisoner. A few months afterwards, the [Mi’kmaq], having crept upon the settlement during the night, killed and scalped several of the panic stricken inhabitants. The screams of the terrified women and children were heard across the harbour in Halifax. The governor and council, unwisely adopting the barbarous custom of the [Mi’kmaq], offered large rewards for [indigenous] prisoners and [indigenous] scalps.”

“Dartmouth (4300) is about a mile from Halifax, on the opposite side of the harbour. It has various manufactures, among them are hempen rope and skates of superior quality. Near the town is the Provincial Lunatic Asylum.”

Calkin, John B. “A history and geography of Nova Scotia” Halifax, N.S. : A. & W. Mackinlay, 1878. https://www.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.11993/1?r=0&s=1

Secret inquisitions, or, Nova Scotia as it was, is, and may be

oocihm.61065_data_sip_data_files_oocihm.61065.6.jp2_

This is an interesting publication for a number of reasons, not least of which that it is anonymous, though it appears to have been written by a woman —perhaps it’s Mary Jane Katzmann? Maybe someone with a better eye than me as to her writing style could confirm or deny. “The lingering tinge of despotism” referred to here certainly still exists, in some ways it might be stronger than ever.


“It is a delicate subject to contrast the rapid advance of civilization with the lingering tinge of despotism, still hovering over the whole, and, by the irresistible chains of self interest, aiding the reinstation of that opacity, from which it has so lately emerged.”

“This one thing is certain, it must be a strong, singular, and extraordinary event which will draw a woman of Nova Scotia sufficiently forward to even give an opinion undeservedly, still less to undertake the responsibility of influencing others. Perhaps if it were not so, this country might, ere this, have attained a higher position; for there are many parts of a topic upon which a silent observer is capable of forming a correct opinion, just from the fact of being wholly and pecuniarily uninterested.”

“Preston is a district six miles beyond Dartmouth, and upon its arid and harsh soil you may perceive the black log hut of the Maroon, descendants of the rebels of Jamaica; of whom it can be only said, that, did they possess a more fertile tract of land, they might have been a more prosperous people.”

One of the people. “Secret inquisitions, or, Nova Scotia as it was, is, and may be” Boston : J. French; London : Turbnor, 1856. https://www.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.61065/6?r=0&s=1

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