1793 In Canada

Events from the year 1793 in Canada.

Incumbents

* Monarch: George III

Federal government

*Parliament of Lower Canada — 1st
*Parliament of Upper Canada — 1st

Governors

* Governor of the Canadas: Guy Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester
* Governor of New Brunswick: Thomas Carleton
*Governor of Nova Scotia: John Wentworth
* Commodore-Governor of Newfoundland: John Elliot
* Governor of St. John's Island: Edmund Fanning
* Governor of Upper Canada: John Graves Simcoe

Events

* May 9 – First Parliament, of Lower Canada prorogued.
* July 9 – Act Against Slavery passed into law, making Upper Canada the first British territory to bring in legislation against slavery, although it does not abolish slavery entirely.
* Alexander Mackenzie reaches Pacific Ocean at Bella Coola.
* David Thompson surveys Muskrat Country west of Hudson Bay.
* HBC Brandon House established on the Assiniboine River, outpost for trade south and southwest to Missouri and Yellowstone.
* Mackenzie reaches the Pacific at Dean Channel.
* Merchant vessels first navigate Lake Ontario.

Births

* March 24 : François-Xavier Paré, politician.

Deaths

* March 30 : François-Marie Picoté de Belestre, colonial soldier.

Historical documents

With Louis XVI's execution, British feel "such sentiments of indignation and revenge" that if war begins, it will be most popular ever

War will "preserve our most holy Religion ndour Civil Constitution ..rom a total subversion by the enemies of Christianity, order, and subordination"

Army wife in England glad her husband not called to war front as she nears childbirth, and hopes for transfer to Canada after his promotion

Lower Canada

Proclamation warns of those who "hold Seditious Discourses, or utter Treasonable Words, spread false News" etc. sparked by present regime in France

French and English are used in House of Assembly, with bills written in one language to be translated into other, and in most, French deemed "authentic"

Lone candidate for Quebec County wins seat in House without use of " coc des or liquor" in campaign (something "to be wished for" in elections)

Advice to young members of House: "Above all things avoid bitterness of language, and terms of reproach; you meet not to revile, but to reason"

Lt. Gov. Alured Clarke's proclamation advising Lower Canadians of letters of marque and benefit of convoy offered in war with France

Considering him "as a Father," Canadians "repose the highest confidence in" Governor General Lord Dorchester, who has returned to Lower Canada

Any Quebec Benevolent Society member who is too sick, blind, lame or old to work is entitled to 15s per week for 12 weeks and half that afterward

Praise for Recollect Pére de Berey showing "beneficence and disinteressment" to Protestants, even allowing them to hold services in his church

Chief Justice links piety and prosperity, citing France which, "after scoffing at Christianity, ..umbled down a kingdom ..plendid for its wealth"

"A Likely, Healthy, Stout Mulatto Young Man" for sale is "used to House-work ..nd is fit for any hard Labour"

Upper Canada

Suggestions regarding provincial affairs sent by U.C. official to Home Secretary Henry Dundas include domestic issues and relations with U.S.A.

"It is highly expedient to abolish Slavery in this Province" - Upper Canada outlaws moving enslaved people into province

With possible U.S. naval buildup on Lake Erie and their hostility toward Indigenous nations, Lt. Gov. Simcoe should stay aware of defence needs

Simcoe's long assessment of military assets and needs on lower Great Lakes includes suggestion that Toronto Harbour be developed first

In message to "Western Indians," Simcoe reviews history of British respect for Indigenous land rights and independence

Simcoe will maintain long-time practice of supplying food to Indigenous people "to rescue the Savage from ..is own debauchery and ..ur Traders"

Simcoe acknowledges importance of Joseph Brant who, though critical, is "attached" to British second only to Indigenous independence

Bennington, Vermont resident invites Thomas Jefferson to join in seeking grant of 2 million acres in U.C., citing great population increase

En route to Detroit, Simcoe party stops at Six Nations of the Grand River and is struck by its appearance and women's singing (Note: "squaws" used)

Settlers encouraged to kill wolves and bears within 5 miles of settlements and bring heads for reward (£1 per wolf and 10s per bear)

Four "associates" are granted township (Glanford) in Lincoln County for settlement of dozens of farmers, with petitioner receiving 1,200 acres

Twelve veteran junior officers are granted 1,000 acres each (except one getting 1,500 acres) near Burlington Bay

Elizabeth Simcoe says Indigenous people canoeing "with that inexpressible care and composure ..s the prettiest sight imaginable"

Elizabeth Simcoe describes "canvas house" in which she gave birth in January, calling it "remarkably warm" and "so very quiet"

Map: Upper Canada divided into counties

Painting of Toronto Harbour shows ships firing salute

Nova Scotia

Alarmed at frigate (British, it turns out) in Halifax Harbour entrance, infantry and artillery fall in and militia assembles in 30 minutes

Sermon on Ten Commandments includes ban under 6th Commandment on slander and "suggesting evil," and under 8th on any effort to "equalize all"

Pictou Presbyterian minister asks synod to send ministers to preach, some in English and others in Gaelic

Wilmot residents ask on behalf of community to receive land unfit for farming, as clearing it will expose them to winds and "injurious fogs"

Man experienced with pineapple stoves, greenhouses, orchards and gardens, and farm implements, fences, soils etc., seeks employment

New Brunswick

Edward Winslow says N.B. inhabitants are gradually extending "their cultivation," towns have good markets and farmers live comfortably

"Such is the spirit of loyalty in this Infant City" - Saint John residents feel defiant when French privateer is spotted in Bay of Fundy

Lieutenant Governor's directive forbids anyone to bother Indigenous people on Inmans Island, where they have made all improvements

In "Indian school" at Woodstock, girls and boys age 9–17, having "been Disappointed in the English School," improve their pronunciation and reading

Insolvent debtor with family asks House of Assembly for relief after one of his creditors refuses to allow his release from jail

Newfoundland

Fisher from Fortune Bay, Newfoundland says its fishery has increased in size nearly to pre-war level, along with number of fishers and residents

Another committee witness says poverty causes many Newfoundland fishers to want to move to Canada, and departures would greatly serve fishery

Western interior

Legend of ''L'Enfant perdu'' on French River near Lake Nipissing says drowned child could be heard moaning for days after he disappeared in water

Long description of layout of fur trade base and its commerce at Grand Portage on Lake Superior

London trader reports to Detroit trader that fur market has collapsed and with it need for "Indian Goods" to exchange for furs

"Most abounding in all the north west" - Long list of mammals (including grizzly), birds and fish (including sturgeon) in Assiniboine River valley

Alexander Mackenzie on his problems with Indigenous helpers, dissatisfied colleagues, and his life "deprived of every comfort"

Pacific coast

Alexander Mackenzie arrives at salt water to find local people "troublesome" and then "hostile," but "a reconciliation" follows

Mackenzie describes coastal village's house "of devotion or sacrifice," with massive 12-ft. posts carved into human figures and supporting ridge poles

George Vancouver says people of Queen Charlotte Sound have "a lively genius" and are "great humourists" despite women's "hideous ipdistortion"

Elsewhere

St. Pierre and Miquelon surrender to British forces without firing from 8-gun harbour battery that "might have given us some trouble"

Calling Inuit outside their congregation "deeply rooted in the habitual practice of every vice," Labrador missionaries itemize their "wicked ways"

Little-known facts about Marat's and Robespierre's British connections"London, March 16; Marat and Roberspierre ..." The Quebec Gazette
Num. 1456
(May 30, 1793), pg. 2. Accessed 9 October 2023

References

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