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 1783
in
Canada

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Decades:
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See also:

Events from the year 1783 in Canada.

Incumbents

Monarch George III of the United Kingdom[1]
Governor General of British North America Frederick Haldimand
Commodore-Governor of Newfoundland John Campbell
Governor of Nova Scotia John Parr then Edmund Fanning
Governor of Prince Edward Island Walter Patterson
Commander-in-Chief, North America Guy Carleton, 1st Baron Dorchester then John Campbell, of Strachur
Bishop of Quebec Jean-Olivier Briand

Events

  • American independence is formally recognized at the Treaty of Paris.
    • Treaty of Paris gives Americans fishing rights off Newfoundland.
    • The success of the rebellious 13 American colonies leaves the British with the poorest remnants of their New World empire and the determination to prevent a second revolution. However, they have to accommodate the roughly 50,000 refugees from the American Revolution who settle in Nova Scotia and the upper St. Lawrence. These United Empire Loyalists soon begin to agitate for the political and property rights they had previously enjoyed in the thirteen colonies.
    • British North America consists of the colonies and territories of the British Empire in continental North America after the end of the American Revolutionary War and the recognition of American independence.
  • More than 5,000 Black People leave the United States to live in the Maritimes, Quebec and Ontario. Having sided with the British during the American War of Independence, they come to Canada as United Empire Loyalists, some as free men and some as slaves. Although promised land by the British, they receive only varying amounts of poor-quality land, and, in fact, some receive none at all.
  • In Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Rose Fortune becomes Canada's first policewoman.
  • The border between Canada and the U.S. is accepted from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake of the Woods.
  • In the area around the mouth of the Saint John River, those who fled the thirteen American colonies by 1783 are called United Empire Loyalists. Those who arrived after 1783 were called Late Loyalists.
  • Pennsylvania Germans begin moving into southwestern Ontario.
  • The North West Company is formed.
  • January 20 – Preliminaries of peace are signed between Great Britain and the United States.
  • Vermont delays entering the Union, because Congress is partial to New York, and because of the General Government's indebtedness, for which Vermont is not bound.

Births

Death

Paul Jackson

Historical documents

Postwar

Ceasefire among Britain, France and Spain includes U.S.A. and ends American Revolutionary War[2]

Peace treaty sets U.S.-British boundary, allows U.S. fishing in Newfoundland waters and Gulf of St. Lawrence, and encourages justice for loyalists[3]

Map: Covering James Bay to Florida and Newfoundland to Mississippi and showing United States of America according to treaty[4]

Washington is surprised Blacks have been part of British evacuation, and wants to prevent future loss "of any Negroes or other Property"[5]

Maj. Gen. Steuben on tour of U.S. border from Lake Champlain to mouth of Mississippi River "to view the most proper places" to locate garrisons[6]

Washington says "Peace Establishment" should include gaining "affections" of Canadians in Detroit and Illinois country, and attracting more of them[7]

Peace is best policy in U.S. west because even totally expelling Indigenous people would be military and economic advantage to Canada[8]

Lords of Admiralty set peace establishment of 28-gun frigate, sloop and cutter at Quebec City and 50-gun ship and 3 frigates or sloops at Halifax[9]

Act of Parliament appoints commissioners "to enquire into the Losses and Services of all such Persons who have suffered" for their loyalty in late war[10]

Residents of Saratoga, N.Y. district resolve to treat any resident or returning loyalist "with the severity due to his crimes and infamous defection"[11]

"Nothing is now so important to society" - Connecticut writer calls for re-admission of loyalists, for sake of security, equality, rights and business[12]

Timber for masts, spars and lumber is more plentiful in Canada and Nova Scotia than in U.S.; "almost untouched" forests of Canada better for potash[13]

Frederick Haldimand to John Parr on his idea to encourage Acadians to settle at "Great" Falls on Saint John River, making strong link between provinces[14]

Haldimand's vision of Loyalist settlement in "the Upper Countries," including in areas of present-day Kingston and Windsor, Ontario[15]

"The mortifying scene of giving up the City of New York to the American Troops" - Guy Carleton looks "unusually dejected" and new inhabitants "shabby"[16]

Lower Canada

Canada's commerce will surpass debt-ridden U.S.A. if encouraged and if Canada gets good constitution with elected assembly and government reforms[17]

Owner of two seigneuries lures settler Loyalists with: no rent for 10 years; wheat for family use ground 4 years for free; building boards sawed for free[18]

"Abandoned in general by those who have conducted them in the just cause" - Refugee officers from Canada who fought for U.S. send appeal for help[19]

Quebeckers petition House of Commons for Quebec Act repeal, elected assembly, larger legislative council, English common and commercial law etc.[20]

Noting prevalent errors (such as giving children smallpox), writer argues influence of clergy can remove doubts of "untutored minds" about inoculation[21]

"Negro Wench," about 18 and has had smallpox, brought from New York by Loyalists, and for sale "only from the owner having no use for her at present"[22]

Panis woman named Mary Jeannevieve, 36, left "her Mistress [carrying] with her a large bundle;" reward of 40 shillings plus expenses[23]

Missing "Negro Lad named Charles," about 20, 4' 4 or 5" "with a white mark on the right side of his forehead; speaks English and a little French and German"[24]

Gazette printer's apprentice missing; Duncan McDonell, about 19, speaks English, French and Erse; one guinea reward for his return[25]

Genevieve Dorion notes husband absent 3 months from Sorel without cause, and that she will run business on own account and will not pay his debts[26]

Edinburgh woman has school for "Young Ladies [to learn] white and coloured Work, Tambour, Embroidery, and Dresden-work, &c." as well as millinery business[27]

Quebec Library trustees report catalog is available to subscribers, £374 spent on books in English, but no French books received because of war[28]

Thespian Theatre puts on tragedy Venice Preserv'd and comic opera The Padlock plus singing and music for "a most numerous and respectable audience"[29]

François Baillairgé will draw "historical pictures" and make figures "in relievo" for parishes and paint full-length and miniature oil portraits[30]

Acrostic poem cleverly praises Miss Hannah MacCulloch for combining charms of several other Quebec City divinities[31]

Upper Canada

Niagara farmers want relief from "precarious footing upon which they hold their farms," perhaps buying more lakeside land from Mississaugas[32]

"They would rather go to Japan than go among the Americans" - With no hope of justice in U.S. courts, Loyalists ask for firm tenure of their Niagara lands[33]

John Butler thinks Indigenous people will be "very troublesome" after news that their lands are ceded to U.S.A. under peace settlement[34]

Gen. Allan Maclean regrets great expenditure on rum, including 60 gal. for Mississaugas, and seeks guidance on how much to supply to Six Nations[35]

Niagara merchants urge ban on traders from U.S., calling them "Smugglers [evading] the legal rates to the prejudice and ruin of the Fair Trader"[36]

Painting: Cataraqui (Kingston, Ontario)[37]

Nova Scotia

Listing African Americans taken to Nova Scotia, "Book of Negroes" includes Deborah, age 20, formerly enslaved by George Washington[38]

Certificate of John Williams ("a Negro") gives him permission to go to Nova Scotia "or where ever else he may think proper"[39]

Loyalist commander asks officer to "say a word" for George Black family; "he has long been free and[...]deserves Provision as well as other Refugees"[40]

Free-born Black indented apprentice George Scribens "is supposed to be gone to Nova Scotia" by New York City man offering £5 reward[41]

Alexander Hamilton thinks it bad policy to cause "a great number of useful citizens[...]to people the shores and wilderness of Nova-Scotia"[42]

Chronicle entry for May 14: "Six thousand Refugees arrived at Port-Roseway, Nova Scotia, from New York"[43]

Summary of accusations made against small group of Loyalists who unsuccessfully tried to convince Gov. John Parr to allow each of them 5,000 acres[44]

"A refugee is the most miserable, dispicable being on earth" - Loyalists at Port Roseway are living in huts and almost all dependant on dole[45]

Loyalist notes Saint John River country's "mortifications" his family would not stand: "whole country crowded," expensive towns, and rations and huts[46]

Mary Fisher, wife of New Jersey Volunteers veteran, describes hardship of families arriving too late in fall to build housing for winter[47]

Despite high position in loyalist forces, Edward Winslow arrives with family in Nova Scotia lacking tools, enough blankets, and even 8 pence for ferry[48]

Loyalist glad to arrive - "[I could] enlarge upon the subject that has brought us all to this uncultivated country, but[...]it can answer no good purpose"[49]

"State of poverty" - Edward and Sarah Winslow's father applies for compensation based on loss of his £1,500 estate and income of £300 in Massachusetts[50]

Master of transport ship run aground off Cape Sable appears responsible for mishap, and also reportedly abandons passengers and discourages their rescue[51]

"Replete with natural advantages & nothing wanting but numbers of industrious Inhabitants" - Praise for Nova Scotia's produce, grain, fish and timber[52]

Description of soil in marshes behind dykes, with claims of great crops produced and yields sustained "without change of grain, rest, or manure"[53]

List of persons living on Saint John River includes their names, number of children, properties, experience in war (if any), and character assessments[54]

Commission to identify for Supreme Court persons compensated in suits against aiders and abettors of raiders for more than they suffered in raids[55]

Royal pardon for "all Manner of Treasons, Misprison of Treasons, treasonable and seditious Words, Libels or Correspondence" committed during late war[56]

Decades-old laws prohibiting Catholics from having title to "Lands or Tenements" and subjecting priests to imprisonment are repealed[57]

House of Assembly records judges' report that Cumberland County suffered and suffers under damage and persecution growing out of 1776 rebel invasion[58]

Assembly committee gives many instances of unnecessary, unrecorded, unreported, unauthorized, unpaid, improperly paid, confused or abused public accounts[59]

Licence for 11,520 acres of land on Sheet Harbour for Indigenous people[60]

Map: Nova Scotia with its fishing banks and nearby New England, Quebec, Newfoundland, and St. John's Isle[61]

Prince Edward Island

Coast of St. John's Island "abounds with every sort of fish; the soil of the island is excellent; [and] no country in the world affords better pasture for cattle"[62]

Officers of King's Rangers on St. John's Island inform Loyalists of its good soil, climate, water and waterways, and "very few[,] very light" taxes[63]

John MacDonald describes nature and resolution of problems he has had keeping family property on St. John's Island, and foresees further problems[64]

Labrador

George Cartwright says "celebrated natural historian" who claims beavers have scaly tails because they eat fish, must himself have one for same reason[65]

Cartwright's lengthy description of beavers includes their food and food storage, shelters and preferred locations, dams, families, work etc.[66]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Kings and Queens of Canada". aem. 11 August 2017. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  2. ↑ Declarations for Suspension of Arms and Cessation of Hostilities (January 20, 1783), Lillian Goldman Law Library, Yale Law School. (See also Congress' proclamation of end of hostilities (April 11, 1783)) Accessed 17 January 2023
  3. ↑ Articles 2, 3, 5-7 The Paris Peace Treaty of September 30, 1783 Lillian Goldman Law Library, Yale Law School. (See also condemnation of concessions made to U.S.A. and reasoning behind them, and fear (pg. 1) that U.S. fishers will undercut "most profitable" British trade in Newfoundland fish) Accessed 17 January 2023
  4. ↑ "The United States of America with the British Possessions of Canada, Nova Scotia, & of Newfoundland(....) (1783), George Washington's Mount Vernon. Accessed 31 January 2023
  5. ↑ Letter from George Washington to Guy Carleton (May 6, 1783), Miscellaneous Papers of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, U.S. National Archives. Accessed 13 April 2021
  6. ↑ "Bennington, July 31," The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 946 (October 9, 1783), pg. 1. (See also Quartermaster General's estimate of military establishment needed by U.S., and military engineer's advice to secure invasion route to/from Canada) Accessed 20 January 2023
  7. ↑ "Washington's Sentiments on a Peace Establishment" (May 1, 1783; note: URL "stable but non-permanent"), U.S. National Archives. Accessed 25 January 2023
  8. ↑ Congressional Committee Draft Report on Indian Affairs (September 22, 1783), Papers of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, U.S. National Archives. Accessed 13 April 2021
  9. ↑ "London, June 3," The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 949 (October 30, 1783), pg. 1. Accessed 20 January 2023
  10. ↑ "New-York, September 27," The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 948 (October 23, 1783), pg. 1. Accessed 20 January 2023
  11. ↑ "At a Meeting of the Inhabitants of the district of Saratoga[....]" (May 6, 1783), quoted in Ten Years of the Colony of Niagara; 1780-1790 (1908), unpaginated (PDF pgs. 7-8). (See also report (PDF pg. 42) that Butler's Rangers realize they can't return to their N.Y. homes) Accessed 23 January 2023
  12. ↑ "From the Connecticut Journal[....]" (May 8, 1783), The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 931 (June 26, 1783), pg. 1. Accessed 20 January 2023
  13. ↑ Observations on the Commerce of the American States with Europe and the West Indies (1783), pgs. 19-20, 21 (Images 26-7, 28). (See also advantage of bounties on timber and shipbuilding) Accessed 18 January 2023
  14. ↑ "General Haldimand to Governor Parr" (November 27, 1783), Winslow Papers; A.D. 1776-1826, pg. 149. Accessed 31 January 2023
  15. ↑ "From General Haldimand to Lord North" (November 6, 1783), in Records of Niagara(...)1778-1783 (1927), unpaginated (PDF pg. 44). Accessed 24 January 2023
  16. ↑ "Ward Chipman to Edward Winslow" (November 29, 1783), Winslow Papers; A.D. 1776-1826, pg. 152. Accessed 31 January 2023
  17. ↑ Observations on the Commerce of the American States with Europe and the West Indies (1783), pgs. 33-5 (Images 40-2). Accessed 18 January 2023
  18. ↑ "Advertisements; To the Loyalists, &c.", The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 926 (May 15, 1783), pg. 3. Accessed 19 January 2023
  19. ↑ "To George Washington from Canadian Officers" (July 14, 1783; note: URL "stable but non-permanent"), U.S. National Archives. (See also Washington elaborates on and forwards Canadians' plea to Congress) Accessed 25 January 2023
  20. ↑ Copy of a Petition from the British Inhabitants of the Province of Quebeck, to the Commons House of Parliament (1784), pgs. 9-15 Accessed 17 January 2023
  21. ↑ "An Address to the Clergy of Canada," The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 957 (December 25, 1783), pg. 1. Accessed 20 January 2023
  22. ↑ "To Be Sold[....]," The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 950 (November 6, 1783), pg. 2. Accessed 20 January 2023
  23. ↑ "Ranaway from the Subscriber[....]" (June 20, 1783), The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 921 (April 17, 1783), pg. 3. (See also ad for return of "Panis lad" with long black hair) Accessed 19 January 2023
  24. ↑ "Ran Away[....]" (August 7, 1783), The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 938 (August 14, 1783), pg. 2. Accessed 20 January 2023
  25. ↑ "Advertisements; Ran-Away from the Printing Office[....]" (April 17, 1783), The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 921 (April 17, 1783), pg. 2. Accessed 19 January 2023
  26. ↑ "Whereas Phillip Williams[....]" (November 1, 1783), The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 951 (November 13, 1783), pg. 3. Accessed 20 January 2023
  27. ↑ "Advertisements; Agnes Galbraith[....]" (July 24, 1783), The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 935 (July 24, 1783), pg. 2. Accessed 20 January 2023
  28. ↑ "In consequence of a meeting of the Trustees[....]," The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 949 (October 30, 1783), pg. 2. (See also further news (pg. 2) about library) Accessed 20 January 2023
  29. ↑ "Quebec, February 13," The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 912 (February 13, 1783), pg. 3. (See also Quebec Threatre's ad (pg. 2) for performance of two-act comedy, comic pastoral dance, and an entertainment, with more ads in later issues) Accessed 19 January 2023
  30. ↑ "Francis Baillairgé[....]," The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 949 (October 30, 1783), pg. 3. Accessed 20 January 2023
  31. ↑ "Acrostic" (February 18, 1783), The Quebec Gazette, Nomb. 914 (February 27, 1783), pg. 4. (See also poetic comment (pg. 4) on "Acrostic," with more in following issues) Accessed 19 January 2023
  32. ↑ Letter of Brig. Gen. Allan Maclean to Gen. Haldimand (May 3, 1783), Library and Archives Canada. Accessed 11 June 2021
  33. ↑ "From General Maclean to General Haldimand" (Niagara, May 3, 1783), in Records of Niagara(...)1778-1783 (1927), unpaginated (PDF pg. 33). Accessed 23 January 2023
  34. ↑ Letter of Lt.-Col. John Butler to Haldimand staff (Niagara, May 3, 1783), in Records of Niagara(...)1778-1783 (1927), unpaginated (PDF pg. 34). (See also (on following page) Haldimand's intention to interest Six Nations in land near Cataraqui) Accessed 24 January 2023
  35. ↑ Letter of Brig. Gen. Maclean to Haldimand (August 8, 1783), in Records of Niagara(...)1778-1783 (1927), unpaginated (PDF pg. 41). Accessed 24 January 2023 (See also Maclean tells Haldimand rum more effective with Six Nations than diplomacy)
  36. ↑ "Petition of Merchants at Niagara" (August 1, 1783), in Records of Niagara(...)1778-1783 (1927), unpaginated (PDF pg. 40). Accessed 24 January 2023
  37. ↑ James Peachey, "A South East View of Cataraqui" (1783?), Toronto Public Library. Accessed 24 January 2023
  38. ↑ Inspection Roll of Negroes; Book No. 1 (1783), pg. 4 (images 2 and 3), Miscellaneous Papers of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, U.S. National Archives. (See also Inspection Roll of Negroes; Book No. 2) Accessed 13 April 2021
  39. ↑ "Passport and certificate of John Williams" (April 19, 1783), Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 24 January 2023
  40. ↑ "Lt. Col. Isaac Allen to Edward Winslow" (June 1783), Winslow Papers; A.D. 1776-1826, pg. 86. Accessed 25 January 2023
  41. ↑ "Five Pounds Reward," The (New York) Royal Gazette (September 13, 1783), The Freedom on the Move Project. Accessed 21 February 2023
  42. ↑ Letter of Alexander Hamilton (June 1, 1783), U.S. National Archives. Accessed 25 January 2023
  43. ↑ "1783; May (14)" The American and British Chronicle of War and Politics, unpaginated (Image 120). (See also two reports (pg. 2): that Port Roseway is flourishing, with 400 framed houses built and, just below, even better news from Annapolis Royal Loyalist) Accessed 17 January 2023
  44. ↑ Vindication of Governor Parr and His Council, against the Complaints of certain Persons (1783?), pgs. 30-5 Accessed 17 January 2023
  45. ↑ "Boston, September 22; Extract of a letter from Port Roseway," The Political Intelligence and New Jersey Advertiser Vol. I, Numb. 1 (October 14, 1783), Page 2 of 2. (See also description (pg. 1) by highly pleased Loyalist at Port Roseway) Accessed 17 January 2023
  46. ↑ "Edward Winslow to Ward Chipman" (July 7, 1783), Winslow Papers; A.D. 1776-1826, pg. 97. Accessed 26 January 2023
  47. ↑ "Female Ancestors; A New Life" published in The First History of New Brunswick (1921), The On-Line Institute for Advanced Loyalist Studies. Accessed 24 January 2023
  48. ↑ Letter of Edward Winslow (May 1783), Winslow Papers; A.D. 1776-1826, pgs. 82-3. (See also Winslow's progress as of July and Winslow's connections that arrange good job for him in Halifax) Accessed 25 January 2023
  49. ↑ Letter of Sarah Winslow to her cousin (Halifax, October 18, 1783), Loyalist Women in New Brunswick, 1783-1827, University of New Brunswick Libraries. (See also comment that Loyalists left "a Paradise in comparison" to Nova Scotia, but also Sarah's letter saying how much Winslows enjoy Halifax society) Accessed 18 January 2023
  50. ↑ "Memorial of Edward Winslow, Sr." (submitted October 22, 1783), Winslow Papers; A.D. 1776-1826, pgs. 144-6. Accessed 30 January 2023
  51. ↑ "Relation of the loss of the Martha Transport" (October 10, 1783), The On-Line Institute for Advanced Loyalist Studies. Accessed 24 January 2023
  52. ↑ "General Timothy Ruggles to Edward Winslow, Sr." (July 17, 1783), Winslow Papers; A.D. 1776-1826, pgs. 106-8. (See also Winslow's enthusiasm following his tour 120 miles up Saint John River and also Gov. Parr's doubts about that region's fertility) Accessed 26 January 2023
  53. ↑ (Winkworth Tonge), Remarks on the Climate, Produce, and Natural Advantages of Nova Scotia (ca. 1783), pgs. 12-14 (PDF pgs. 14-16). Accessed 24 January 2023
  54. ↑ "Sunbury County Documents" (June-July 1783), Provincial Archives of New Brunswick. Accessed 19 January 2023
  55. ↑ "An Act for the Relief of sundry of his Majesty's Subjects in this Province, against whom Judgements have been recovered, on Account of Losses sustained by the Depredations of the Enemy" 23 George III, Chapter 2 (1783). Accessed 17 January 2023
  56. ↑ "An Act for granting the King’s Most Gracious Free Pardon to all his Subjects in this Province, for all Treasons, Misprison of Treasons, or treasonable Correspondence committed or done by them or any of them in adhering to, aiding or assisting, countenancing or abetting his Majesty’s late Subjects in the Thirteen Colonies during their Rebellion" 23 George III, Chapter 3 (1783). Accessed 17 January 2023
  57. ↑ "An Act for the relieving his Majesty’s Subjects, professing the Popish Religion from Certain Penalties and Disabilities imposed upon them by two Acts of the General Assembly of this Province, made in the Thirty Second Year of his late Majesty’s Reign, intitled, 'An Act, confirming Titles to Lands and quieting Possessions, and an Act for the Establishment of Religious public Worship in this Province, and for Suppressing of Popery'" 23 George III, Chapter 9 (1783). (See also Gov. Parr's explanation (pg. 5) of reasons act is needed) Accessed 17 January 2023
  58. ↑ "Friday 17th October, 1783; Report of the Judges of the Supreme Court, relating to the Inhabitants of the County of Cumberland[....]," Journal and Votes of the House of Assembly For the Province of Nova-Scotia pgs. 12-14. Accessed 19 January 2023
  59. ↑ "Saturday 25th October, 1783; The Report of the Committee[...]for Examination of the State of the publick Accounts[....]," Journal and Votes of the House of Assembly For the Province of Nova-Scotia pgs. 19-22. Accessed 19 January 2023
  60. ↑ "A Licence for the Indians" (September 4, 1783), Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 18 January 2023
  61. ↑ "A New and accurate Map of the Province of Nova Scotia(....) (1783), Nova Scotia Archives. Accessed 18 January 2023
  62. ↑ Observations on the Commerce of the American States; Second Edition (1783), pg. 42 Accessed 9 December 2022
  63. ↑ "To those Loyal Refugees(....)" published in Royal Gazette (March 12, 1783), The On-Line Institute for Advanced Loyalist Studies. Accessed 24 January 2023
  64. ↑ "Letter from John MacDonald to Helen MacDonald" (July 19, 1783), The MacDonald Family Letters, 1779-1801, University of New Brunswick Libraries. Accessed 18 January 2023
  65. ↑ C.W. Townsend (ed.), "Sunday, September 28, 1783", Captain Cartwright and His Labrador Journal (1911), pg. 297 Accessed 18 January 2023
  66. ↑ C.W. Townsend (ed.), "Sunday, September 28, 1783", Captain Cartwright and His Labrador Journal (1911), pgs. 297-309 Accessed 18 January 2023
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