The collection consists of 10 ink manuscript maps and plans on paper, some hand-coloured, depicting the earliest settlements and fortifications at Montreal and Quebec City. The earliest dated document is a plan of the fort of Quebec and is dated 1635. The earliest document in the collection depicting Montreal is believed to date back to 1642. The maps and plans were prepared by Jean Bourdon, seigneur and surveyor for the French colony. Included in the collection is a plan of the earliest Fort Richelieu of which nothing had previously been known. There are also detail drawings of riverside fortifications, probably near Montreal.
Deed of ownership for a plot of land in Ville Marie given to Urban Texier, dit Lavigne. Signed by Paul de La Chomeday, Governor of the Island of Montreal.
The fonds documents John Mappin’s occupation as an independent antiquarian book seller, his personal interest in the history of print and Canadian politics, and his personal achievements as an author. The wide variety of subject files found in this collection are almost entirely North American based and span from 1733-2004. These records reflect Mappin’s particular focus on Canadian authors and Canadiana in general.
Marriage contract between Charles LePallieur and Suzanne Texier [Tessier]. Witnessed by a number of friends and family members including LePallieur's brother Joseph, and others. Notarized by Michel Gamelin Gaucher.
Bill of sale for a 25-year-old enslaved Black man named Cesar. He was sold to James Morrison by traffickers Jacob Thomas and John Fulton of Duchess County, New York. Witnessed by Asher Granger and H.C. McCord.
Document laying out conditions under which Mr Walker will rent Mr Morrison's orchard and meadow for a year. The land was to be rent for 40 pounds per year and Morrison was to be compensated for work already conducted on the property with a portion of the land's produce.
Invoice from Peter Lundey to James Morrison for the purchase and repair of shoes for members of his household. Includes two entries for shoes for an unnamed enslaved Black woman, referred to in the document as "the Neger Wance."
Invoice for the wages of crew-members of two boats charged to James Morrison for a voyage made to Carleton Island. Signed by Pierre Meziere, lawyer. A previous inventory identifies the crew members as voyageurs and the boats as canoes, with four people per boat - a steersman, a lead, and two middle crew members.
Note requesting delivery of bell belonging to the government to Capt. Barnes Depty Qaur. Mas. General, left in the care of James Morrison by Jane Richardson. Receipt of bell signed on verso by Barnes.
Frobisher's papers comprise a letterbook of the North-West Co. containing copies of letters written by Frobisher from April 1787 to October 1788, two original letters to Simon McTavish, 1796, and one from him, 1787, business and legal documents, largely concerning the estate of James McGill, 1810-1834, and a diary, 1806-1810, mostly a record of where he dined.
