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Hadfield, Joseph, 1759-1851.
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Joseph Hadfield Fonds

  • CA RBD MSG 1246
  • Fonds
  • 1785

Consisting of documents detailing the 1785 travels and observations of Joseph Hadfield through the Northwest fur trade of North America and to Niagara Falls (probably written after 1810). Observations are primarily economic in nature; however, there are also references to the geographical and cultural surroundings.

Hadfield, Joseph, 1759-1851.

Observations on commerce of Canada

File contains 2 handwritten manuscript copies of the personal writings of Joseph Hadfield and his observations during his time in the fur trade. Hadfield mentions the role of traders making expeditions to the West and North West to barter with Indigenous communities for furs. He describes in detail how voyages were made from Montreal through Lake Ontario and Erie to Detroit by traders. Handfield provides lists of trade goods that he judged necessary for these traders to carry for barter and lists the skins received in exchange for goods. He lists the particular details of one cargo carried by canoe, with quantities and weight and value of goods transported. He also details which geographical regions are good for fur trapping (including Detroit, Michilimackinac, and Grand Portage) and provides pricing information for different types of animal skins, and distances traveled by traders. Includes very brief descriptions of activities of Indigenous community in the Northwest Canada/Detroit region and European fur trader settlements.

Also included the file are two letters written by Hadfield's granddaughter, Miss A. Hadfield, to Dr. G. R. Lomer of McGill University. The letters explain that Miss Hadfield had in her possession these accounts of her grandfather and she was inquiring to their informational value.

Hadfield, Joseph, 1759-1851.

Description of the cataract or falls of Niagara

File contains an account of the visit of Joseph Hadfield to the Niagara Falls and surrounding area. A description of the Falls is given. Hadfield outlines his activities and travels in the summer of 1785. Some physical description of the Great Lakes area is given.

Hadfield, Joseph, 1759-1851.