Nova Scotia Archives

Footprints in the Sand

Pre‐1867 Government Records for Sable Island

Letter from Edward Wallace and J.P. Miller

1848. — 4 pages : 30 x 48 cm.

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purporting to be those of Graham's, Morash, & Gilles & yet not signed by them, are considered by the Commissioners very unsatisfactory and they are of opinion from the evidence of Mr. Nisbett (No 5.) J. Morash (No.6.) that the treatment of R.C. Nicholls was wholly unjustified.

(No.2.) The superintendant placed on the Articles of the Establishment, his son Tho.s [initials: J.U.?] Darby as Cook, a boy of Eleven years of age & wholly incapable of performing the duties assigned to him. That which renders this act much more reprehensible, is the circumstances of the name having been misstated. that of Thomas Fitzgerald having been used instead. Mr Darby received the usual mens wages of this boy for 18 months, and claimed the customary compensation for wrecks. the payment of both of which was immediately stopped, on the fact becoming known to the Commissioners. An explanation was demanded and his reply (No 7) is herewith submitted.

No. 3. The Superintendant's treatment of Mr John Nisbett. placed in charge at the East end establishment. His written statement No 5 will explain. He has also imparted, orally, further information to the Commissioners which they think demands investigation & inquiry.

No. 4. The repetition of the illegal & improper act of selling Liquor to the servants of the Establishment. This offence had been previously noticed by the Commissioners and Mr Darby severely reprimanded therefor.

No. 5. The general disrespect evinced by Mr Darby towards the Commissioners as evidenced by his Journal (no. 8) his letter (No. 9) and the testimony of Nisbett, Morash & Nicholls. they do not make this a personal matter but they deem it their duty to notice such conduct as tending to create discontent & insubordination among the men on the Island and wholly unjustifiable on the part of the Superintendant, who in their opinion should at all times study to keep up the character and respectability of the Establishment. They do not complain of Mr Darby in making any suggestions or or recommendations which he might consider


4 pages 30 x 48 cm

Date: 1848

Reference: Nova Scotia Archives RG 1 volume 425 number 50

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