1876-11-14

The Pictou Landing First Nation sought more land for their reserve in 1875, and the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia purchased a separate lot that was near, but not connected to the reserve, from James Sproull. As few roads existed in the area at the time, it was easier for residents of the reserve to cut across the property separating the two plots of land, which was also owned by Sproull. Sproull, in an effort to reduce 'trespassing,' proposed that an exchange of land be arranged between himself and Pictou Landing so that the two reserves would be connected. Letter reported that Sproull was to receive 5 more acres of land in the exchange, and that he should be charged $65 for this extra acreage. Sproull was also responsible to pay for half of the costs associated with the exchange, including title search, surveying, and expenses of taking surrender of land.