1842- Series of Letters between James Dawson of Pictou and Indian Commissioner Joseph Howe concerning Mi'kmaq land in Pictou Co.

This series of letters contains various discussions about the need for reserved land for the Mi'kmaq of Pictou County. Dawson, a local merchant, acts on behalf of Howe as Indian Commissioner as Howe was unable to travel to the region. Dawson and Howe discussed potential settlements, issues with title, health, education, and the general goal of assimilation. Places considered as suitable tracts of land include a 1000 acre plot of land at the mouth of Merigomish River. Fisher's Grant is listed as a place that the Mi'kmaq would not give up, even if the title belonged to settlers. Dawson mentioned the the Mi'kmaq in the area were unable to get a foothold as they did not hold any land and were constantly being forced out of their lands by settlers who claimed they were trespassing on their land. Without deeded land, the Mi'kmaq struggled to hunt, fish, grow crops, or maintain stocks of firewood, and were thus more reliant on the government for aid and relief. However, Dawson also pointed out that the Mi'kmaq provided important commodities to local towns, and also sold fresh fish for both local and market consumption. The letters end abruptly, without any reserves having been surveyed.