Rebellion Days 1884 / 5 (Third Part)

This chapter of Reginald Beatty's diary describes his experiences as a Free-Trader in the winter of 1884-1885. The Northwest Resistance is underway and Beatty, now travelling alone, arrives at Fort-a-la-Corne in the spring of 1885. Beatty offers a sympathetic view of the causes of the Resistance, based on his experiences with Aboriginals and Metis throughout Saskatchewan in his travels during 1884-1885. Item found within folder 'Reginald Bird Beatty Papers.'

Historical note:

Reginald Beatty (b. 1854) was not only a clerk of the Hudson's Bay Company, but also the first settler in the Melfort district. The current city of Melfort was preceded by a small community known as the Stoney Creek Settlement, started by founding settler Beatty, a Hudson Bay Company employee who settled with his family in the new Northwest. He was employed with the HBC from 1872-1883. Beatty served at Shoal River, Fairford, Cumberland House, The Pas (several terms), Grand Rapids, Sturgeon River and Norway House.