Originals were unfolded, flattened, given acid-free envelopes and returned to donor.
Acquisition Source
Mrs. Gail Manson of White Lake
Scope and Content
From a description of the letter in Peter Hessel's book, McNab: The Township: 'Laird to Allan from Montreal. "Indeed it surprises me to hear that Paris and Hunter had the Dam, but it matters not to me who the Contractors are, providing the dam be properly and sufficiently done.." It appears that the Laird's lessee, Archibald Wilson, contracted with John Paris to have a new dam constructed at White Lake. The Laird showed concern for Catherine (his common-law wife, Allan's and Kitty's mother): "I was sorry to perceive that your Mother is again beginning to feel her side and sincerely do I sympathize with her, for I have suffered much from the same since coming here and may likely for some time." His Montreal physician, Dr. Beattie, had an "extensive practice and a large laboratory establishment in town" together with his partner Dr. Scott. The Laird had Dr. Beattie prepare medicine for Catherine "in the shape of pills; the only difficulty is in getting them sent up - I have also purchased some clothes and flannel" (there was no parcel post yet).
Notes
The originals were returned after scanning.
Related Material
See Peter Hessel's book, McNab: The Township for a broader history of the Laird's settlement and occupation of the area.