Land grant to Matthew Forest. Only a small portion of the land grant remains. The name John Graves Simcoe appears near the bottom. A partial date is on the reverse side, 1790.

Bill of Lading for 125 articles shipped on board the schooner Governor Simcoe for Messrs. George and Alexander Hamilton of Queenston. The bill is dated at Kingston, Richard Cartwright & Co., July 25, 1810, rec’d. August 1.

Letter to Messrs. George and Alex. Hamilton, Merchants of Queenston, from John McGill, York. The letter states that McGill will accept the four hundred bushels of peas, as well as any further quantity, for the use of the Government at the rate of five shillings per bushel. They are to be delivered into the Kings stores at Queenston or Fort George by May 1. He asks to receive a reply to this offer, January 4, 1812.

Letter to Capt. Alex. Hamilton, Niagara, from George Hamilton, Chippewa. The letter concerns some business with Mr. Summers, formerly belonging to the 2nd Troop which merits [?] misrepresentations and has been “to the devil”. He writes that to you and others he states that he is very sorry [?] that it has taken place and pretends not to have had any hand in it. However, he writes that he has from General Brock himself that he first proposed only allowing the 1st Troop to continue and begging the charging [?] powder, preferring the Genl. information to his being from the highest authority?. He says that some state that they joined the 2nd, and not the 1st Troop. He writes that he has nothing to do with it but it would be unfair to press them to join against their will. He adds that Summers is a very decent lad and deserves to be appointed as sergeant [?], which he intended to do as soon as the 2nd Troop had been filled up. He writes that there is nothing more that he wants at present than to be aboard the Royal George and Prince Regent. He states that he will go as a volunteer when things become serious. Some passages are very difficult to read. He appears to be writing about raising men, and feels that an injustice has been done to him and he should have had the command of one of the Comp. He writes that they now wish him to take command with all the best men taken out. He adds that he is on his way with McCormick to Fort Erie and will return in a day or two to Queenston. July 15, 1812.

**Please note: This letter contains language that reflect the time period when it was created and the view of its creator. This can include offensive and negative language, references, and stereotypes that are no longer used or appropriate today. The item(s) retain their original content to ensure that attitudes and viewpoints are not erased from the historical record. The Archives & Special Collections are actively working on including more respectful and representative language in our own descriptions now and into the future.**--------------------------------------------- Letter (4 pages) to Alexander from George Hamilton. The writer apologizes for not writing sooner, and adds that Charles has likely given an account of their expedition. The Long Point Militia is mentioned, and it is stated that it will be some time before they will have a sufficient reinforcement. The Oxford militia is also mentioned. He writes that he has heard from some "Indians" that Governor Hull has about 1500 men and that they mentioned 4000 to you. He adds that little dependence can be placed on their intelligence but the former account agrees better with other information, with some being on this side at Sandwich and the remainder at Detroit. He writes that how or when they proceed he does not know, but thinks that going down the river in a large boat is the correct and most predictable plan. He is afraid that the coming reinforcements will be too small. It is reported that a few men have been placed at certain distances on the river with the intention gaining intelligence, and a few of the enemy are said to be at the mouth of the river, and the rest to Sandwich. He writes that he does not know when this may reach you, and that Mr. Woodruff has an order on him for forty pounds. He asks that his sister be assured that he is quite well and in good spirits, and out of danger. He says that it would give Charles and himself much pleasure to see him at the head of your Troop, but is afraid that will not take place, and so hopes to have the pleasure of seeing him soon, August 1812. No postmark.

**Please note: This letter contains language that reflect the time period when it was created and the view of its creator. This can include offensive and negative language, references, and stereotypes that are no longer used or appropriate today. The item(s) retain their original content to ensure that attitudes and viewpoints are not erased from the historical record. The Archives & Special Collections are actively working on including more respectful and representative language in our own descriptions now and into the future.**--------------------------------------------- Letter (7 pages) to Captain Alex. Hamilton, N. Lt. Dragoons, Niagara, from Charles Askin, Strabane. He writes that since George has left he has not had an opportunity to write, so any items of consequence that occurred in this quarter he has probably already heard from George. He regrets not having left with him as he has witnessed some shocking scenes. He states that Major Chambers was sent to River Raisin and Fort Miami to take possession of some block houses and destroy them, and to bring anything belonging to the United States, such as arms and provisions, to Amherstburgh. He writes that the commander at River Raisin refused to surrender. He notes that the "Indians" could not be got ready for a day or two, but at last they got off from Amherstburgh. When they arrived at the River Raisin, all the inhabitants had surrendered, agreeable to the capitulation of Detroit. He adds that the inhabitants were plundered by the "Indians", and that they were looking to them for protection as had been promised by our Government, but it was not in their power to provide it. He notes that hardly a horse was left in the settlement and the violence was great. They remained one day at River Raisin and then went to Fort Miami, where the "Indians" plundered, but not so greatly as at River Raisin. He adds that they have been forced to lock their horses in the stables at night and watch them well in the day time. He states that Colonel Procter is made Governor of the Michigan Territory and Judge Woodward is his Secretary, and that the Governor is too stiff to be very popular. Robert Dickson is expected here every day. He notes that there has been so much public property taken at Detroit that it is supposed there will be a great deal of prize money, August 25, 1812. A note next to the address states the letter was forwarded by Major Chambers.

Letter to Captain Hamilton, Niagara, from Geo. Hamilton, Canborough. The writer states that he has just learned that “your infernal dragoons” at Canborough are in his stables there, without “leave or licence”. He has learned that W.H. Merritt has been up in that quarter and presumes that they have been directed by him. He asks that these youths be recalled instantly and fined to pay for the damage they have done, in order to avoid a formal complaint against them to General Sheaffe. An added note states that James is new with Robert and is likely to receive a commission in Roberts Company as 2nd Lieut. As he is not allowed to go any distance from his post, he asks that the writer persuade James to ride to Canborough to get the rafts down. He was not able to do this as James is in Company with Mr. Clark. He urges the writer to write to James. He adds that Robert mentioned that he wanted to speak to James about appointing him executor, November 1812.

Letter to Robt. Hamilton, Queenston, Upper Canada, from Thos. Gourlay, New York. It is stated that he has written several letters to Queenston but has not received a reply. He asked Robt. Corbet to forward to the New York Post Office any letters that arrived for him after he left Canada, and to notify him of his brothers motions, but he has not done so. He asks that Hamilton inform him on the subject. He has heard the [preacher?] of Niagara has been thrown into goal and that Robert followed. He does not know the cause of their being apprehended or what will become of them. It is likely he will take a passage to one of the Islands and there wait for a vessel going to South America. He presently boards at 15 Front St., but asks that any mail be directed to the Post Office should he move. Cooper [name missing] boards in the same house and is a Canadian, and is acquainted with most of the good folks in that quarter. He asks if Hamilton knows him, January 19, 1818. Postmarked New York Jan 19.

Letter to Alexander Hamilton, Queenston, from John Hamilton, Montreal. The letter concerns personal matters and family news, with mention of Joseph and Peter Hamilton, Mr. Barnet, and Mr. Blackwood, April 10, 1820. Three pages. There is some cross-writing on the last page.

Letter to Alex. Hamilton from John Strachan, York. The letter concerns the estate of Hamilton’s late father. He writes that there have been delays arising partly from the difficulty of arranging the accounts of the estate, and partly from the public avocations of the gentlemen appointed to adjust them. He says they will be ready for a final settlement in the beginning of next month, and he will come to Niagara on Monday and meet with him and his brothers the next day. He asks for his remarks and opinions not only on his own accounts, but also on the general settlement and amicable division of the estate, May 19, 1823.