Document Record

Creator

French, George Arthur, 1841-1921

Title

Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Office of the Comptroller : Letterbooks of Commissioner George Arthur French

Identifier

lac_mikan_158585
164508
RG 18
oocihm.lac_mikan_158585

Document source

Library and Archives Canada / Bibliothèque et Archives Canada

Language

English

Description

The North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) was a parliamentary police force created in 1873. It was meant to keep law and order among incoming settlers to the region west of Ontario, help Aboriginals make the transition to Indian reserves, and act as a symbol of Canadian sovereignty against American annexation. The police force was partially created in response to Fenian invaders who nearly made it to Manitoba in 1871. During the Klondike Gold Rush from 1897 to 1903, the NWMP would establish a presence in the Yukon to maintain order amongst the saloons, dance halls and gambling dens that sprung up to entertain gold prospectors flooding into the region.
George Arthur French (1841-1921) was appointed the first Commissioner of the NWMP in 1873. He resigned in July 1876 and was succeeded by James F. Macleod.
This collection consists of correspondence concerning recruiting, the organization and responsibilities of the Force as well as supplies, accommodation, discipline and recommendations for promotion. These letterbooks include indexes.

URL

https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_mikan_158585