Governor Charles Lawrence

BRITISH SCALP PROCLAMATION: 1756

Between 1753 and 1756, many skirmishes occurred between the Mi'kmaq and British forces, as could be expected, since many of the Mi'kmaq Districts were still at war with them. However, the reaction of Governor Lawrence in 1756, perhaps in retaliation for the assistance given to the Acadians, was typical of English behaviour towards the Mi'kmaq. The "tribal liability" provisions of the treaties, which branded all Indians guilty, may have also been part of his rationalization when, on May 14, 1756, he issued a scalp proclamation. The bounty offered:

"And, we do hereby promise, by and with the advice and consent of His Majesty's
Council, a reward of 30£ for every male Indian Prisoner, above the age of
sixteen years, brought in alive; or for a scalp of such male Indian twenty-five pounds,
and twenty-five pounds for every Indian woman or child brought in alive: Such
rewards to be paid by the Officer commanding at any of His Majesty's Forts in this
Province, immediately on receiving the Prisoners or Scalps above mentioned,
according to the intent and meaning of this Proclamation."

This proclamation is still on the books and the Canadian government has steadfastly refused to rescind it.

Halifax Herald column I wrote:

http://www.danielnpaul.com/Col/2000/BritishScalpBountyStillOnBooks.html

On August 2, 2008, former Nova Scotia Liberal Party leader Danny Graham provided the following response to an inquiry from an individual who had attended a breakfast meeting that he had participated in about my contention that the scalp proclamation issued by Governor Charles Lawrence in 1756 was still on the books

“Daniel Paul was correct in his article that the Lawrence proclamation of 1756 remains, however not in effect. In March 2000 Minister Baker introduced a resolution to the House which passed unanimously, asking the Federal government to confirm that the colonial proclamation no longer has any force or effect in Canadian law. In August 2000 then Minister if DIAND, Robert Nault sent a letter to all Chiefs affirming that the proclamation was no longer in effect. However, in order for the proclamation to 'disappear' an Order in Council would have to passed by te Federal house and this has not happened. There are several reasons why this may be so, but nothing concrete has been stated to us. So, the province has tried to address this matter - the Federal government has made its move, and the proclamation still remains on the record, although completely ineffective and apologized for.

I hope this helps - with an explanation at least.”

Please visit these URLs to read more about British barbarities

http://www.danielnpaul.com/AcadianMi'kmaqContactsOutlawed.html
http://www.danielnpaul.com/BritishScalpBounties.html
http://www.danielnpaul.com/BritishScalpProclamation-1744.html
http://www.danielnpaul.com/BritishScalpProclamation-1749.html
http://www.danielnpaul.com/BritishGenocide-1759.html
http://www.danielnpaul.com/NewBrunswickCreated-1784.html

Click to read about American Indian Genocide

A better understanding of the before mentioned can be had by reading: First Nations History - We Were Not the Savages - 2006 Edition
http://www.danielnpaul.com/WeWereNotTheSavages-Mi'kmaqHistory.html

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