The Memorial and Petition of James Frazer Montreal 1798

The Memorial and Petition of James Frazer Montreal 1798

This petition from James Frazer to the Governor of Upper and Lower Canada, Robert Prescott, is a request for assurances that these colonies will not abolish slavery. Frazer was a White United Empire Loyalist who came to Nova Scotia and brought, at some expense to himself, his slaves. He had subsequently moved to Montreal, in Lower Canada, but he only made the decision to move after re-assuring himself that he would be able to keep his slaves in his new home. However, upon establishing himself and his family and slaves in Montreal, he began to hear rumours that Lower Canada might emancipate all the slaves in that colony. He wrote referring to his slaves as "property" but he also tried to convince the Governor that he was a good and just slave-owner who always treated his slaves with the utmost "tenderness." It is clear from his message that he was aware that societal attitudes about slavery were changing.

James Frazer

Library and Archives Canada

March 13, 1798

Copyright Expired

PNG

English

Still Image

Quebec and Lower Canada series, RG 4 A 1, vol. 66, reel C-3011, p. 21153-21154