Collection search - THE TRAGEDY AT FORT GARRY, MARCH 4, 1870

Removed from: Publication: "Canadian Illustrated News". Vol.I, April 23, 1870, p.385
Scene depicting the execution of Thomas Scott outside Upper Fort Garry.
On November 23, 1869. Métis leader Louis Riel proposed the formation of a provisional government to replace the Council of Assiniboia. The official transfer of the land to Canada had been set for December 1, 1869. During this period of uncertainty, Sir John A. Macdonald had postponed payment to the Company because of the disturbances in the Settlement.
On December 1, McDougall, who had not been notified of this, read the proclamation announcing the transfer of the Company's territories to Canada. This hasty gesture was later to cause problems. From that moment, Riel's Provisional Government became legitimate, for the Company lost all authority as of December 1 and Canada acquired none since it had not paid anything.