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The Daughters of Sir James Douglas

Sir James Douglas

he daughters of Sir James Douglas, the Governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company Fort, were amongst the first to enroll with the Sisters. Although Douglas was pleased with the type of education his girls received, the policies of the Academy were not compatible with the official duties of his family. He was forced to remove the girls from their studies, over the issue of formal dances, which were not permitted by the Sisters.

Translation of Sir James Douglas’ letter to the Very Reverend Mother Superior of St. Ann’s Convent, dated March 17, 1859:

Letter from Sir James Douglas to the Reverend Mother Superior of St. Ann's Convent

is Excellency the Governor presents his respects to the very reverend Mother Superior of St. Ann's Convent, and acknowledges the receipt of her esteemed letter, dated the 15th of this month.

His Excellency learns with admiration the principles of rule which the Reverend Mother Superior proposes to maintain in regard to dances.

His Excellency desires to inform the Rev. Superior, that in general, he does not permit his daughters to frequent dances, but some occasions occur, as for example, the assembly of Last Tuesday, when his position and public duties require his presence. Such occasions do not arrive frequently, but if the Rev. Superior looks upon them as infractions of the Convent regulations, His Excellency will be reduced of necessity, though with regret, to withdraw his daughters from the school.

Finally, His Excellency begs the Rev. Superior to accept his expressions of very high esteem.

Gov't House, Mar. 17, 1859

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