Perley, Moses Henry

(1804-1863)

   Born in Maugerville, New Brunswick. Educated at St. John. In 1828 became an attorney; called to the bar of New Brunswick, 1830, but soon forsook his profession. For some years engaged in milling and lumbering, and, having mixed much with the Micmac and Melicete Indians, appointed commissioner of Indian affairs and immigration officer. In 1841 and succeeding years spent much time visiting the Indian tribes and investigating their grievances. Also active in advertising the resources of the province, and in 1846 asked to report on the capabilities of the country. A line of railway being projected, sent to England in 1847 to report on the matter. Returning to New Brunswick, pursued his investigations into the fisheries of the province. In 1849 commissioned to report on the fisheries of the Gulf of St. Lawrence; in 1850 those of the sea and rivers of New Brunswick; and in 1851 those of the Bay of Fundy. In 1852-1853 compiled the trade statistics which were used in the negotiations for the Reciprocity Treaty between Canada and the United States. In 1854 the treaty was signed, and he was appointed a commissioner to carry out the terms arranged.

   Index: H Fishery commissioner on behalf of Great Britain, 170; his death in Newfoundland, 1863, 170.

   Bib.: Sea and River Fisheries of New Brunswick. For biog., see Hannay, History of New Brunswick.