Du Calvet, Pierre

   Under the French régime engaged in the fur trade, and, having acquired considerable wealth, remained in the colony after the conquest. In 1764 made a magistrate and justice of the peace. Vigorously opposed an ordinance of 1770 regulating the administration of justice, and on several subsequent occasions clashed with the executive authority. Suspected by Haldimand of having been in secret correspondence with the United States, and arrested in September, 1780; from November, 1780, to May, 1783, kept in confinement without the opportunity of a legal trial. In 1784 went to England, where he denounced Haldimand and sought redress before the British ministry. In this connection published an "Appel à la Justice de l'État," setting forth his personal grievances, but concluding with a carefully prepared plan of government, which was considered as the basis for that adopted in the Constitutional Act of 1791. Complaints were not favourably received, and returned to Canada. In March, 1786, left New York for London on board the Shelburne, which is supposed to have been lost with all on board.

   Index: Hd Arrested on suspicion of treason, 279-280; evidence against, 281; his resentment against Haldimand, 282; being released, enters action against him, 283; his memorial to Lord Sydney, 284-288; his misstatements, 288; supported in his action against Haldimand by Masères, 290; demands a Legislative Assembly and the Habeas Corpus Act, 291; drowned at sea, 292; praised by Fréchette, 292; blames Mabane for ill will of Haldimand, 305; serves writ against Haldimand, 310.

   Bib.: Morgan, Cel. Can.; Cyc. Am. Biog.; Shortt and Doughty, Constitutional Documents of Canada. For full titles of his Appel à la Justice de l'État, and The Case of Pierre Du Calvet, see Morgan, Bib. Can. See also Haldimand, Sir Frederick.