Map of the Area of the 5 December 1818 Treaty [Rice Lake Purchase]

Historical Background: During the War of 1812, the British realized that they needed to encourage immigration from Britain to the interior of Upper Canada. Subsequently, they began negotiations with the Mississaugas of the Rice Lake and Rideau River areas. William Claus at Smith's Creek (now Port Hope), 5 December 1818 began negotiations by telling the chiefs present "that the King was buying the lands in order to provide for the settlement of his children". Instead of paying the Mississauga a lump sum, a new payment was devised where the King "does not mean to do as formerly to pay to you at once, but as long as any of you remain on the Earth to give you Clothing in payment every year, besides the presents he now gives you". In return for an annuity of 740 pounds per year (10 pounds per person yearly), the Crown purchased 1.951 million acres.

Source: Surtees, R.J. Indian Land Surrenders in Ontario 1763-1867. Ottawa: Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, 1984.