A Canadian Family

Pedro da Silva dit le Portugais, Premier Messager en Nouvelle-France

In 2003 Canada Post wanted to celebrate the contributions that Portuguese Canadians had made to the country and they chose to do this by highlighting the work of Pedro da Silva, 18th century immigrant to New France.

Here’s an extract from the Canada Post ” … Based on the 1681 census, da Silva had settled with his family in Beauport, Quebec where he worked as a common carrier. He later moved to Sault-au-Matelot in Quebec City’s lower town, and became involved with the shipping of goods. His proximity to the St. Lawrence River gave da Silva easy access to the ships off-loading goods for delivery within Quebec City and the colony. It is believed that da Silva built a good reputation for transporting goods, packages and letters by offering delivery in all seasons, even the harsh winters ….. da Silva received a letter of commission signed by Jacques Raudot, Intendant of New France, bestowing on him the duty of ‘first courier’ in Canada. He also received permission to carry letters “… from private persons to their address and to bring back the replies…” It was da Silva’s punctuality, “…diligence and loyalty…” that earned him the privilege of being a ‘regular messenger’ of goods as well as royal dispatches and those of the Governor General of New France between Quebec City and Trois-Rivières or Montreal.”

Surname var.: Dasilva, Dassylva, Desilva

Related Post:
From Lisbon to La Nouvelle France – the Portuguese Desilvas

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February 5, 2009 - Posted by Evelyn Yvonne Theriault | . | Desilva, Genealogy, Portugal, Quebec