Fonds

This fonds chronicles the activities of William John Watts in the latter half of the 19^th century, primarily during the period when he was 15 to 20 years old.

There is a diary that records his daily routines for the year 1861, succinctly noting his leisure activities (snowshoe races, festivals, concerts, etc.), school work, and city outings to go shopping or attend church. Numerous documents relate to his studies at McGill, including an absence report, tuition receipts, invitations, Annual Founder's Festival programs, certificates of matriculation, a table listing the students' ranking on the December 1864 exams, a report card, and admission cards for the gymnasium, library and the museum of the Natural History Society. There are notes pertaining to his expenses and schedule during his time at military school, along with two certificates of military proficiency, one a second place result dated August 1864, and the other for first place dated September of the same year. Correspondence from his parents, his sister Charlotte Watts and his grandfather William Sheppard chronicle his family relationships and agricultural and domestic activities associated with the family home in Drummondville, while letters from his father and mother, notably those sent to commemorate his 20^th birthday in 1866, illustrate a lot of tenderness and affection. Other documents include a confirmation certificate and receipts for his clothing, lodgings and the care of his horse.

In addition, the fonds contains several documents associated with Robert Nugent Watts: receipts and bills, such as a subscription to the London Journal, and a letter signed by Major Charles King. Finally, the fonds also contains a handwritten prayer, a certificate of posting, a list of names, and a press clipping about the story "How Charlie Caught Santa Claus" (written by Robert Watts at the age of 14).