Colonial Canada
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Napoleonic Period
Early “intelligence” gatherers included native Canadian
villagers, Norse seafarers, French voyageurs, the Hudson Bay
Company, and British traders. Through their early information
collection, assessment and exploitation efforts, maps were
developed and trade routes opened. This prepared the way for
later exploration of the interior and Northwest Passage,
discovery of mountain passes, and building of communities.
Seven Years War (1756-1763)
During the Seven Years War (1756-1763), a unit named the
“Yankee Rangers” provided scouting services for British forces
operating in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. General Wolfe, planning
the seizure of Quebec, was actively involved in intelligence
work, personally interrogating deserters, questioning spies and
Rangers, reading intercepted letters, and conducting
reconnaissance. Deception was a feature not overlooked by Wolfe,
with leading assault boats masquerading as French provision
vessels and a feint attack included in his plan. General
Amherst, who took Montreal, also used Rangers and guides for
intelligence work with great skill and success.
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