RE: $2 Canadian Bill Sells For A Fortune

The story here is that the Dominion of Canada is trying to sweet talk the Colony of British Columbia into Confederation since there is a risk that this colony could join the USA. Also, the Russians have be trying to make inroads to claim the region.

Part of the deal is building and developing infrastructure. The line of communication was needed, hence Canada promised to link up by building the railway. The need for a bank in BC was also vital since up to 1870 the Caribou Gold Rush was in full swing. With all that gold coming out of the rugged BC Interior a Canadian bank would add considerable weight in Canada's claim to the region.

British Columbia joined the Confederation in 1871.

I believe the two dudes on this note are British General Wolf and French General Montcalm from the Battle of Montreal. The British won that battle.