ERIC KRAUSE

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An Event Chronology Based on Louisbourg Accounts Not Available in the Archives of the Fortress of Louisbourg, By Eric Krause, Krause House Info-Research Solutions, 2004 - Present

1746

[1746]

A letter from William Shirley, Esq; governor of Massachusett's-Bay, to His Grace the Duke of Newcastle : with a journal of the siege of Louisbourg, and other operations of the forces, during the expedition against the French settlements on Cape Breton; drawn up at the desire of the Council and House of Representatives of the province of Massachusett's-Bay; approved and attested by Sir William Pepperrel, and the other principal officers who commanded in the said expedition. : Published by authority

[London: printed by E. Owen, in Warwick-Lane. 1746. Boston in New-England: re-printed by J. Draper, printer to His Excellency the governor & Council, for D. Henchman in Cornhil., Pub date: [1746] - http://info.library.mun.ca/uhtbin/cgisirsi/rKzeRHCObi/QEII/189450029/9 ]

[1746]

[New York (Colony). Governor Clinton] His Excellency's speech to the Council and General Assembly of the colony of New-York [microform]. [New York : Printed by James Parker, 1746]

[January 6, 1746] 

The last Post brought me a Letter from Admiral Warren, dated at Louisburgh the Twenty-sixth of November, in which he advises me, that no Ships were then arrived there from Britain, and that as it is probable the Regiments, expected from Gibraltar will be forced to the Leeward Islands by the Severity of the Season, and not arrive at Louisburgh in time for its Defence against the Preparations which he hears are making in Canada to attack it early in the Spring, and even then be perhaps extremely weaken'd by Sickness and other Accidents; he calls upon me, agreeable to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle's Letter, formerly laid before you, to raise a Number of Men for the Defence of that important Acquisition, and to send them, with a Quantity of Provisions, sufficient for their Support there, by the Middle of March next. He further informs me, that he thinks himself authorized, in Conjunction with Sir William Pepperill, to draw Bills for defraying the Expence, and has sent me an Extract of the Duke of Newcastle's Letter to that Purpose; but as no Bills have been remitted to me for this Service, not Officers sent to raise the Men, I must apply to you, and I doubt not but it will be a Service very acceptable to his Majesty, for an Advance of so much of the Publick Money as will be necessary for paying, victualling and transporting, as many Men as can be raised in so short a Time; and for rewarding such Officers as shall be commissioned to raise, and to conduct them to Louisbourgh; since no Commissions granted by me can intitle them to any Command in that Garrison, or elsewhere, out of this Government.

I Need not tell you, that the last Vessels from Europe confirmed the Account, that a most unnatural Rebellion had broke out, and was then carrying on in Scotland in Favour of a Popish Pretender, supported by France and Spain. at this Distance we can only pray that the Great God of Battles will grant Success to his Majesty's Arms, and that he will confound the Devices of all his and our Enemies open and concealed. I trust that, through the Favour of Heaven, and the Justice of his Majesty's Cause, we shall soon have an Opportunity of offering our Congratulations upon an Event so desirable by Protestants of all Denominations, as well as by all that are for reserving the Freedom and Independency of their Country.

Having mentioned every Thing to you of a Publick Concern that occurr'd to me, I have only to assure you, that whatever shall be laid before me for the Welfare of the Province will meet with a favourable Reception, and as much Dispatch as the Nature of the Business will admit of.

January 8. 1745-6. GEO. THOMAS.

[See also: MINUTES OF THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL PENNSYLVANIA, FROM THE ORGANIZATION TO THE TERMINATION OF THE PROPRIETARY GOVERNMENT. VOL. V., CONTAINING THE PROCEEDINGS OP COUNCIL FROM DECEMBER 17lH, 1745, TO 20TH MARCH, 1754, BOTH DAYS INCLUDED. (Harrisburg, 1851), p. 6 -   http://books.google.com/books?id=vdQLAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA6&dq=louisbourgh&lr= ]

[January 7, 1746]

... Last Saturday a vessel arrived here in eleven Days from Louisburgh, and Nine from Canso, by whom we hear, that no Vessels were arrived at Louisburgh from England, but that 2 Vessels from Connecticut were at Canso with 170 Recruits on board for the Garrison of Louisburgh.

Boston, January 13.

On Tuesday the first of January, arrived Capt. Wrait at Cape Anne, in 7 Weeks from Portsmouth, and is since come up to Town; and on Thursday last Capt. Lawson also arrived here. They both came out under Convoy of the Kinsale Man of War, and parted from her in bad Weather soon after. Mr. Ryan, Lieut. Colonel of Sir William Pepperell's Regiment, with several other Officers, are come Passengers in Capt. Wrait, and others in Capt. Lawson: They were both bound to Cape Breton, with Cloathing and Stores; and we hear, that on board the Man of War there is 10,000 £. Sterling in Cash, to pay the Soldiers at Louisbourg, where we hope she is arrived before this Time. Capt. Lawson saw Capt. Nevin (bound hither from London) about a Week ago off Cape Sables.

We have also Advice, That the Transports provided to bring over the Regiments from Gibraltar, sailed from Great Britain for that Port, the latter End of September last; but whether they had sailed from thence for Louisbourg, is uncertain.

We hear further, That the French Vessels which were sent as Flags of Truce to carry home the People from Cape Breton to France, were stopp'd there on Pretence they were French Property, and not legally condemned; an Account of which being brought to England by one of the Masters, just as the French Marquis du Maison Fort, who went from hence, was on his Departure from England for France, he having obtain'd Leave, and got all Things ready to embark, he was thereupon stopp'd by Orders from Court.

Some of the Officers come in, inform us, that just before they left England, an English 60 Gun Ship had taken a French one of 70 Guns; that 'twas thought before this Rime War was declared between France and the Dutch; and, that People were putting themselves in Arms all over England.

Boston, January 20.

... The same Day arrived Capt. Dummer from Bristol, near 10 Weeks Passage. And Yesterday arrived Capt. Sherburn in a Snow, one other of the Transports from England, bound for cape breton, with several Officers for that Garrison, and Cloathing, &c. She proved very leaky in her Passage, and we hear that some of the People had mutiny'd, designing to run away with the Vessel, but were suppressed by the Gentlemen on board; and the Mutineers are committed to Goal here for the Offence. ...

New York, January 20.

Friday last arrived here from a Cruize, the Privateer Brigt. Hester, Capt. Grenall; but without the Prize mentioned in our last, being separated from her about three Weeks before in a hard gale of Wind; and as it was with Difficulty the Privateer got into Martha's Vineyard, it is feared the prize has been obliged to bear away for some Southern Port.

We hear the Brigt. Industry, Capt. Pearse, is arrived in the Sound, in a pretty long Passage from Holland, but last from Rhode Island, where she had been obliged to put in, and from whence we learn, they have receiv'd Advice of the safe Arrival of the English Forces so long expected at Louisbourg; and that General Pepperill was made Colonel of one of the Regiments there, on the British Establishment.

We have just now received the following Account of a very extraordinary Riot at Newark on Thursday last, viz. The Day before one Nehemiah Baldwin, with two others, were apprehended there by Order of the Governor in Council, for being concerned in a former Riot, and committed to Jail; In the Morning one of them offered to give Bail; and the Sheriff for that Purpose took him out in order to carry him to the Judge; but on their Way thither, a great Number of Persons appeared armed with Cudgels, coming down from the back Settlements, who immediately rescued the Prisoner in a very violent Manner, contrary to his own Desire; upon this the Sheriff retreated to the Jail, where he raised 30 Men of the Militia, with their Officers, in order to guard it; but by two o'Clock in the Afternoon the Mob being increased to about 300 strong, marched with the utmost Intrepidity to the Prison, declaring that if they were fired on, they would kill every Man; and after breaking through the Guard, wounding and being wounded, they got to the Jail, which they broke open, setting at Liberty all the Prisoners they could find, as well Debtors as others, and then marched off in Triumph, using many threatning Expressions against all those who had assisted the Authority. several of the Guard as well as of the Mob were much wounded and bruised, and 'tis thought one of the latter is past Recovery. What may be the Consequence of this Affair, is not easy to guess.

[January 28, 1746]

The ASSEMBLY's Answer to the
GOVERNOR'S Message.

...
As to the Letter the Governor is pleased to lay before us, received from Admiral Warren, in Relation to cape breton; since we have so lately given a Sum of Money, which was laid out in Provisions, and which the Governor was pleased to apply to the Use of the Garrison on that Island; and as the Admiral thinks himself, in Conjunction with Sir William Pepperill, authorised to draw Bills for any Purpose which they shall think necessary to preserve that important Acquisition, we think they can be at no Loss, especially at a Time when Bills of Exchange are in so great Demand, to raise any Sum of Money they may think fitting, without my Assistance of ours. ...

Boston

Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman at Louisburg; dated January 22,
1745-6, to a Gentleman in Boston.

"The Evening before Christmas a Ship of 200 Tons, -------Lock, Commander, was cast away about three Leagues to the Northward of the Harbour: She belong'd to Mr. Molineux of London, was partly laden for Virginia, and partly with Stores for this Place: She sailed from London with a Number of Vessels for America, seven Sail besides this Vessel being designed here with Stores, under Convoy of the Kingsale Man of War: She parted with the Fleet three Weeks before this Disaster happen'd. Five of the Sailors only got ashore alive; three of them are now in the Garrison, from whom we have this Intelligence; the other two, who took a wrong Path, it is supposed must have perished by the Cold. --- There were Twenty Persons in the Vessel, who were drowned (except as above) amongst which were Mr. Samuel Bradstreet, and another Officer, but unknown ...

New York, January 27.

Wednesday Evening last arrived here the Ship Richard and Sarah, Capt. Alden, in about 10 Weeks from London; who came out under Convoy of the Kinsale Man of War, of 40 Guns, Capt. Lofton Commander, in Company with about 20 Sail of other Vessels, 10 whereof, with Capt. Alden, were laden with Stores, and bound for Cape Breton: There were also on board the Man of War and some of the other Ships, two new-raised Regiments of Soldiers for the Garrison of Louisbourg: This Ship was separated from the rest of the Fleet by bad Weather a few Days after they sail'd, and has not seen any of 'em since: The same Reason also obliged her to put into this Port; but, we hear, she is to proceed as soon as possible, either to Boston, or directly for Cape Breton. We can't learn that she has brought any English Prints; though we have however, the bad Advice that the Pretender's Party still keeps its Ground in Scotland, and had advanced towards the Borders of England, very near the Town of Berwick on Tweed; but on the other Hand, his Majesty's Army, being about 20,000 strong, with a fine Train of Artillery, was in full March to meet them, and that the News of a Battle was every Moment expected, in which it was not doubted, but that the Pretender and his Adherents would be made sensible of their Folly, in the most intelligible Manner.

The same Evening an Express arrived here from Boston and Rhode Island, to the Owners of the Privateer Brigt. Hester, Capt. Grenall Commander, with the News, that the Prize Ship lately taken by that Privateer, was got into Marblehead, a small Port, about 30 Miles to the Eastward of Boston, after much Trouble and Difficulty; having spring a Leak, and received four Foot Water in her Hold; by which 'tis thought the chief Part, if not all the lower Tier of Sugars must be lost. Upon receiving this News, several of the Owners, with Capt. Grenall, set out the next Morning for Boston, in order to see whether they could possibly proceed with her to this Port, or be obliged to carry her into Boston. Her Cargo consisted, at the Time of her being taken, of about 750 Hogsheads of white Sugar, besides some Coffee and Cocoa; and is said to be near 400 Tons Burthen, mounts 10 Carriage Guns, and had 30 Men.

[January 28, 1746]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred In.... 

Brigt. Louisbourg, William Carter, from Jamaica. ...

[January 31, 1746]

... sickness in ye Kings Service at Lewisburg ...

[Source: Andover, MA Vital Records to 1850 [Deaths] Published by: The Topsfield Historical Society Topsfield, MA 1912 Transcribed by Frances LaMarco - Regarding ABBOTT (see also Abbot), Phillip, s. Ebenezer and Elisabeth - http://www.rays-place.com/town/ma/andover/and-deaths-a.htm ]

New York, February 3.

Monday Evening last arrived at Sandy Hook, and on Friday came into our Harbour, the Ship Ruby, Capt. William Starkey, in about 11 Weeks from Gibraltar, one of the Transport Ships with Soldiers for the Garrison of Louisbourg. She came out under Convoy of his Majesty's Ships the Dover, Capt. Collins, and Torrington, Capt. Hardy of 40 Guns each, in Company with seven Sail of Transports more, viz. the Unity, Capt. Parry; the Spencer, Capt. Sadler; the Ridley, Capt. Jackson; the Sea nymph, Capt. Morecroft; the Friend's Glory, Capt. Milner; the Fell, Capt. Ormsby; and the Katharine Snow, Capt. Brown; all bound to Cape Breton, with the two Regiments of Soldiers on board, commanded by the Colonels Fuller and Warburton: But as it was expected the Season of the Year would be too far advanced for them to get into Louisbourg this Winter, they have Orders to rendezvous in some of our Ports, till warmer Weather. This Ship parted from the rest of the Fleet the 19th of last Month, off the Capes of Virginia; where, 'tis thought most of them have gone in; tho' we are told, that some of them are daily expected in here. They were all brave and healthy at parting; and the Soldiers on board this Ship, consisting of two Companies and part of a third, just now landed here, in order to refresh themselves a little in our Fort.

We are informed, that just before they left Gibraltar, they had Advice there, that Admiral Rowley with a stout Fleet, was then very hotly engaged in the Bombardment of the City of Genoa; and that some of his Ships had actually got Possession of the Boston thereof; so that it was expected they had or would soon become Masters of the Place.

February 10. By Capt. Shourt, who arrived here last Wednesday, in 14 Days from New Providence, we hear, That the Schooner George Privateer of Philadelphia, came in there the 13th of January, having lost her Doctor with his Mate, and many of her Men by Sickness, and had there broke up her Cruize. That some time in December last, she had met with and engaged a Privateer Sloop in the Windward-Passage for 6 Glasses, in which she had her Boom carried away by one of her own Guns bursting; after which the Enemy left her.
We hear further, that the Castor and Pollux Privateers of this Port, had put into one of the Bahama Islands to refit, having had an Engagement with four of the Enemy's Privateers, in which they were much shatter'd, and obliged to sheer off; that however, they had lost but few men, and had some time before taken a Ship laden with Wind, which they sent into Bermudas.

Last Saturday Evening a Frenchman who came Passenger in one of the Vessels which arrived here last Week from Coracoa, was taken up here and confined, on Suspicion of his being a Spy; and we hear he is this Day to come under Examination.

February 3, 1746

Shirley, William, Boston, February 3. 1745 [new style, 1746]. : Sir, Having received a commission from his majesty for raising a regiment forthwith for the defence and service of Cape-Breton, I must desire the assistance of your self and other gentlemen of influence in the province for raising it

[Boston : Printed by John Draper?, 1746  - http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn3379658 ]

 

Philadelphia, February 4.

We hear from New York, that one of the Transports from Gibraltar for Louisbourg is arrived at Sandy Hook, and has 200 Soldiers on board; the Captain of which says, he parted with seven Transports more for the same Place, a Fortnight before his Arrival, who had each of them a like Number of Men on board: He says likewise, they had an Account at Gibraltar, of Admiral Rowley's bombarding and taking Genoa, which we hope will be confirmed ...

Boston, February 10th, 1745/1746

WHEREAS I am informed, that an Apprehension prevails among the Persons, that all Voluntiers who shall enlist into either of the two Regiments to be forthwith rais'd for the Defence and Service of cape breton, and commanded by myself, and Sir William Pepperrell, will be liable to be held in the said Service during his Majesty's Pleasure, notwithstanding they shall be enlisted to serve for a certain Number of Years only: These are to certify, That such an Apprehension is a Mistake, and that all Soldiers who shall enlist into either of said Regiments for a certain Time only, will be entitled to be discharged from it at the Expiration of the Term for which they are enlisted: And I do hereby assure all persons who shall so enlist into my regiment, that they shall upon their Request be dismiss'd from it at the End of the Term for which they shall be enlisted. And all Officers who are now raising Volunteers for my regiment, are hereby directed to take care that the Terms of Years for which each Soldier, who enlists for a certain Time only, shall be inlisted, is inserted, either int he Body of the Enlistment itself, or Certificate of the Justice of Peace thereunto annex'd, that the Time for which each Soldier enlists may appear. W. SHIRLEY.

[February 11, 1746]

Custom House Philadelphia, Entred In. Sloop Endeavour, Jonathan Salter, from Boston. Entred Out. Snow Peggy, Anthony Roch, for St. Christophers. Brigt. Louisbourg, Richard Budden, for Jamaica. Cleared. Schooner Mary and Ruth, Michael Stuart, to Boston. Ship Westmoreland, John Dod Bonett, to Jamaica.

Philadelphia, Feb. 11.

.... From Annapolis they write, that on the 28th past arrived there the Ship Aurora, Capt. Pickeman, from Holland, but last (in twelve Weeks) from Plymouth, with near 200 Palatines, having buried but four in the Passage. 'Tis said she was bound to Philadelphia, but could not get in. From Virginia we hear, that on Thursday the 23d past, a Fleet of 35 Sail, under Convoy of the Mermaid Man of War, sail'd out of Chesapeak Bay for England. And that two Transport Ships bound to Louisburg were put in there, and more expected, having been spoke with on the Coast by a Brigt. arrived in the Bay.

By a Vessel arrived last Week from Boston, there is Advice that four of the Transports were arrived there ...

Custom-House, Philadelphia, Entred ...

Entred Out. ...
Brigt. Louisbourg, Richard Budden, for Jamaica. ...

Kingsbury Febry 3d 1745-6

Sir :—Yours of the 26th of November, w'ch came not to my hands till the 3d of Janry, I had answered sooner had not my great Indisposition of body prevented me, & even still renders me less capable of saying what should be said on the head you write.

I congratulate his Majestie's appointing you Governour of Louisbourgh a place yt you had so great a share in the reduction of to his Majestie's obedience, and heartily wish it may prove advantageous to you: and am of opinion that, as things are circumstanc'd, that commnand is best plac'd in a sea officer if he has a strong navall force under his command to protect it or make further attempts upon the Enemy as opportunityes may offer to gather fresh Lawrells, w'ch to you will be unenvyed.

The paragraph of his Grace's letter has relation to what you wrote to him concerning the then present wants of the place, but whether it empowers you to comply wth the agreements made by other Governours for the raising of men is a question; & seemes to require something more express than is contain'd in them for y' purpose: but of this you must know best. I believe three or perhaps foure Companies may be rais'd here, but then the Captaines, ye 1st Lieutenants at least, & some of the other officers, will expect to bo continued and have commissions sent them here, and the charges of transporting them paid, without w'ch it seemes impracticable to raise many, if any.

Our Assembly are soon to meet, and I shall then lay your letters and some others on that head before them, but as they consist chiefly of Quakers and men under their Influence, I have very little hopes of Prevailing on them to do any thing even for their own defence, much less of doing any thing for the preservation of Louisbourgh, Nova Scotia, or the reduction of Canada.

These things, however evidently necessary, seem to require orders from Britain, & I am afraid the aid of a British Parliament to render these orders effectuall; at least in Jersey and Pensylvania, where Quakers have so great a share in Legislation: the danger of w'ch I wish may not be perceiv'd too late.

Since the rece't of yours, Govern' Clinton tells me one of the transports wth 200 men came into Sandy hooke and brings an ace' of Admirall Rowley's taking of Genoa, w'ch I hope is true; & that the rest of them are safely ariv'd wlh you.

I am, &c L. M.

To his Excellency Peter Warren Esqr, Captain Generall & Governour in Chief of his Majestie's Garrison at Louisbourgh, &c &c &c

[Collections of the New Jersey Historical Society, Volume 4, (Newark, 1852), pp 294-295 - http://books.google.com/books?id=DE0OAAAAIAAJ&printsec=titlepage&source=gbs_v2_summary_r&cad=0 ]

February 22, 1746

MILLER, Thomas, Middletown. Will dated 22 February, 1746: Know all Christian people whom these presents may concern: That I, Thomas MILLER, a soldier in the honourable Brigr. WALDO's regiment, and in that company of which John HUSTON is captain, being sick and weak of body, but of sound sense and memory, and considering the certainty of death and the uncertainty of its coming, do now make this my last will and testament in the manner and form as followeth:

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

          Third: and lastly, I give to my well-beloved brother Moses MILLER all my goods or estate I have here present with me, or shall appertain or fall to me by virture of the expedition against this Island of Cape Breton, and also all my goods and estate Ihave or ever shall fall to me in any part of New England, after my just and lawful debts are paid. And I do constitute him the sd. Moses MILLER to be my lawful and sole executor in this my las will and testament.

                                        Thomas MILLER, L.S.
Witness: Samuel GREEN,
William KELLOG,
John SACKET

[Digest of the Early Connecticut Probate Records (Hartford District), Charles W. Mainwaring, Hartford, 1902, Vol 3, p 600 - 601 - http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~jdevlin/wills/miller_thomas1746.htm ]

Boston, February 24.

By Capt. Brooks, who arrived at Portsmouth, in New Hampshire, about a Week ago, in six Weeks from Plymouth, in England, we have the following Advices, viz. ... - That the Men of War that sailed from Louisburgh last Fall, were arrived in England with their Prizes, and that in their Passage they took a very rich French Ship. - That the late Governor of Louisburgh was put to Death upon his Arrival in France; and that the famous Morepang was in Goad. - That the late Commander of the Vigilante Man of War, taken off Louisburgh last Year, was put in Goal upon is arrival in France, for Breach of Orders. ...

[February 25, 1746]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred ...

Cleared.... Brigt. Louisburgh, William Carter, to Jamaica. ...

[February 25, 1746]

For His Majesty's Service. ALL gentlemen inclining to serve His majesty king GEORGE, as voluntiers in the regiment of foot under command of his excellency WILLIAM SHIRLEY, esq; governor of the province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England, &c. may repair to the Sign of the George, in Second street, Philadelphia, and there agree for the term of three, five, or seven years; at the expiration whereof, if they desire it, they shall be faithfully discharged, and land given them to settle on in the island of cape breton. They shall also, upon their inlistment, enter immediately into British pay; their passages shall be paid to Boston or Louisburgh, and all necessaries for the voyage furnished for them: They shall, on their embarkation, receive two pistoles bounty money: and as soon as they arrive at Boston or Louisburgh, shall have a good new suit of cloaths, from head to foot, and two good new Shirts, &c. N.B. The officers attend, at the place above mentioned, from eight to eleven in the morning, and from three to six in the afternoon. CHARLES PROCTER. PHILIP GOTTFRIED KAST.  ...

Philadelphia, February 25.

By a Gentleman from Virginia we are informed, that the Seven Transports, mentioned in our last, from Gibraltar, with the Forces for cape breton, and the two Men of War, their Convoy, are arrived in James River. ...

Extract of a Letter from Louisbourg, dated Feb. 26.

The Night after the 20th Instant, a most surprizing Event happened in this Place. A violent Gust of Wind and Snow arose, which shipwreck'd almost all the Vessels in the Harbour; and among other Damages done in this City, the General's House did not escape, but a great Part of its Roof was blown down. On the Evening before it was clear Weather, and no Symptoms of a stormy Night; yet before Morning the whole Harbour was black'd up with Ice and Snow, so that it was all as firm Land. The greater Sort of Seils  and monstrous Sea-Cows were trapann'd thereby and left their Water Element, for fear of being drowned. The Whalemen who were posted at the Island Battery drove near a Dozen of those Sea-Cows on Shore alive; on that Fortress Many of them were almost thrice the Bigness of a large Horse. Their Skins are about an Inch thick; and some of those Sea Animals will make more than a Barrel of Oil. Their Teeth, or rather Horns, were about 2 Feet in Length, and are some of the finest Ivory in the World. The French say there was never such a Sight seen here before. And, what was very affecting and awful, the Force of the Wind and Sea drove the Ice so hard against the Walls of the Island Battery, that it burst open the Gates (tho' bar'd with Iron) and tore up the dead Corps in their Coffins which were buried on that Battery, and these were seen jamm'd in the Ice, in one Place and another, as People now walked all over the Harbour in Safety, as on Terra Firma.

[March 1746]

DESCRIPTION of the Island of CAPE BRETON, and the adjacent Isles, By P. CHARLEVOIX, (See the Map of Canada, &c. in January Mag.)

[Gentleman's Magazine, Volume 16, March, 1746, Page 123  [Source: http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/ilej/journals/ ]

[Gentleman's Magazine, Volume 16, March, 1746, Page 124  [Source: http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/ilej/journals/ ]

[Gentleman's Magazine, Volume 16, March, 1746, Page 125  [Source: http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/ilej/journals/ ]

[Gentleman's Magazine, Volume 16, March, 1746, Page 126  [Source: http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/ilej/journals/ ]

[Gentleman's Magazine, Volume 16, March, 1746, Page 127  [Source: http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/ilej/journals/ ]

[Gentleman's Magazine, Volume 16, March, 1746, Page 128  [Source: http://www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/ilej/journals/ ]

Philadelphia, March 11.

... Friday last the Assembly of this province adjourn'd to the 19th of May next, His Honour the Governor having first given his Assent to the following Laws, viz. An ACT for the Re-emitting and Continuing the Currency of the Bills of Credit of this Province. ...

... Fifty or Sixty Recruits for Governor Shirley's Regiment at Louisburgh, embark'd last Week in 2 Vessels bound to Boston, having been all rais'd in a few Days. And as cape breton is like to become a very good Poor Man's Country, it is not doubted but that that Regiment will soon be compleat. ...

Philadelphia, March 15, 1745/1746

Deserted from the Officers now raising Men for Governor Shirley's Regiment of Foot at cape breton, the following Persons, viz. MOSES LARKEY, DANIEL SHIE, and BARNEY MACLAUCHLAN. Whoever apprehends any of the said Deserters, and brings them to the Sign of the George, in Second street, Philadelphia, shall have Twenty Shillings Reward for each from PHILIP GOTTFRIED KAST, or CHARLES PROCTER.

Philadelphia, March 15.

There are Letters in Town from Capt. Lisle, who failed hence for London the 23d of November last, with Advice, that he arrived safe at Plymouth, in England, the 20th of December.

We hear from Louisburgh, Via New York, that one of the Store Ships, from England, was unfortunately cast away near cape breton, and all the People left except three, who arrived there in a miserable Condition, two of them being obliged to have their Legs cut off soon after. It is said there were 25 Officers on board, one of them a Major.

Philadelphia, March 15, 1745/1746.

Deserted from the Officers now raising Men for Governor Shirley's Regiment of Foot at cape breton the following Persons, viz. MOSES LARKEN, DANIEL SAIK, JOHN PRICE, RICHARD BRAZIER, THOMAS LEECH, JOSEPH BRAGDON, BARNEY MACLAUCHLAN, DANIEL LION, JOHN MACGLOUGHLIN, ALBERT LEOPOLT, CHARLES BURNES, HENRY MACTHERON, RICHARD MACKALLEY, and DANIEL LEWEN. Whoever apprehends any of the four last mentioned Deserters, shall have Five Pistoles Reward for each, and two Pistoles for the rest, on their bringing them to the Sign of the George, in Second street, Philadelphia, from PHILIP GOTTFRIED KAST, or CHARLES PROCTER. N.B. If the above Deserters will return to their Officers within a Week after the Date of this Paper, they shall be pardoned.

Boston, March 24.

... --- That the Kinsale Man of War, that came from England, Convoy to the Vessels bound to Louisburgh the last Fall, with one of the Store Ships, meeting with bad Weather, were blown off the Coast and got to Antigua very much shattered. The Kinsale was obliged to throw all her upper Deck Guns overboard &c. but was refitted and sail'd again. --- That Admiral Townshend with 9 or 10 of the largest Men of War, was sail'd from Antigua, but upon what Design was not certainly known, he refusing to take any Merchant Ships under his Convoy: But as the Kinsale, with Money and Stores on board for Louisburgh, sail'd with him, it was generally thought he was bound for that Place. --- That the Store-Ship for Louisburgh was refitting, and when ready, was to sail under Convoy of the Comet Bomb. --- We hear likewise, that Capt. Mills of this Town, who was taken by the French and carried into Martineco, is come Passenger in Capt. Erskine, and informs, That the French have a great Number of Privateers crusing from Martineco; and that while he was there, which was not a Fortnight, 13 English Vessels were taken and brought in.
We hear that Capt. Bass, in a privateer of this Town has taken a rich French Sugar Ship in the West Indies. ...

Newport, Rhode Island, March 28.

Capt. Farrington of the Schooner Dolphin, of Philadelphia, informs, being bound to Boston, in order to go for Louisburg, he was cast away on Block-Island: He had on board 44 Soldiers, 10 Women and a5 Children, besides the Vessels Company, making in the Whole 67 People, whose Lives, thro' divine Favour, were all saved: They are now at said Island, waiting for Transportation for Boston. It is doubted whether the Vessel can be refitted again: She had on board 700 Bushels of Wheat, which is lost; the rest of her Cargo was saved.

A Vessel from Surinam is arrived here, having had 140 Days Passage.

New York, March 31.

Saturday last all of his Majesty's Forces that arrived here lately from Gibraltar, bound for cape breton, march's out of our Fort and embark'd on board the Transport Ship which brought them hither, then lying in the Harbour, in order to proceed on their intended Voyage for Louisbourgh, in Company with the others from Virginia, who, with the two Men of War their Convoy, are every Day expected off Sandy-Hook, for that Purpose.

... Extract of a Letter from Louisburgh, April 3, 1746.

-----Our Garrison is in much better Health than formerly; and the Countenances of the Men look as when in N. England. --- We have had an exceeding Quantity of Snow; so that in one Night it lay upon the Face of the Water all over this Harbour, that Men with Snow-shoes, walked to the Grand and Island Batteries; and 'tis now in the Woods 3 Miles off, not less than 3 Feet perpendicular; the Weather not severely Cold but a few Days. ---

Sr White Hall April 9th 1746

I am commanded to acquaint you, that His Majesty has been pleased to order five Battalions of his Troops under the Command of Lieut General St Clair, to go from hence, as soon as possible, with A Sufficient Convoy of Men of War, to Louisburg, in order to be employed together with the Regiment of Major Genl Frampton, which has been some Time ordered to embark for Louisburg, and with the two Regiments sent thither from Gibraltar, and also with such Troops as shall be Levied for that Purpose in North America for the immediate Reduction of Canada: And I am commanded by his Majesty to signify his Pleasure to you (as I do to the other Governors of the said Colonies) that you should forthwith make the necessary Dispositions for raising as many Men, as the Shortness of the Time will permit, within your Government, to be employed, in Concert with his Majesties Regular Forces, on this important Service. It is hoped, that Lieut General St. Clair will be able to sail from hence, with the Troops under his Command, the latter End of April, or the Beginning of May. 

It is the King's Intention, that the Troops to be raised, should consist of Companies of one Hundred men each; and that those, that shall be raised in the several Provinces of New York, new Jersies, Pennsylvania Maryland and Virginia (be formed into one Corps, to be commanded by Mr Gooch Lieut Governor of Virginia) whom the King has been Pleased, on this occasion, to promote to the Rank of a Brigadier General; and that they should rendezvous at Albany within the Province of New York; or at such other Place, as Mr Gooch shall think Proper to Appoint, in order to proceed from thence, by Land into the Southern Parts of Canada The Troops to be raised in the Province of Massachusets Bay New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, are to rendezvous at Louisburg, and to proceed with the Forces sent from hence, under Convoy of his Majesty's Fleet up the River of St. Lawrence to Quebec.

In Consequence of these Dispositions, His Majesty has ordered me to recommend it to you, in the strongest manner, to proceed immediately to raise as large a Body of men, as the Shortness of the time will permit, within your Government and you will Appoint such officers, as you shall think proper, to command them; For which purpose, a number of Blank Commissions will be sent you, by the next Conveyance: And you will transmit to Mr Gooch a particular Accomt of what you shall be able to do herein; And you will follow such Directions, as you shall receive from Mr Gooch, with regard to the place of Rendezvous and everything relating to the Proceed- ings of the said Troops

You will assure all those, that shall engage in this Service as well officers as soldiers, that they will immediately enter into his Majesty's Pay; The officers, from The time they shall engage in his Majesty's Service; and the Soldiers, from the respective Days on which they shall enlist; and that they shall come in for a share of any booty, to be taken from the Enemy: And be sent back to their respective Habitations, when this service shall be over, unless any of them shall desire to settle elsewhere. As to the Articles of Arms and Cloathing for the men to be raised, His Majesty has commanded me to recommend it to you, and the other Governors, to take care, that the Soldiers may be Provided with them: and His Majesty has authorized, and empowered Lieut General St. Clair to make a reasonable Allowance for defraying that Expence You will recommend it to the Council, and Assembly of Mary- land, to provide a sufficient Quantity of Provisions for the subsistance of the Troops.

I am ordered by His Majesty to recommend it to you, to make the strictest Enquiry for Any Persons, that may be Acquainted with the Navigation of the River of St Lawrence and if you can find any such, you will engage them, at any Rate, to serve as Pilots on board His Majesty's Fleet, and you will send them, as soon as Possible, to Louisburg for that Purpose

I am Sr Your most obedient humble Servant

Holies Newcastle

http://aomol.net/megafile/msa/speccol/sc2900/sc2908/000001/000044/html/am44--326.html

http://aomol.net/megafile/msa/speccol/sc2900/sc2908/000001/000044/html/am44--327.html

http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc2900/sc2908/000001/000044/html/am44--328.html

[Proceedings and Acts of the General Assembly of Maryland, Lower House, Assembly Proceedings, June 17-July 8, 1746, Volume 44, pp. 326-328]

 

Philadelphia, April 10.

... By a Vessel from Virginia, we learn, that the Transports with the Soldiers for cape breton, were to sail last Sunday. ...

[April 10, 1746]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred...
Outwards.
Schooner Britannia, George Sisson, for cape breton. ...

[April 17, 1746]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred ...

Outwards. ... Sloop Leopard, Thomas Church, for cape breton. ...

Boston, April 21.

By a Vessel which arrived at Marblehead from Virginia last Monday, in 5 Days, we learn, That the Dover and Torrington Men of War, with the Transports, having about 17000 Soldiers on board from Gibraltar, sail'd for Louisburgh the 9th Instant.

And by Letters from Louisburgh we are informed, that the Garrison is now very healthy, and about 600 of the Soldiers have enlisted on the British Establishment, in the Regiments commanded by his Excellency and Sir William Pepperill. --- And, that a Store-ship from England, that put into New York late last Fall, was safely arrived at Louisburgh.

A Vessel come into Salem, informs, that a few Days ago she met and spoke with the Virginia Fleet within 3 Days sail of Louisburgh. ...

[April 24, 1746]

Customs House, Philadelphia, Entred ...

Cleared.

Sloop Elizabeth, Samuel Lovell, to cape breton.
----- Leopard, Thomas Church, to cape breton....

[May 1, 1746]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred...

Cleared.... Schooner Britannia, George Sisson, to cape breton.

Boston, May 5.

... Yesterday Capt. Bennet, in the Brigantine Boston Pacquet, arrived here in 14 Days from Louisburgh, by whom we hear, that the Virginia Fleet was not arrived when he came away; but by other Advices, we have Reason to think they got in the Day following.

May 8, 1746

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred ...

Outwards.... 

----- Endeavour, Jonathan Dill, for Louisburgh. ...

[May 15, 1746]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred...

Cleared.... ----- Endeavour, John Dill, to cape breton. ...

Copy of a Letter from a Rev. Divine in Liverpool, to a Minister
in Boston, May 15, 1746.

SIR,

YOU in the Colonies, as well as we in Europe, have had an active Scene of late; and as God was pleased to bless your Endeavours with such eminent Success in the Conquest of cape breton; so we have been greatly own'd by Providence in what may be call'd a new Conquest of the North of Scotland, by the decisive and compleat Victory obtain'd by his Royal Highness the DUKE. ...

New York, May 19.

... Thursday last arrived at Sandy-hook, his Majesty's Ship Torrington, Capt. Hardy Commander, in 15 Days from cape breton, where having seen the Troops from Virginia safe landed, is return'd here to convoy the Ship with the Remainder of those Troops from this Port, which they could not then lost Time to call for.

Boston, May 19.

... Yesterday his Majesty's Sloop Hinchingbrook sailed with a fair Wind for Louisburgh. ...

Boston, May 19.

Thursday last arrived Capt. Sherburn, in 7 Days from Louisburgh, who has brought from thence above 120 of our brave Soldiers, most of whom were engag'd in the Expedition against cape breton last Year.

By a Vessel arrived at Newbury in 7 Days from Louisburgh, we hear, that Admiral Townshend arrived there last Friday se'ennight from Antigua, with three Men of War and two Store-Ships. ...

May 22, 1746

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred In.
------ Louisburgh, William Carter, from Ditto. [Jamaica] ...

New York, May 26.

... Saturday last his Majesty's Ship the Torrington, and the Transport Ship with Soldiers under her Convoy, sail'd from Sandy-Hook for cape breton. ...

Boston, May 26.

From Louisburgh of the 11th Inst. a Gentleman writes, that Admiral Townshend was arrived there from Antigua, with three Men of War and two Transports; --- that the Men of War in the Harbour began to make a fine Shew; and that Admiral Warren had received his Commission, appointing him Governor of the Place; but 'tis tho't he would not publish it, till Sir William Pepperell was about to embark, which would be in a few Days.

By late Letters from New Providence, and one from the Commander of a Rhode Island Privateer, dated off Cape Francois, April 27, we are informed, that five English Men of War of 60 and 70 Guns, and near 20 Privateers, were cruising off Cape Francois, for a Fleet of above 100 Sail of French Merchant Ships, under Convoy of 4 Men of War, viz. one of 80, two of 70, and one of 20 Guns, bound for France. 'Tis said one of our Privateers was dispatch'd to Jamaica for more Force, in order to go into the Harbour to fetch the Monsieurs out, if they would not come out of themselves, and are resolved to take, sink, or burn every Vessel in that Harbour, and demolish all their Fortifications.

We hear from Marblehead, that a Vessel is arrived there from Lemington in England, which came out with Commodore Knowles, Governor of Louisburg, with two Men of War for that Place, and several Merchant Ships for other Ports, one of which is Capt. Nicholson of this Town, who is hourly expected. 'Tis said several other Men of War and Transports were to sail for Louisburg in about a Fortnight after Governor Knowles left England.

Yesterday Capt. Craige arrived here in about 6 Weeks from Bristol, but brings no late prints; nor can we learn any thing new by Letters or Passengers relating to the Rebellion, or the publick Affairs of Europe. Capt. Craige has been a Prisoner in Brest in France all this Winter, and informs, that the French had upwards of 30 Sail of Ships of the Line in that Port, and several Transports, and expected to be join'd by some Men of War from Toulon and Ferrol. That they were daily embarking Troops on board the men of War, but that 'twas not known to what Place they were bound; some said to Cape Breton, others to Boston, and many were of Opinion they were going to Canada, to put that Country into a Condition to resist the English Arms, being persuaded they were forming an Expedition against it. And that three or four stout Privateers were fitting out in Bristol, design'd for the South Seas....

... May 27. 

Last Night arrived here his Majesty's Sloop the Hinchingbrook, Edmund Townley Commander, with Packets for the several Governments on this Continent, with very important Advices; we can but give our Readers the following at present: That in the Harbour of Brest there lay a French Fleet of fourteen Ships of the Line, with eight Battalions on board; --- that Admiral martin with 18 Men of War, eleven of them of the Line, was cruizing off that Harbour to watch their Motions. --- That Six Thousand Ton of Shipping was taken up in England for transporting of Men, &c. into America, and 'tis thought they are on their Passage, under the Convoy of three Men of War.

New York, June 2.

An Express arrived here last Saturday Night, from Boston, with the Packets brought in there, to his Excellency the Governor, and the other Governments this Way which were immediately forwarded along. We hear, that just before the Express came away, they had Advice there of Commodore Knowles's safe Arrival at Cape-Breton. ...

June 2, 1746: 

June 2, 1746

By His Excellency William Shirley, Esq; ... A proclamation. : Whereas His Majesty has been graciously pleased to order a number of troops, under the command of the Honourable Lieutenant-General St. Clair, to proceed from Great-Britain to Louisbourg ... for the further encouragement of all voluntiers that shall engage in this service, it is provided, that they shall receive thirty pounds in bills of credit ... Given at the Council chamber in Boston, the second day of June 1746.

June 2, 1746

By His Excellency William Shirley, Esq; ... A proclamation. : Whereas His Majesty has been graciously pleased to order a number of troops, under the command of the Honourable Lieutenant-General St. Clair, to proceed from Great-Britain to Louisbourg ... for the further encouragement of all voluntiers that shall engage in this service, it is provided, that they shall receive thirty pounds in bills of credit ... Given at the Council chamber in Boston, the second day of June 1746.

Extract of a Letter from Louisburgh, dated June 3 ...

"Yesterday Admiral Warren embark'd with his Family for Boston, on board the Chester, in order to build two 44, and two 20 Gun Ships, with Orders to procure all the Materials he can in the Colonies to carry on the Buildings intended here. --- Commodore (now our Governor) Knowles, arrived here in the Norwich, a 50 Gun Ship, with the Canterbury, of 60 Guns, and gives an Account, that one 90 and two 80 Gun Ships more are coming here, and as many more Soldiers as will compleat two Regiments more, one Regiment to be commanded by Col. Frampton; so that when they arrive we shall have a full Garrison. A great Quantity of Stores is order'd here, and among them 42 Brass Mortars, Royals, and Cohorns, so that it seems the English have no mind to part with this Place. Yesterday Capt. Starky arrived here from New York, with all his people (200 Soldiers) in good Health. Col. Choat is return'd from St. John's. The French are all ready to embark for France, and in order thereto, Ships are going from hence to receive them; they wanted to continued there on the Terms granted to the Annapolis Royal French, but it was rejected. Ships now at this Place, and cruizing, Kingston 60 Guns, Pembroke 60, Chester 50, Vigilant 64, Norwich 50, Canterbury 60, Fowey 40, Dover 40, Torrington 40, Kinsale 40, Shirley 20, Albany 12. And when the other Ships arrive, as is expected every Day, the Hampshire of 53 Guns from Antigua, and the Tilbury from England, beside 3 more Line of Battle Ships, we shall have a strong Fleet.

June 4, 1746

By the Honourable William Greene Esq; ... A proclamation. Whereas his majesty has been pleased to order five battalions of his forces from Europe to be joined with some other of his regular troops, at Louisbourg, to be employed in the speedy reduction of Canada. ... Given at Newport in the colony aforesaid, the fourth day of June ... 1746.

June 4, 1746

By the Honourable William Greene Esq; ... A proclamation. Whereas his majesty has been pleased to order five battalions of his forces from Europe to be joined with some other of his regular troops, at Louisbourg, to be employed in the speedy reduction of Canada. ... Given at Newport in the colony aforesaid, the fourth day of June ... 1746.

[June 5, 1746]

By His EXCELLENCY

Benning Wentworth, Esq;
Captain-General and Governour in Chief, in and over His Majesty's Province of New-Hampshire, in New-England.

A PROCLAMATION.

WHEREAS His Majesty has been graciously pleased to order a Number of Troops, under the Command of the Honourable Lieutenant-General St. Clair, to proceed from Great-Britain to Louisbourg, with a sufficient Convoy of Men of War, and with them a great Part of His Majesty's Troops now in Garrison at Louisbourg, and also with such Troops as shall be levied for that Purpose in His Majesty's Colonies in North-America, to attempt the immediate Reduction of Canada; and has signified His Royal Pleasure to Me, as also to the Governours of the several Provinces and Colonies of Virginia, Maryland Pensilvania, New-Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts-Bay, by Letters dispatched from his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, That the necessary Dispositions should be forthwith made for the raising as many Men within this and the above-mentioned Governments as the thousands of the Time will admit, for proceeding on the said Expedition.

AND whereas the Members of the General Assembly of this Province, on a Special Convention for this Service, have, with the utmost Chearfulness and Unanimity, voted to give all necessary and proper encouragement for One ThousandVoluntiers that shall enlist into His Majesty's Service in this Expedition;

In Obedience therefore to His Majesty's said Commands;

I have thought fit, with the Advice of His Majesty's Council, to issue this Proclamation, in order to make known his Majesty's gracious Intentions and Declarations for the Encouragement of all able-bodied effective then that are inclined to inlist themselves into his Service of the said Expedition, together with the further encouragement which is offered by this Government, viz. That the said Voluntiers will be under as such Officers as I shall appoint; That they will be immediately entitled to his Majesty's Day, the Officers from the Time they shall engage in his Majesty's Service, and the Soldiers from the respective Days on which they shall be enlisted; That if Provision cannot be made of Arms and Cloathing for them, by reason of the Shortness of the Time, a reasonable allowance will be made them in Money for the fame; That they shall be entitled to a Share of the Booty that shall be taken from the Enemy, and shall be sent back to their several habitations, when this Service shall be over, unless any of them shall desire to settle elsewhere.

AND for the further Encouragement of all Voluntiers that shall engage in this Service, It is provided, That they shall receive Thirty Pounds in Bills of Credit of the old Lenor, as a Bounty, as also for each Man a good Blanket, and a Bed for every two men; the said Bounty to the paid upon their Entitlement, and the Blankets, or Money in Lieu of the Blankets, and Beds at the Time of their Embarkation, or proceeding on the said Expedition. And that all such voluntiers as shall proceed on this Expedition, shall be exempted from all Impresses for two Years after their Return.

Given at the Council-Chamber in Portsmouth, the Fifth Day of June, 1746. In the Nineteenth Year of the Reign of Our Sovereign Lord GEORGE the Second by the Grace of GOD of Great Britain, France and Ireland, KING, Defender of the Faith, &c.

B. WENTWORTH.

By Order of His Excellency of the Governour,
with the Advice of the Council,
T. Atkinson, Secr.

GOD Save the KING.

BOSTON, Printed by Thomas Fleet.


[June 5, 1746]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Enter'd ...

Outwards.... Ship Molly, Joseph Rivers, for cape breton. ...

Cleared. ...
Brigt. Louisburgh, Richard Budden, to Louisburgh. ...

Boston, June 9.

Since our last arrived a Sloop here in 8 Days from Louisbourg, by which we learn, that Commodore Knowles was arrived there from England, with two men of War, and all the Store Ships except one; and that the Commodore's Commission appointing him Governor of Louisbourg, &c. had been published there.

We hear the Government of New Hampshire have voted a Thousand Men for the present Expedition, upon the same Encouragement offer'd by this Government.

We hear that the Indians killed a Man at Sheepscot, in the Eastern Parts, on the 25th of May past, and wounded another; and the wounded Man seeing an Indian coming towards him, in order to kill him, took Courage, and having a Hatchet in his Hand, gave the Indian such a Stroke, as killed him on the Spot, and perceiving another Indian coming towards him, made his Escape to the Fort.

We have Advice from Hartford, in Connecticut, that on the 26th of May past, a very sorrowful Accident happen'd there, viz. Some Soldiers belonging to those Parts being just returned home from Louisbourg, there Friends must needs fire a great Gun to welcome them home, which was done once, without any Damage; but being loaded a second time, without spunging, it went off without priming, and in a Moment killed Mr. ----- Skinner, and wounded several others in so terrible a Manner, that 'twas feared they would not recover.

[June 10, 1746]

Philadelphia,

A Message from the GOVERNOR to the ASSEMBLY.

GENTLEMEN,

MY calling you together so suddenly, was occasion'd by a Letter I have received from his Grace the Duke of Newcastle, by the Hinehinbrook Sloop of War arrived express at Boston, signifying to me, That his Majesty has been pleased to order a considerable Body of his Troops from England, under Convoy of a sufficient Squadron of Men of War, to Louisbourg, to be employ'd in the immediate Reduction of Canada, in concert with Troops to be raised in the Northern Colonies.

You will observe from his Grace's Letter, which I have ordered to be laid before you, that I am directed to recommend to you, the providing a sufficient Quantity of Provisions, for the Substance of the Troops which shall be raised here.

As it is recommended to me likewise, to take care, that the Soldiers may be provided with Arms and Cloathing, I must apply to you for an Advance of so much of the publick Money, as may be necessary for these purposes; which Expence Lieutenant General St. Clair is authoriz'd and impower'd to defray.

The Shortness of the Time requiring the utmost Dispatch, a Bounty for the Encouragement of able-body'd Men to engage in this Service, will very much expedite the Levies.
Until I see what Number of men can be raised, it is not possible for me to make an Estimate of the Sum necessary for this Service; but if I may be allowed to form a Judgment from the Importance of the Undertaking to this and the rest of the Northern Colonies, the Number will be very considerable; for Success in it will not only deliver them from their present Apprehensions of a vigilant and enterprizing Enemy, but in all human Probability, ensure Quiet and Security to them and their Posterity. --- And this shews what returns of Duty and Gratitude, are due to a King who has meditated such Blessing to his North American Subjects. 

GEO. THOMAS
June 10, 1746.

... Extract of a Letter from Coracoa, dated June 11.

---Just now a Sloop arrived here from Eustatia, who brings us the News, that a vessel was arrived there from Holland in 5 Weeks, with an Account, that an outward bound French Fleet of Ships had been met with and engaged by an English Fleet, wherein the former were defeated, and a great Number of their Vessels taken. ---

What seems to give Credit to the above Letters, is a Report brought here by the Post from Boston, who says, that some time after he came out, he was overtaken by a Person just come in from Louisbourg, in a small Coasting Vessel, who assur'd him, that they had spoke with a Ship on the Coast, from England, which told them, she came out in Company with 9 Sail of Men of War, and several Transports, all bound for Cape Breton, on the intended Expedition against Canada; and that in their Passage they fell in with a French Fleet of Merchantmen, consisting of upwards of 100 Sail, outward bound, under Convoy of 4 Men of War, with whom they immediately engaged, and had either taken or destroy'd the greatest Part of them. 'Tis added, that several of those taken ere bound for Canada, laden with Salt, Ammunition, &c. and as this Report is generally believed, we hope to hear it confirm'd, which will add fresh Life to the Common [ ] here, where the Levies for the intended Expedition go on bravely.

We have certain Intelligence from Albany, that the Indians have burnt about sixty Houses and Barns at Hosick and Sanckhajck, in that County, and that they and taken Prisoners to Kinderhook, a Son of John Vosburgh, and a Daughter of Isaac Tewise Van Deusin, whom, 'tis suppose, they have carried to Crown Point.

[June 12, 1746]

By the Honourable GEORGE THOMAS, Esq; Lieutenant Governor, and Commander in Chief, of the Province of Pennsylvania, and Counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware.

A PROCLAMATION.

HIS Grace the Duke of Newcastle, one of His Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, having, by his Letter of the 9th of April last, signified unto Me, as well as to the other Governors of the Northern Colonies, That His Majesty has been pleased to order a considerable Body of His Troops from England, under the Command of Lieutenant General St. Clair, with a sufficient Convoy of Men of War, to Louisbourgh, for the immediate Reduction of Canada; and that I should forthwith make the necessary Dispositions for raising as many Men, as the shortness of Time will permit, within My Government, to be employed in Concert with His Majesty's regular Forces on this important Service.

THAT it is the King's Intention, the Troops to be raised should consist of Companies of 100 Men each; and that those that shall be raised in the several Provinces of N. York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland & Virginia, be formed into one Crops, to be commanded by Mr. Gooch, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia (whom the King has been pleased, on this Occasion, to promote to the Rank of Brigadier General) and they should rendezvous at Albany, within the Province of New York, or at such other Place as Mr. Gooch shall think proper to appoint, in order to proceed from thence, by land, into the Southern Part of Canada; whilst those to be raised in the Province of Massachusetts-Bay, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, are to rendezvous at Louisburgh, and to proceed with the Forces sent from England, under Convoy of His majesty's Fleet, up the River St. Lawrence, to Quebec.

THAT in Consequence of these Dispositions, His Majesty has been pleased to authorize Me, to appoint such Officers as I shall think fit, to command the Troops to be raised within this Government; for which Purpose a Number of blank Commissions will be sent me. And I am commanded to assure all such as shall engaged in this Service, as well Officers, as Soldiers, that they will immediately enter into His Majesty's Pay; the Officers from the Time they shall engage in his Majesty's Service; and the Soldiers, from the respective Days on which they shall enlist And that they shall come in for a Share of any Booty to be taken from the Enemy; and be sent back to their respective Habitations, when this Service shall be over, unless any of them shall desire to settle elsewhere; which unquestionably they will be encouraged to do, by Grants of the conquer'd Lands, in Preference to all other Persons.

THAT as to the Article of Arms and Cloathing for the Men to be raised, His Majesty has commanded Me to take Care that the Soldiers may be provided with them, and has empower'd Lieutenant General St. Clair to make a reasonable Allowance for defraying that Expence.

AND that, if any Persons can be found, who are acquainted with the Navigation of the River St. Lawrence, I do engage them by suitable Rewards to serve on board His Majesty's Fleet, and send them as soon as possible to Louisbourgh for that Purpose.

NOW that these His Majesty's gratious Intentions may be made publick, I do, with the Advice of the Council, issue this Proclamation, inviting His Majesty's Subjects within this Government, to exert themselves, as becomes a dutiful and grateful People to the best of Kings, upon an Occasion the most interesting to them, as well as to all the rest of the British Colonies in North America. An Occasion, in which the Quiet and Happiness of them and their Prosperity are so immediately concerned, that it would be an Affront to their Understandings, to make use of Arguments to prove it. An Occasion, that has been so long and so earnestly wished for, that it would not be unreasonable to expect, the whole Body of the People should rise up as one Man, to secure, under the Blessing of God, the Success of the Undertaking: And it may justly be hoped, as His Majesty has been forced into the War, for the Defence of his Crown, and the Civil and Religious Rights of his People, that the Almighty will grant a Blessing to his Arms. --- His Majesty's Subjects in Europe, have given Proofs of their Loyalty and Affection to his Person and Government, beyond the Examples of former Ages to the best of their Kings --- An Opportunity is now offer'd to those of North America, to shew, that a Change of Climate has made no Change in theirs. I, for my Part, am determin'd to act with the Duty and Zeal becoming a faithful Servant to a most gracious Master, and with a Vigour becoming the Trust deposited with Me, for the Interests and security of the People under my Government.

GIVEN under my Hand, and the Great Seal of the Province of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, this Ninth Day of June, in the Nineteenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord GEORGE the Second, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, &c. and in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty-six. 

GEO. THOMAS.
By His Honour's Command,
RICHARD PETERS, Secretary.

GOD SAVE THE KING.

[June 12, 1746]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred ...

Outwards.

Brigt. Argyle, John Seymour, for cape breton. ...

Boston, June 16.

We have Advice from the eastward, that on the 5th Instant, a party of about 20 Soldiers being appointed to guard some of the Inhabitants of Falmouth, while they hill'd their Corn, 3 of them were set as Centinels to look out; but so criminally careless were they, that one of them lay down, another sat down, and the other setting his back against a Tree, stood talking with his Companions till they were surprized by a Party of Indians, one of whom laid hold on the Soldier that stood against the Tree, and the other two were shot dead before they could rise from the Ground. He that was seiz'd by the Indian, disengaged himself and ran, but was shot at and wounded in the Arm; however, he and the Rest of the English got to the Fort, which was not very far from the Place of Action. In their Retreat they fired upon the Indians, and wounded one of them.

Last Night arrived the Fire-ship Louisburg, Capt. Delamot, in 14 Days from Louisburg, which brings Advice, that Sir William Pepperell and Admiral Warren, were to embark in a few Days after they sail'd, for these Parts, in his Majesty's Ship Chester, Capt. Spry; that they spoke with Capt. Rouse and Stanny going into Louisburg as they came out, and several other Vessels; that they also spoke with a Sloop from the Island of St. John's, that went there with a Man of War to demand a Surrender of the French Inhabitants of that Island, who readily submitted, and were forthwith transported to France; that they looked into Le Have, and several other Harbours as they came along, and saw nothing of Note.

... Extract of a Letter from No. 4, dated June 19.

----This Day, Sun about an Hour high, at Night, as we were going to fetch up some Horses, we were ambush'd by a Party of Indians close by a Road; but we had some Dogs with us, which happily espied them, and gave us the Advantage of having the first Shot upon them one or two Guns, and then the Guns went off on both sides, as fast as ever I heard in all my Life, for near half an Hour, but we finally gained the Ground of them, but could not follow them by Reason of a Swamp. How many of them we killed we know not, but this we are certain, that we saw some of them shot down, and other Indians draw them away. Thro' the Goodness of God to us, we had not one Man kill'd, and but four wounded. Our Men had exceeding good Courage, and ran right upon them, and drove them off the Ground, notwithstanding we suppose there were some hundreds of them, and but 53 of us.

By other Letters from the same Place we are inform'd, that upon viewing the Place of Action the next Day, our People found the Marks where several dead Indians had been drag'd along, and supposed 7 or 8 of 'em were kill'd. They also found a Gun and 12 Blankets, with several Hatchets and Spears, which were sold among the Men for about Forty Pounds Old Currency, and is reckon'd a very great Booty from such beggarly Enemies.

From Piscataqua we hear, that the Indians last Friday Morning had kill'd one Man, and taken 4 more, at the Town of Rochester, in the Province of New Hampshire.

And that the Indians had kill'd two Men at Conteecook, on Merrymack River.

At a special Court of Admiralty held here on Friday last, His Excellency Governor Shirley President, came on the Trial of 10 Men, charged with Piracies, &c. (they being his majesty's natural-born Subjects, and taken in Arms on board a French privateer, Capt. Le Grotz, by the Comet Bomb, Capt. Spry, October 22d, 1744) and after a Trial of 11 Hours, the Jury declared them all guilty except three; and his Excellency passed Sentence of Death on them accordingly.

By a Vessel that came out of Louisbourg the 10th Inst. we are informed, that the next Morning they saw 7 large Ships standing in for that Harbour, and are suppos'd to be Transports from England.

[June 21, 1746]

A Message from the GOVERNOR to the
ASSEMBLY.

... My own Stock has been already advanced for the King's Service, in purchasing Cloathing for the Troops in Garrison at cape breton, and for raising the Regiment under the Command of Governor Shirley. --- Considering how the Time presses, abundantly too much of it has been already spent. I beseech you therefore to give all the Dispatch possible to this important Business, that I may be enabled so far to answer the King's Expectation as relates to my self.
GEO. THOMAS.
June 21, 1746.

New York, June 23.

... We have a strong Report from Connecticut, that the Governor of that Colony has just received certain Advice by a private Hand, that one of his Majesty's Ships has taken and brought into Louisburgh, a French Man of War of 20 Guns, loaded at Quebec chiefly with Beaver on Account of the Rochelle Company, bound for France, and that a Packet of Letters was found on board, giving an Account, that they were in the utmost Distress in Canada for the Want of Salt; that their Magazine of Gun-powder was almost expended, and that if the English should make an Attempt to take them this Year, they should be obliged to surrender.

Boston, June 23.

Yesterday arrived here Capt. Long, in about eight Weeks from Cagliari, on the Island of Sardinia, and seven Weeks from Gibraltar, and confirms the good News we lately inserted of the Successes of the victorious King of Sardinia in Italy, against the allied Armies of France and Spain, and informs us, That in the Month of March last, the said King's Troops being in four separate Bodies in Lombardy, at about 40 Miles Distance of each other, watching the Motions of so many Divisions of the Enemy's Army, happen'd to attack them in every Quarter on one Day, and about the same time, and intirely routed every Party; who flying before the King of Sardinia's Troops towards the opposite Division of their Army for Relief, came together in Confusion in the Center, where they were intirely defeated, above 4000 of the French taken Prisoners, and more of the Spaniards, great Numbers of them killed and wounded, with the Loss of almost all their Provision, Baggage, Arms, Ammunition, &c. the Infant Don Philip narrowly escaped being taken Prisoner. The Remains of the French retired to the Mountains of Genoa for Safety, and the Spaniards fled towards Naples. That this glorious Victory was obtained by the King of Sardinia's own Forces, the Austrian Army sent by the Empress Queen of Hungary to his Assistance, having been much retarded in their March by the unusual Severity of the Season; but as they had got very near, and consisted of about 30,000 Men, 'tis thought the King of Sardinia, upon their Junction, would lay Siege to the City of Genoa, and be assisted by the British Fleet in that Enterprize.

Capt. Long also informs, that the Spanish Fleet, consisting of 15 or 16 Men of War, continued in the Harbour of Old Carthagena; and that Admiral Medley, with most of his Squadron, were at Old Gibraltar, careening and refitting.

Since our last several Vessels have come in from Louisbourg, with part of the Soldiers belonging to New England, who reduced that Place to the Obedience of his Majesty. 'Tis said most of the Americans are come away, except such as have inlisted into his Excellency's and Sir William Pepperell's Regiments. Brigadier Waldo, with 400 of those Troops, was left off St. George's, in the eastern Parts of this Province (on the 15th Instant, where he was to land, and scout the Woods so far as Casco Bay.

From the Eastward we hear, that about a Fortnight ago, 13 of the Soldiers belonging to St. George's Fort, being at a small Distance from it, divided into two parties, one of which, consisting of 5 Men, carelessly laid down their Guns, and strolled a little Way from them, which the Indians, who lay skulking in the Woods, perceiving, 7 or 8 of them got between the Men and their Arms, which they seized, and firing upon them, killed one Timothy Cunningham, wounded another, and carried a third off, the other two escaped under the Fire of the Garrison. The other Party soon retreated to the Fort except an old Man, who could walk but slowly, and being closely pursued by the Indians, the old Man turned about and shot one of them dead upon the Spot, and being within the Reach of the Guns of the Fort (which kept the other Indians from molesting him) he staid and scalped him, and his Scalp is now brought to Town.

We also hear, that on the 11th instant, about 100 Indians assaulted 10 Men who were at Work within sight of Fort Massachusetts, at Housuck, in Hampshire County, and killed Elisha Nuns, and a Soldier who went from Malrborough, and wounded Gershom Hawks in the Arm. One Perry escaped to Fort Pelham, but the other Men bravely fought their Way to the Fort, some of them firing 5 or 6 times on the Enemy. One of the Indians was shot dead near the Fort, but the Enemy being so much superior in Numbers to the Men in Garrison, they could not go out to scalp him.

Wednesday last arrived a Vessel at Marblehead from Louisbourg, by which we hear, that Sir William Pepperell and Admiral Warren having embarked in the Chester Man of War, for this Place, had sail'd; and having been out but three Days, met his Majesty's Sloop Hinchinbrook, with Dispatches, whereupon they immediately put back. And, By a Vessel that arrived on Thursday in 11 Days from Louisbourg, we are informed that the General and Admiral having got back, [...] there but two or three Days, and sailed again three Days before this Vessel came away, so that they are expected here every Hour.

... Extract of a Letter from London, dated June 24.

The King and Council have come to a Resolution to lay the Expence of the Expedition against Cape Breton before the Parliament the next Session, for them to raise Money to discharge the same; so there is now a good Prospect of it.

Boston ...

Extract of a Letter from Louisbourgh, June 25.

'----On the 10th Instant arrived a prize Schooner, bound from Martineco to Canada, laden with West India Goods, taken by the Pembroke. This is the third she has taken, two of which are arrived here; one a Snow, a Banker, the other a Ship, a Banker, but not yet come in. --- We had great Rejoicings on Saturday last, on Account of the Success of the Duke of Cumberland against the Rebels in Scotland (an Account of which was brought to Admiral Townsend by a Ship bound to Virginia) There was a Discharge of the Muskets of three Regiments under Arms, 21 Guns from the Garrison, and 19 Guns from all the Men of War in the Harbour, but the Admiral, who fired 21.

P.S. Two Days ago a vessel from Piscataqua, John Clark Master, was lost a little to the Westward of Chappeaurouge Bay, but whether totally or no, cannot yet learn. ...

[June 26, 1746]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred ...

Cleared.... Ship Molly, Joseph Rivers, to cape breton. ...

Boston, June 30.

Last Tuesday arrived here, in fifteen Days from Louisbourg, his Majesty's Ship Chester, of 50 Guns, Capt. Spry Commander, with a blue Flag at her Mizen Top-mast, in which came the Honourable Admiral WARREN, and Sir WILLIAM PEPPERELL, Bart. who were received with the utmost Demonstrations of Joy ...

[July 3, 1746]

Custom-House, Philadelphia, Entred ...

Cleared.

Brigt. Argyle, John Seymour, to cape breton. ...

Louisbourg, on Cape Breton, July 5.

We are very active and busy here, preparing for the hoped for successful Expedition against Canada, as well as the strengthening our Fortifications, &c. against the French, from whom we are somewhat apprehensive of a Visit, as we have an Account of a Squadron of Men of War, with a Fleet of Transports, having lately sailed from Brest; but if they should be so foolish as to make any Attempt on this Place, 'tis to be hope they will meet with such a warm Reception, as may make them repent of their rash Undertaking.

Boston, July 7.

... Friday Night arrived here a Vessel in 13 Days from Louisburgh, who informs us, that Capt. Rouse was returned from St. John's where he had been in Consort with a 40 Gun Ship, to take off the French people agreeable to Orders, and says those Inhabitants refused to come away; some of them were gone as was suppos'd to Canada, and the remainder with their Effects had left their Habitations and hid themselves in the Woods ....

Philadelphia

By a private Letter from London, dated July 10, 1746,
we have the following Memorial.

To the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners for executing the Offices of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, The humble Memorial of the Agents, Planters, and Merchants, on Behalf of themselves and others, interested in, or trading to Barbados and the Leeward Islands:

SHEWETH,

THAT many of your memorialists, as well as others, have received repeated Advices from the said Islands, of a great Number of Ships and other Vessels being taken in their Voyages going to, or coming from, the same, by the Privateers belonging to Martineco and Guadaloupe; and particularly we are informed, That Thirty-six British Ships and Vessels have been taken and carried into the said Islands of Martineco an Guadeloupe, in and since January last, to the 14th of March following; and that during that Space of Time, few or none of the Enemies Vessels or Privateers have been taken and carried into Barbados, or any of the leeward Islands: Which Misfortunes, by what we can observe from our Advices, are owing to the Men of War belonging to those Stations, not being properly employed for the Security and Protection of the Trade to and from the same, as by the Abstracts of several Letters ready to be produced, appears.

THAT as these Losses do greatly affect the Revenue of His Majesty, as well as the Property of His Subjects, both at home and abroad, we conceive we should be wanting in our Duty to Him, as well as to ourselves and Friends, if we did not lay the same before your Lordships, and at the same time submit, Whether, in order to avoid the like Misfortunes for the future, it will not be necessary to have some Men of War on each Station, kept constantly cruizing to the Windward of the Islands thereto belonging, and that others should be kept cruizing near the Enemy's Ports at Martineco and Guadaloupe; which would be a Means not only of securing and protecting the British Trade and Navigation in those Parts, but would greatly tend to ruin and destroy that of the Enemy to their Windward Islands, and other Places in America.

WHEREFORE your Memorialists do humbly pray, that your Lordships will be pleased to take the Premises into your Consideration, and to give such Orders to the Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships at Barbados and the Leeward Islands (for his future Conduct) as may are most likely to answer the Ends proposed; and your Memorialists do also humbly pray, That when any Merchant-ships or Vessels, to the Number of Ten, shall be ready to depart for Europe or the Northern Colonies, from either of the said Stations (and Notice thereof shall be given thereof by the Masters to the Person in Chief Command of the Ships then at the Station from whence the Merchant Vessels are to depart) there may be one or more Vessels of War appointed to convey them to a certain Latitude, in order to protect them against the Danger of the enemy's Privateers amongst the Islands. And your Memorialists shall every pray.

The Memorialists were received by their Lordships with great Civility, heard with Attention, assured that the Contents of their Memorial should be complied with, and that they were as much displeased with the Conduct of the Men of War in the West-Indies as they could be.

We hear there is an Act passed last Session of Parliament to prevent the Men of War from impressing Men in the British Sugar Colonies; but that His Majesty's Captains must have a List of the Men belonging to every Vessel from the Custom-House they clear form, as they had the last War with France: It extends likewise to Privateers.

The Ship Mary, Captain Martin, was sailed some time before Captain Hargrave for this Place; and the Captains Crosthwaite and Redman, both for this Port, sailed with him.

The Ship Judith, Captain Holland, bound to Barbados with Stores, was to have sailed at the same time, but we luckily ran upon a Rock in Cat-water Harbour, and bilged.

The Brigt. Louisburg, Captain Budden, of this Port, is safe arrived at Dover, in his Way to Holland.

By a Passenger in the Brigt. Delaware, Capt. Taylor, of this Port, from Jamaica, we are informed, that they left Port-Royal the 15th of September, in Company with the Brigt. Dolphin, Capt. Sewers, of this Place, Capt. Foresight, in a Boston Sloop, and Capt. Forbes, in a Ship for London, under Convoy of Capt. Pringle of 30 Guns, bound to London: That on the 2d of October Capt. Taylor was taken by a Privateer of Cape Francois, who had taken the Boston Man, and ransomed him for 2500 Dollars; and some Days after the same Privateer took Capt. Forbes, on board of whom was Capt. Sewers and his People, he being cast away on the Colleradoes, off the West End of Cuba, on the 5th. The 11th the Privateer Defiance, of Rhode-Island, Capt. Sweet, hove in sight; upon which the French and Spaniards left the Delaware, and went ashore on Cuba. The Rhode-Islander than took the Command of the Vessel, and having put Hands and Provisions on board, order'd her to Rhode-Island; but on the 14th Inst. it blowing hard, and hoving bad no Observation for some time before, she struck upon the Hen and Chickens, a little to the Southward of Cape Henlopen, and ran ashore on the Cape. The best part of the Cargo, 'tis thought, will be saved, but 'tis fear'd the Vessel will not be got off.

A Gentleman just arrived from Jamaica informs us, That the Merlin Snow of War has taken a French Privateer from Leoganne. She and another Privateer was fitted out from that Port, with a Design, 'tis said, to take the Merlin; but happening to part at Sea, the Merlin fell in with this one, and took her.

Extract of a Letter from Lisbon, July 14, 1746.

... . --- In short, although there is great Appearance of the Continuance of War, yet many Letters from different Parts mention, that a general Peace might be obtained, on Condition the English would consent to deliver up cape breton; 'tis suppos'd the French would thereupon be easily brought to give up their Acquisitions in Flanders; but God forbid our Mi---y should ever consent to a peace on those Terms; for as undoubtedly as have been at a vast Expence since the War, and as yet have taken no Peace from the Enemy worth regarding but cape breton, which we think is of almost equal Consequence to the English as to the French, we hope they will have a true Regard for the Interest of their Country; and they cannot in this Case do it more effectually than by having that important Place annexed to the Crown of Great Britain, before Terms of Peace are offered.--- ....

[July 17, 1746]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred ...
Brigt. Louisburgh, Richard Badden, from cape breton. ...

Charleston, South Carolina

... July 21. 

... His Majesty's Ship the Aldborough, commanded by Capt. Everitt, will sail in two or three Days for Louisbourg, on Cape Breton.

[July 24, 1746]

Custom House, Philadelphia. Entred ...

Outwards.... Brigt. Louisburgh, Richard Budden, for Rotterdam. ...

New York, July 28.

... Yesterday arrived here Capt. Barnes in 14 Days from Louisburgh, who informs us, that a few Days before he sail'd, a French privateer Ship of 16 Guns, which had been taken by Admiral martin just after she came out of Brest, was arrived at cape breton, having been dispatch'd there by that Admiral, with the Advice, that on his taking her, he had learnt that the Brest Fleet, consisting of 14 Sail of the Line, and upwards of 60 Transports, were actually sailed from Brest, to the Westward, and it was reported they were bound for cape breton; advising also, that as soon as he could learn the Certainty of their Course, he should follow them immediately with a powerful Fleet....

Boston, July 28.

By a Vessel in ten days from Louisbourgh, we are inform'd, that Capt. Brown, who had lately sail'd from this Port for Louisburgh, with Live Stock, &c. was arrived there, and gave an Account, that on his passage, off Cape Sambro, he was attack'd by a Schooner of about 90 Tons, with some Swivels, but no Carriage Guns. She appear'd to have about 70 or 80 Men on board, with Small Arms, which they fired into Capt. Brown, kill'd some of the Stock upon Deck, and made several Holes in his Sails and Masts, but having the Heels of the Privateer, he made shift to escape. A Man of War as sent out directly in quest of her.

By the same Vessel we have Advice, that two Frenchmen were arrived at Louisburgh from St. John's and inform'd, that the Shirley Galley, Capt. Rous, and a Transport Ship, Starkey, which had been sent to St. John's to take off the Inhabitants, were surprized and taken by the Indians, while Part of their Crews were on Shore; and that upon this Advice, a Man of War and a Billander were sent to enquire into the Affair. ... 

Philadelphia, July 31.

In Pursuance of the Governor's late proclamation for that Purpose, Thursday last was observed here with a becoming Solemnity, as a Day of Publick Thanksgiving to Almighty God, for the Suppression of the Rebellion in Scotland, &c. Great Numbers of People attended at all the Places of Worship in the fore Part of the Day; and his Honour the Governor entertained near a hundred of the principal Gentlemen and Inhabitants of the City at Dinner; over our Happiness under the present Constitution, both in Church and State, and the great Obligations we have to the Family on the Throne, were properly and decently remember'd. The Chester Man of War, in which Admiral Warren and Sir William Pepperell came from Louisburgh to Boston, was immediately order'd by the Admiral on a Cruize betwixt the Capes of Delaware and North Carolina, on a Report that Don Pedro, in a Spanish Privateer Ship, of 36 Guns, was expected on this Coast.

We hear from Bermuda, that on the 7th Instant, a Vessel was towed in there, Bottom uppermost, without Masts, by some Whale Boats: As there has been a good deal of Rum got out of her, there is Reason to believe it is the Brigt. Townsend, Captain Anthony, of this Port, from Barbados, the being for some Time reckoned a missing Vessel. ...

August 5, 1746

Court Record, Page 20 -- 5 August, 1746: A copy of the last will and testament of Thomas MILLER, late of Middletown, in the County of Hartford (decd. at Lewis Bourg), was now exhibited in this Court by Moses Miller, executor named in sd. will, which will is by this Court approved, ordered to be recorded and kept on file. Which sd. copy came attested by B: GREEN, Secretary, of Lewis Bourg, in which office the original will is filed.

[[Digest of the Early Connecticut Probate Records (Hartford District), Charles W. Mainwaring, Hartford, 1902, Vol 3, p 600 - 601 - http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~jdevlin/wills/miller_thomas1746.htm ]

[August 7, 1746]

Custom House, Philadelphia. Entred ...

Cleared.... Brigt. Louisburgh, Samuel King, to Rotterdam.

Boston, August 11.

Last Thursday arrived here Capt. Williams, in a Sloop from Louisburgh, in 11 Days, by whom we learn, that Capt. Rouse and Capt. Starkey in a Transport, were returned there from St. John's, where they had been sent to bring off the French Inhabitants, but they were most of them gone into the Woods with their Effects, and refused to come off. That a Party of our Soldiers with some Persons of the Ships Company going on Shore to procure some live Cattle, and cut some Hay, the Indians, as they were at Work in cutting the Hay not far from the Ships, fell upon them, and kill'd or took 23; about 10, the Remainder, escap'd and got on board the Ships by swimming: They suppose the Indians were nigh 200. 'Tis said, an Indian Fellow belonging to Capt. Rouse, was seized by two of the Enemy's Indians, who endeavoured to wrest his Gun out of his hands; but he being very strong and couragious, kept Possession of it, and having knock'd down one of his Enemies with the But End, shot the other dead upon the Spot, and then took to the Water, where he found a Youth (Son of Governor Clinton of New York) who he took upon his Back, and conveyed safe on board. 'Tis said the Youth could not swim and ran into the Water to secure himself from the Indians, who would doubtless at last have kill'd him, had not this gallant Fellow found Means to get him on board. We hope the poor but gallant Fellow will have a Reward equal to his eminent Services, and that the French will be treated as their cursed Perfidy deserves.
Last Saturday in the Afternoon, a very sorrowful Accident happened here: As the Wives of Capt. John Rouse and Capt. Clark Gayton, were riding in a Chair through Pleasant Street, a Musket was imprudently fired by a Lad at a Distance, shooting at a Mark on a Tree, whereby Mrs. Gayton received a slight Wound in the lower Part of her Nose, as the Ball graz'd by, which then entered Mrs. Rouse's Forehead, just above her left Eye, and lodg'd deep in her Head, so that part of her Brains issued out, of which Wound she died the next Morning.

[August 14, 1746]

Sermon 6: 
Britain's Mercies and Britain's Duty. Preached at Philadelphia, 
on Sunday, August 14, 1746 and occasioned 
by the suppression of the late unnatural rebellion
By George Whitefield

"That they might observe His statutes, and keep His laws."
– Psalm 105:45

Men, brethren, and fathers, and all ye to whom I am about to preach the kingdom of God, I suppose you need not be informed that being indispensably obliged to be absent on your late Thanksgiving day, I could not show my obedience to the governor's proclamation as my own inclination led me, or as might justly be expected from and demanded of me. But as the occasion of that day's thanksgiving is yet, and I trust ever will be fresh in our memory, I cannot think that a discourse on that subject can even now be altogether unreasonable. I take it for granted further than you need not be informed that among the various motives which are generally urged to enforce obedience to the divine commands, that of love is the most powerful and cogent. The terrors of the law may affright and awe, but love dissolves and melts the heart. "The love of Christ," says the great apostle of the Gentiles, "constrains us." No, love is so absolutely necessary for those that name the name of Christ that without it, their obedience cannot truly be styled evangelical, or be acceptable in the sight of God. "Although I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burnt, and have not charity": Unless unfeigned love to God and to mankind for His great name's sake be the principle of such actions, howsoever it may benefit others, "it profits me nothing." This is the constant language of the lively oracles of God. From them it is equally plain that nothing has a greater tendency to beget and excite such an obediential love in us than a serious and frequent consideration of the manifold mercies we receive time after time from the hands of our heavenly Father. The royal Psalmist, who had the honor of being styled "the man after God's own heart," had an abundant experience of this. Hence it is that while he is musing on the divine goodness, the fire of divine love kindles in his soul, and out of the abundance of his heart, his mouth speaks such grateful and ecstatic language as this: "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His mercies? Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name." And why? "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases, who redeems thy life from destruction, who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies." And when the same holy man of God had a mind to stir up the people of the Jews to set about a national reformation, as the most weighty and prevailing argument he could make use of for that purpose, he lays before them many national mercies and distinguishing deliverances which have been conferred upon and wrought out for them by the most high God. The psalm to which the words of our text belong is a pregnant proof of this, it being a kind of epitome or compendium of the whole Jewish history. At least it contains an enumeration of many signal and extraordinary blessings the Israelites had received from God, and also the improvement they were in duty bound to make of them: "Observe His statutes and keep His laws."

To run through all the particulars of this psalm, or draw a parallel between God's dealings with us and the Israelites of old, to enumerate all the national mercies bestowed upon, and remarkable deliverances wrought out for the kingdoms of Great Britain and Ireland from the infant state of William the Norman to their present manhood, and more than Augustan maturity under the auspicious reign of our rightful sovereign King George the Second; however pleasing and profitable it might be at any other time, would at this juncture prove if not an irksome, yet an unreasonable undertaking.

The occasion of the late solemnity, the suppression of a most horrid and unnatural rebellion, will afford more than sufficient matter for a discourse of this nature, and furnish us with abundant motives to love and obey that glorious Jehovah who gives salvation unto kings and delivers His people from the hurtful sword.

Need I make an apology before this auditory, if in order to see the greatness of our late deliverance, I should remind you of the many unspeakable blessings which we have for a course of years enjoyed during the reign of his present Majesty, and the gentle, mild administration under which we live? Without justly incurring the censure of giving flattering titles, I believe all who have eyes to see, and ears to hear, and are but a little acquainted with our public affairs must acknowledge that we have one of the best of kings. It is now above nineteen years since he began to reign over us. Was he seated on a royal throne, and were all his subjects placed before him, and was he to address them as Samuel once addressed the Israelites: "Behold, here I am, old and grey-headed. Witness against me before the Lord, whose ox have I taken? Or whose ass have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed"? They must, if they would do him justice, make the same answer as was given to Samuel: "Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us." What Tertullus, by way of flattery, said to Felix may, with the strictest justice, be applied to our sovereign: "By thee we enjoy great quietness, and very worthy deeds have been done unto our nation by the providence." He has been indeed Pater Patriae, a father to our country, and though old and grey-headed, has jeopardized his precious life for us in the high places of the field. Nor has he less deserved the great and glorious title which the Lord promises, that kings should sustain in the latter days: "a nursing father of the church." For not only the Church of England, as by law established, but all denominations of Christians whatsoever have enjoyed their religious as well as civil liberties. As there has been no authorized oppression in the state, so there has been no publicly allowed persecution in the church. We breathe indeed free air, as free both as to temporal and spirituals as any nations under heaven. Nor is the prospect likely to terminate in his Majesty's death which I pray God to deter. Our princesses are disposed of to Protestant powers, and we have great reason to be assured that the present heir apparent and his consort are likeminded with their royal father. I cannot help thinking that it is a peculiar blessing vouchsafed us by the King of kings that his present Majesty has been continued so long among us for now. His immediate successor (though his present situation obliges him to lie dormant) has great and glorious opportunities which we have reason to think he daily improves by observing and weighing the national affairs, considering the various steps and turns of government, and consequently of laying in a large fund of experience to make him a wise and great prince if ever God should call him to sway the British scepter. Happy art thou, oh England, happy art thou, oh America who on every side art highly favored!

But alas! How soon would this happy scene have shifted and a melancholy, gloomy prospect have succeeded in its place had the rebels gained their point, and a popish, abjured pretender been forced upon the British throne! For, supposing his birth not to be spurious, (as we have great reason to think it really was) what could we expect from one descended from a father who, when Duke of York, put all Scotland into confusion, and afterwards, when crowned king of England for his arbitrary and tyrannical government, both in church and state, was justly obliged to abdicate the throne by the assertors of British liberty? Or, supposing the horrid plot first hatched in hell, and afterwards nursed at Rome had taken place; supposing, I say, the old pretender should have obtained the triple crown, and have transferred his pretended title to his eldest son, what was all this for, but that, by being advance to the popedom, he might rule both son and subjects with less control, and by their united interest, keep the three kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland in greater vassalage to the fee of Rome. Ever since this unnatural rebellion broke out, I have looked upon the young pretender as the phaeton of the present age. He is ambitiously and presumptuously aiming to seat himself in the throne of our rightful sovereign king George, which he is no more capable of keeping than Phaeton was to guide the chariot of the sun. Had he succeeded in his attempts, he would only have set the world on fire. It is true, to do him justice, he has deserved well of the Church of Rome, and in all probability will hereafter be canonized among the noble order of their fictitious saints. But with what an iron rod we might expect to have been bruised had his troops been victorious may easily be gathered from those cruel orders said to be found in the pockets of some of his officers: "Give no quarter to the Elector's troops." Add to this, there was great reason to suspect that, upon the first news of the success of the rebels, a general massacre was intended. So that if the Lord had not been on our side, Great Britain, not to say America, would in a few weeks or months, have been an Aceldama, a field of blood.

If a popish pretender were to rule over us, instead of being represented by a free parliament, and governed by laws made by their consent as we now are, we should shortly have had only the shadow of one, and it may be, no parliament at all. This is the native product of a popish government, and what the unhappy family, from which this young adventurer pretends he descended, has always aimed at. Arbitrary principles he has sucked in with his mother's milk, and if he had been so honest, instead of that immature motto upon his standard, "Tandem triumphans," only to have put, "Stet prerations Voluntas" he would have given us a short, but true portrait of the nature of his intended, but blessed be God, now defeated reign. And why should I mention that the sinking of the national debt, or rending away the funded property of the people, and the dissolution of the present happy union between the two kingdoms would have been the immediate consequences of his success as he himself declares in his second manifesto, dated from Holy-rood House? These are evils, and great ones too, but then they are only evils of a temporary nature. They chiefly concern the body, and must necessarily terminate in the grave.

But alas! What an inundation of spiritual mischiefs would soon have overflowed the church, and what unspeakable danger should we and our posterity have been reduced to in respect to our better parts, our precious and immortal souls. How soon would whole swarms of monks, Dominicans, and friars like so many locusts, have overspread and plagued the nation. With what winged speed would foreign titled bishops have posted over in order to take possession of these respective fee? How quickly would our universities have been filled with youths who have been sent abroad by their popish parents in order to drink in all the superstitions of the Church of Rome? What a speedy period would have been put to societies of all kinds for promoting Christian knowledge, and propagating the gospel in foreign parts? How soon would our pulpits have everywhere been filled with these anti-Christian doctrines: free will, meriting by works, transubstantiation, purgatory, works of supererogation, passive obedience, non-resistance, and all the other abominations of the whore of Babylon? How soon would our Protestant charity schools in England, Scotland, and Ireland have been pulled down, our Bibles forcibly taken from us, and ignorance everywhere set up as the mother of devotion? How soon should we have been deprived of that invaluable blessed liberty of conscience, and had been obliged to commence (as they falsely call) Catholics, or submit to all the tortures which a bigoted zeal, guided by the most cruel principles could possibly invent? How soon would that mother of harlots have made herself once more drunk with the blood of the saints? And the whole tribe even of free thinkers themselves been brought to this dilemma, either to die martyrs for, (although I never yet heard of one that did so) or, contrary to all their most avowed principles, renounce their great Diana, unassisted, unenlightened reason? But I must be done, lest while I am speaking against antichrist, I shall unawares fall myself, and lead my hearers unto an anti-Christian spirit. True and undefiled religion will regulate our words, and teach us to treat even the man of sin with no harsher language than that which the angel gave to his grand employer Satan: "The Lord rebuke thee."

Glory be to God's great name! The Lord has rebuked him, and that too at a time when we had little reason to expect such a blessing at God's hands. My dear hearers, neither the present frame of my heart, nor the occasion of your late solemn meeting, lead me to give you a detail of our public vices. Though, alas! They are so many, so notorious, and withal of such a crimson dye that a Gospel minister would not be altogether inexcusable were he, even on such a joyful occasion, to lift up his voice like a trumpet, to show the British nation their transgressions, and the people of America their sin. However, though I would not cast a dismal shade upon the pleasing picture, the cause of our late rejoicings set before us, yet thus much may and ought to be said that, as God has not dealt so bountifully with any people as with us, so no nation under heaven has dealt more ungratefully with Him. We have been like Capernaum, lifted up to heaven in privileges, and for the abuse of them, like her, have deserved to be thrust down to hell. How well soever it may be with us in respect to our civil and ecclesiastical constitution, yet in regard to our morals, Isaiah's description of the Jewish polity is too applicable: "The whole head is sick, the whole heart is faint; from the crown of the head to the sole of our feet we are full of wounds, bruises, and putrefying sores." We have, Jeshuran-like, waxed fat and kicked. We have played the harlot against God, both in regard to principles and practices. "Our gold is become dim, and our fine gold changed." We have crucified the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame. No, Christ has been wounded in the house of His friends. Everything long ago seemed to threaten an immediate storm. But, oh the long-suffering and goodness of God to us! When all things seemed ripe for destruction, and matters were come to such a crisis that God's praying people began to think that though Noah, Daniel, and Job were living, they would only deliver their righteous souls, yet then in the midst of judgment, the Most High remembered mercy, and when a popish enemy was breaking in upon us like a flood, the Lord Himself graciously lifted up a standard.

This to me does not seem to be one of the most unfavorable circumstances which have attended this mighty deliverance, nor do I think you will look upon it as a circumstance altogether unworthy of your observation. Had this cockatrice indeed been crushed in the egg, and the young pretender driven back upon his first arrival, it would undoubtedly have been a great blessing. But not so great as that for which you lately assembled to give God thanks, for then His Majesty would have not had so good an opportunity of knowing his enemies, or trying his friends. The British subjects would in a manner have lost the fairest occasion that ever was offered to express their loyalty and gratitude to the rightful sovereign. France would not have been so greatly humbled, nor such an effectual stop have been put as we trust there is now to any such further popish plot to rob us of all that is near and dear to us. "Out of the eater therefore has come forth meat, and out of the strong has come forth sweetness." The pretender's eldest son is suffered not only to land in the north-west highlands in Scotland, but in a little while he becomes a great band. This for a time is not believed, but is treated as a thing altogether incredible. The friends of the government in those parts, not for lack of loyalty, but of sufficient authority to take up arms, could not resist him. He is permitted to pass on with his terrible banditti, and, like the comet which was lately seen, spreads his baleful influences all around him. He is likewise permitted to gain a short-lived triumph by a victory over a body of our troops at Preston Pans, and to take a temporary possession of the metropolis of Scotland. Of this he makes his boast, and informs the public that providence has hitherto favored him with wonderful success, led in the way to victory, and to the capital of that ancient kingdom though he came without foreign aid. He is further permitted to press into the very heart of England. But now the Almighty interposes. Hitherto he was to go, and no further. Here were his malicious designs to be stayed. His troops of suddenly are driven back. Away they post to the Highlands, and there they are suffered not only to increase, but also to collect themselves into a large body that having what Caligula once wished Rome had, one neck, that they might be cut off with one blow.

The time, manner, and instrument of this victory deserves our notice. It was on a general fast-day when the clergy and good people of Scotland were lamenting the disloyalty of their perfidious countrymen, and like Moses, lifting up their hands that Amalek might not prevail. The victory was total and decisive. Little blood was spilt on the side of the Royalists. And, to crown all, Duke William, his Majesty's youngest son, has the honor of first driving back, and then defeating the rebel army. A prince, who in his infancy and youth, gave early proofs of an uncommon bravery and nobleness of mind; a prince whose courage has increased with his years. He returned wounded from the battle of Dettingen, behaved with surprising bravery at Fontenoy, and now, by a conduct and magnanimity becoming the high office he sustains, like his glorious predecessor the Prince of Orange, has delivered three kingdoms from the dread of popish cruelty and arbitrary power. What renders it still more remarkable is that the day on which his highness gained the victory was the day after his birthday when he was entering on the 26th year of his age. Sullivan, one of the pretender's private counsel, like another Ahitophel, advised the rebels to give our soldiers battle, presuming their were surfeited and over-charged with their yesterday's rejoicings, and consequently unfit to make any great stand against them. But, glory be to God, who catches the wise in their own craftiness! His counsel, like Ahitophel's, proves abortive. Both general and soldiers were prepared to meet them. God taught their hands to war, and their fingers to fight, and brought the Duke, after a deserved slaughter of some thousands of the rebels, with most of his brave soldiers victorious from the field.

If we then take a distinct view of this notable transaction, and trace in it all the particular circumstances that have attended it, I believe we must with one heart and voice confess that if it be a mercy for a state to be delivered from a worse than a Catiline's conspiracy, or a church to be refused from a hotter than Dioclesian persecution; if it be a mercy to be delivered from a religion that turns plough-shares into swords, and pruning-hooks into spears, and makes it meritorious to shed Protestant blood; if it be a mercy to have all our present invaluable privileges, both in church and state secured to us more than ever; if it be a mercy to have these great things done for us at a season when for our crying sins both church and state justly deserve to be overturned; and if it be a mercy to have all this brought about for us, under God, by one of the blood-royal, a prince acting with an experience far above his years; if any or all of these are mercies, then you have lately commemorated one of the greatest mercies that ever the glorious God vouchsafed to the British nation.

And shall we not rejoice and give thanks? Should we refuse, would not the stones cry out against us? Rejoice, then, we may and ought. But, oh let our rejoicing be in the Lord, and run in a religious channel. This, we find, has been the practice of God's people in all ages. When He was pleased, with a mighty hand and out-stretched arm, to lead the Israelites through the Red Sea as on dry ground, "Then Moses and the children of Israel, and Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her. And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously." When God subdued Jabin, the king of Canaan, before the children of Israel, "Then sang Deborah and Barak on that day, saying, praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel." When the ark was brought back out of the hands of the Philistines, David, though a king, danced before it. And to mention but one instance more which may serve as a general directory to us on this and such like occasions, when the great Head of the church had rescued His people from the general massacre intended to be executed upon them by a cruel and ambitious Haman, "Mordecai sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far to establish among them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same yearly, as the day wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow unto joy, and from mourning into a good day, that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor." And why should we not go and do likewise?

And shall we not also, on such an occasion, express our gratitude to, and make honorable mention of those worthies who have signalized themselves, and been ready to sacrifice both lives and fortunes at this critical juncture?

This would be to act the part of those ungrateful Israelites, who are branded in the book of God, for not showing kindness to the house of "Jeruh-Baal, namely Gideon, according to all the goodness which he showed unto Israel." Even a Pharaoh could prefer a deserving Joseph, Ahasuerus a Mordecai, and Nebuchadnezzar a Daniel when made instruments of signal service to themselves and people. "My heart," say Deborah, "is towards the governors of Israel that offered themselves willingly. And blessed above women shall Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite be, for she put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workman's hammer, and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head when she had pierced and stricken through his temples." And shall we not say "blessed above men let his royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland be, for through his instrumentality, the great and glorious Jehovah has brought mighty things to pass"? Should not our hearts be towards the worthy Archbishop of York, the Royal Hunters, and those other English heroes who offered themselves so willingly? Let the names of Blakeney, Bland, and Rea, and all those who waxed valiant in fight on this important occasion, live forever in the British annals. And let the name of that great, incomparable, brave soldier of the King, and a good soldier of Jesus Christ, Colonel Gardiner (excuse me if I here drop a tear: he was my intimate friend), let his name, I say, be had in everlasting remembrance.

But, after all, is there not an infinitely greater debt of gratitude and praise due from us on this occasion to Him that is higher than the highest, even the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the blessed and only potentate? Is it not His arm, His strong and mighty arm that has brought us this salvation, what instruments soever may have been used? And may I not, therefore, address you, in the exulting language of the beginning of this psalm from which we have taken our text? "Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him; talk ye of all His wondrous works; glory ye in His holy name; remember His marvelous work which He has done."

But shall we put off our good and gracious benefactor with mere lip service? God forbid. Your worthy governor has honored God in his late excellent proclamation, and God will honor him. But shall our thanks terminate with this day? No, in no wise. Our text reminds us of a more noble sacrifice, and points out to us the great end the almighty Jehovah proposes in bestowing such signal favors upon a people: "that they should observe His statutes and keep His laws."

This is the return we are all taught to pray, that we may make to the Most High God, the Father of mercies, in the daily office of our church, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we may show forth his praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives by giving up ourselves to His service, and by walking before Him in holiness and righteousness all our days. Oh, that these words were the real language of all that use them! Oh, that there were in us such a mind! How soon would our enemies then flee before us? And God, even our own God, would yet give us more abundant blessings!

And why should we not observe God's statutes and keep His laws? Dare we say that any of His commands are grievous? Is not Christ's yoke to a renewed soul, as far as renewed, easy and His burden comparatively light? May I not appeal to the most refined reasoner, whether the religion of Jesus Christ be not a social religion, whether the moral law as explained by the Lord Jesus in the Gospel has not a natural tendency to promote the present good and happiness of a whole commonwealth, supposing they were obedient to them, as well as the happiness of every individual? From whence comes wars and fighting among us? From what fountain do all those evils flow which the present and past ages have groaned under because of a neglect of the laws and statutes of our great and all-wise law-giver Jesus of Nazareth? Tell me, you men of letters, whether Lycurgus or Solon, Pythagoras or Plato, Aristotle, Seneca, Cicero, or all the ancient lawgivers and heathen moralists all together ever published a system of ethics any way worthy to be compared with the glorious system laid down in that much despised book, to use Sir Richard Steel's expression, emphatically called the Scriptures? Is not the divine image and superscription written upon every precept of the Gospel? Do they not shine with a native, intrinsic luster? And, though many things in them are above, yet is there anything contrary to the strictest laws of right reason? Is not Jesus Christ in Scripture called the Word, the Logos, the Reason? And is not His service not a reasonable service? What if there be mysteries in His religion? Are they not without all controversy great and glorious? Are they not mysteries of godliness, and worthy of that God who reveals them? Is it not the greatest mystery than men, who pretend to reason and call themselves philosophers, who search into the arcana naturae, and consequently find a mystery in every blade of grass, should yet be so irrational as to decry all mysteries in religion? Where is the scribe? Where is the wise? Where is the disputer against the Christian revelation? Does not every thing without and within us conspire to prove its divine original? And would not self-interest, if there were no other motive, excite us to observe God's statutes, and keep His laws?

Besides, considered as a Protestant people, do we not lie under the greatest obligations of any nation under heaven to pay a cheerful, unanimous, persevering obedience to the divine commands?

The wonderful and surprising manner of God's bringing about a reformation in the reign of King Henry the Eighth, His carrying it on in the blessed reign of King Edward the Sixth; His delivering us out of the bloody hands of Queen Mary, and destroying the Spanish invincible armada under her immediate Protestant successor Queen Elizabeth; His discovery of the popish plot under King James; the glorious revolution by King William; and, to come nearer to our own times, His driving away 4500 Spaniards from a weak frontier colony when they had, in a manner, actually taken possession of it; His giving Louisbourg, one of the strongest fortresses of our enemies, contrary to all human probability, just the other day into our hands. These, I say, with the victory which you have lately been commemorating, are such national mercies, not to mention any more, as will render us utterly inexcusable if they do not produce a national reformation, and incite us all, with one heart, to keep God's statutes, and observe His laws.

Need I remind you further, in order to excite in you a greater diligence to comply with the intent of the text, that though the storm, in a great measure, is abated by His Royal Highness's late success, yet we dare not say it is altogether blown over.

The clouds may again return after the rain, and the few surviving rebels (which I pray God to avert) may yet be suffered to make head against us.

We are still engaged in a bloody, and in all probability, a tedious war with two of the most inveterate enemies to the interests of Great Britain. And though I cannot help thinking that their present intentions are so iniquitous, their conduct so perfidious, and their schemes so directly derogatory to the honor of the most high God that He will humble them in the end, yet, as all things in this life happen alike to all, they may for a time be dreadful instruments of scourging us. If not, God has other arrows in His quiver to smite us with besides the French king, His Catholic Majesty, or an abjured pretender. Not only the sword, but plague, pestilence, and famine are under the divine command. Who knows but He may say to them all: "Pass through these lands"? A fatal murrain has lately swept away abundance of cattle at home and abroad. A like epidemical disease may have a commission to seize our persons as well as our beasts. Thus God dealt with the Egyptians. Who dare say that He will not deal so with us? Has He not already given some symptoms of it? What great numbers upon the continent have been lately taken off by the bloody-flux, small-pox, and yellow-fever? Who can tell what further judgments are yet in store? However, this is certain, the rod is yet hanging over us, and I believer it will be granted on all sides, that if such various dispensations of mercy and judgment do not teach the inhabitants of any land to learn righteousness, they will only ripen them for a greater ruin. Give me leave, therefore, to dismiss you at this time with that solemn and awful warning and exhortation with which the venerable Samuel, on a public occasion, took leave of the people of Israel: "Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart. For consider how great things He has done for you. But if ye shall still do wickedly, (I will not say as the prophet did that you shall be consumed, but) ye know not but you may provoke the Lord Almighty to consume both you and your king." Which God of His infinite mercy prevent, for the sake of Jesus Christ, to whom, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, three persons, but one God, be all honor and glory, now and forever more. Amen. Amen.

August 21, 1746

Louisburgh, July 17. We are preparing for ane expecting the French, who we suppose to be near us: How the Dispute will end, God knows? but I am apprehensive there will be a great deal of Blood-shed. --- As there are at Gaspee, at the Entrance of Canada Rover, 3 Fr. Frigates, the Vigilant and the Norwich, two 60 Gun Ships are going, I believe, to join the Kinsale, that is at Anchor ten Leagues from hence, in order to look after them, and hope they will bring a good Account of them.

... Extract of a Letter from Antigua, dated August 22, 1746.

There are actually 20 Sail of Privateers in this Latitude, and as many open Boats, from ten to fifteen Tuns, some of them carrying only ten hands, who have taken a Number of Vessels, and often land their Men in the Night and carry off our Negroes. One of those Boats, with 15 Hands, took a Brigantine lately in Sight of our Harbour. A Flag of Truce arrived here Yesterday from Martineco, with 25 Captains, by whom we have certain Accounts of a great many Vessels being carried in there lately, most of them belonging to North America. Same Day arrived a Ship from Liverpool, of six small Carriage Guns, four Swivels, and ten Hands, which fought Privateer of 150 Men and 16 Carriage Guns, off of the Island for six Hours; during which Time the Privateer was on board of them three Hours, the Ship fighting all the While from her close Quarters. The French endeavoured to cut up her Decks, by which they had a great many Men killed; they then set the Starboard Quarter of the Ship on Fire, and burnt about six Foot of her Side down: But after all she obliged them to sheer off, and make the best of their Way, her Side being stove down to the Water's Edge, and she ready to sink. They found upon Deck nine Men killed, the Boatswain of the Privateer mortally wounded, and a Negroe, not hurt. The Boatswain and Negroe say, the Privateer had 20 Men killed, and that she was so shatter'd, they thought it impossible she could reach any Port. This is one of the bravest Actions that has happened this War, the Ship being as defenceless as well could be, having fought the Privateer all the Time with twelve Muskets only.

The Ship Arundel, late Captain Henderson, from Londonderry for this Place, is arrived at Newcastle, after a most tedious Passage of 14 or 15 Weeks; in which Time the Captain, both Mates, and a Number of Passengers died. She was taken off the Banks of Newfoundland by a Spanish Privateer, who used the People very ill, rifled the Vessel of what was valuable, and then obliged the Passengers to ransom her for 4000 Ps. of 8.

Yesterday arrived here the Sloop Jane and Sarah, Captain Phinehas Hubble, from Barbados. On the 15th Instant, in the Evening, about 15

Leagues to the Southward of Cape Henlopen, he saw a Sail, which came up with him about 9 at Night, and proved to be a French Privateer Schooner, whom he engaged for about an Hours and a Half, with his People on board; in which Time he hulled her several times, and supposes he put her on the Careen for near two Hours. After which she bore down on Captain Hubble again, which so intimidated his Men, that they all took to the Boat, except a Passenger, who seeing the Captain resolved to fight the Vessel as long as he could by himself, came aboard again out of the Boat, and said he would stand by him. Accordingly, the Passenger steering the Vessel, the Captain fought his Guns most bravely and successfully for above an Hour, and at last obliged the Frenchman to sheer off. On the 17th he met with Captain Grant from Georgia for this Place, who spared him some Hands, a Sail, and what other Things he wanted, to repair the damages his Vessel and Rigging had received, and did not leave him, till he saw him safe within Cape May.

On Thursday last the Reverend Mr. Whitefield left this City, after having preached here the greatest Part of the Summer to large Congregations, which the longer he staid increased the more. He never was so generally well esteemed by Persons of all Ranks among us; nor did he ever leave us attended with so many ardent Wishes for his happy Journey thro' Maryland and Virginia, and to Georgia, and a safe Return to this Place. We shall probably see him next Summer in his Way to Boston, unless he should embark in the Spring for Barbados, and the other West India Islands.

We hear from New York, that Brigadier General Waldo, who had the second Command in the New England Forces at the Siege of Louisburg, is to head the Army now assembled at Albany, &c. which has Orders forthwith to march to the Carrying Place, where it is to be joined by 1500 Men from Boston, and 1000 from Connecticut.

This Morning the Carolina, Capt. Mesnard, arrived here from London: He parted with the other Vessels for this Place the 9th of August, about 200 leagues to the Westward of Scilly.

[August 28, 1746]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred ... Ship Molly, Joseph Rivers, from cape breton. ...

Philadelphia.

[August 28, 1746]

By a Vessel arrived at Newcastle from Cork, which Place she left the 5th of July, we are informed, that on the 20th of July off Cape Finister, he was brought too by the Nottingham, Eagle and Faulkland Men of War, belonging to Admiral Martin's Squadron; the latter of which said, that five Days before he had look'd into the Road of Aix, near Rochelle, and that there was 23 large Ships, besides smaller Vessels, riding there: And that some of the Squadron look'd in almost every Day. He adds, that the Fleet bound to cape breton, sailed from England about the Middle of June. ...

Boston, September 8.

Friday last his Majesty's Ship Chester sail'd for Annapolis Royal, and the Hinchenbrook Snow is ready to sail for Louisbourg. Upon the Departure of the Chester, Admiral Warren was pleas'd to hoist his Flag on board the Massachusetts Frigat, Capt. Tyng Commander.

Since our last an Express arrived from the Westward, with Advice, That the Fort of Massachusetts, at Hoosuck, is burnt to the Ground by the Enemy, and all the People kill'd or taken Captive. --- A Scout of our Men found the Tracts of the Indians very thick about the Place where the Fort stood, and only a few Sticks of it remaining, which were burnt black, and a few Indians running about. --- There were 23 Men, 2 Women and 6 Children, in the above mentioned Fort ...

Boston

Extract of a Letter from Louisburgh, dated August 9.

From Gibraltar, by a Ship arrived Yesterday, we have Advice, that the Troops were embarked for this Place 8 Weeks ago; God send them well in here. That the King of Sardinia has knock'd 10,000 more Spaniards in the Head of Italy; and an Embarkation from Spain to Italy was lost in the Gulph of Lyons, in which 5000 Men perished. That the Brest Fleet were put into Rochfurt, and there blocked up. And in England no Body could understand the Dutch. ...

Boston

.... Extract of a Letter from Louisburgh, Sept. 7, 1746.

"The Kingsale and Hynd Sloop are returned from cruizing in the River St. Lawrence; and have taken a Ship worth, as they say, 10,000 £. Sterling; having Rigging, Sails and Guns, and sundry other Things for a 32 Gun Ship. Six more Ships passed them in a Fog, and are got up."

New York, September 1l.

September 15. Friday last arrived here in six Weeks from Torbay in England, the Ship Oswego, Capt. John Waddel, who came out from thence in Company with a Fleet bound to Gibraltar, under Convoy of the Chatham Man of War: About 5 Weeks ago he parted with the Four Brothers, Capt. Brasher, for this Port; the Carolina, Capt. Mesnard; the Friendship, Capt. Lisle, and the Anne Gallery, Capt. Houghston, for Philadelphia, all well on board. The Ships bound to New England, were to sail with the cape breton Convoy.
The cape breton Fleet had attempted to sail the latter End of June, with whom Capt. Waddel was also coming; but obliged to put back to St. Helen's the same Day by contrary Winds; soon after which they had Orders come down, for all the Soldiers on board to disembark, in order to march directly for Scotland; but four Days after came down Counter Orders, for them all speedily to re-embark again, together with an additional Number of Forces, and to hold themselves in readiness to sail the first fair Wind - Admiral Lestock was appointed to take the Command of them, and Capt. Waddel believes, they all sail'd from St. Helens, the same Day as he did from Torbay, as the Wind was then fair. ...

[September 11, 1746]

" Addressed: To 
Mr. Henry Laurens, 
To be left at the Carolina 
Coffe House in Birchen 
Lane 
per his                            London 
majs. Ship 
Kingsale

Aldborh. [Ship Aldborough] in Louishbourgh Harbr. 
                                                        11th Septr. 1746

Dear Harry

The inclosed Letter I recd. from your Father when I came from Carolina to deliver you in Boston where I thought we shou’d have touch’d, We arrived here the 26th ult. - To morrow we are to Sail to New Yorke to convoy some Vessels bound there & from thence we are to proceed as soon as possible to our Station agn. I left [paper worn - "I rec’d"?] from you & reminded [recommended?] your Business there in mentioned to Jo Pickering when I left Charles Town.

As this Letter will come wth the Fleet, it will be needless to write you any News, or indeed do I know of any worth mentioning. This is a very pretty Place but a bitter cold one - The Kingsale & Hind brot. in 7th. Inst a ship they took in Canada River £ 10,000 Sterg. We have a Rumour here that the French Fleet & Transports are on this Coast, if so, we stand a fine Chance for a Golden Chain or a Wodden Legg, for we can’t well miss them in our Passage to New Yorke.

A little before I left Carolina I remitted Mr. Crockatt on my own acct. an undoubted good Bill for one hundred pounds Sterlg. wch trouble my Intimacy wth you induced me to give him; I have wrote to [missing] by this oppy. I believe I shall have Occasion to draw on him for twenty or thirty Pounds when I get to New Yorke wch. I begg you’ll acquaint him of.

Dear Harry

I am out of your Class, for I was married, a few Days before I left Carolina to miss Jenny Godrey, but never before more than at Present

                                           Your sincere Friends & most 
                                            Humble Sert  
                                                Christ Gadsden.

[The South Carolina Historical and Genealogical Magazine, Volume IX, Number 4, October, 1908, pp. 228-229]

Boston 

Extract of a Letter from Louisbourgh, August 16.

Capt. Craven in his Majesty's Ship Rye, in a Bay a little to the Northward of Gaspia, saw a Snow at an Anchor, whose People on his standing in to them, deserted and set her on Fire; she had about 16 Guns, and he reckons 60 Men, and judg'd by the Explosion when she blew up, shehad a large Quantity of Powder on board; very likely to supply the Indians, as we are told they had done ...

[September 18, 1746]

Just published, and to be sold by J. Smibert, in Queen street, Boston, Price Twenty Shillings, Old Tenor; A Plan of the City and Fortress of Louisburgh; with a small Plan of the Harbour. Done in Metzotinto on Royal Paper, by Mr. Pelham, from the Original Drawing of RICHARD GRIDLEY, Esq; Commander of the Train of Artillery at the Siege of Louisburgh.

Boston, September 29.

Saturday last a Schooner came in from Fyal, that was chased to the Eastward of George's Bank by a Ship supposed to have 40 or 50 Guns, and to the Westward of it by one of about 20 Guns, which had a Schooner in Company, supposed a Prize.

Last Saturday Night Captain Hooper returned from Annapolis Royal, whither he had been sent with Dispatches of Importance, and informed, that the Garrison had then no Information of a French Fleet, but that the Shirley Galley, Capt. Rouse, had been drove ashore in a hard Gale of Wind, as she lay near the Fort, and sunk; that she lost all her Masts, and 6 of her Guns, but that she was afloat again, and refitting, in order to sail for this Port.

Yesterday his Majesty's Sloop Hynde arrived here from Louisbourg, the Captain of which informs, that soon after he came out he met with the Hinchenbrook Sloop of War, that left this Port about 18 Days ago, bound to Louisbourg, the Captain of which informed him, that off Cape Sambrow he fell in with the French Fleet, 3 of which chased him all that Day, and one of them the Night and Day following, but having the Heels he got clear. By the Hynde we have the following Letter from a Gentleman at Louisbourg, dated the 4th Instant, viz.
"By a Schooner from the Isle of Sable a few Days since, who brought with them here the second Captain of a large French Ship, which was cast on Shore there the 4th Instant, we have the following Intelligence; two Days before they were cast away, they parted in a hard Gale of Wind from a large Fleet, consisting of 13 Sail of Men of War, with 40 Transports, and 4000 Land Forces, under the chief Command of Monsieur Duviviere; that 9 Ships were of the Line, the other 9 from 20 to 30 Guns, but where they were bound was uncertain; I believe the Governor and Admiral expect they will visit this Place, as they are making great Preparations to receive them warmly, both by Land and Sea. All the Men of War in the Harbour are drawing up in a Line of Battle. 1000 Men of War's Men, and 500 Soldiers, are employed in finishing the new Batteries, &c. The whole City is in the greatest Confusion that can be. This Fleet has been above 100 Days at Sea, and we are apt to think they have lost a great Number of their Men, and many of them are sickly, which must greatly weaken them. 'Tis my Opinion Annapolis Royal will be in their Possession soon, where they will be reinforced with a great Number of French and Indians. --- There is a general Embargo on all Shipping in this Harbour."

Another Letter of the same Date makes the French Forces to be but 3000, and says, the Ship lost on the Isle of Sable was bound to Canada, that the Men and Cargo were saved, but that the Master of the Schooner did not think it safe to take any more than one of the Men on board his Vessel.

[October 2, 1746]

Just imported, and to be sold by B. Franklin, ... Journals of the Siege of cape breton, with a large Map of Louisburgh, ...

Philadelphia, October 2.

By a Letter from Bridgetown, Barbados, dated September 5, we learn, that a Ship had arrived there the Day before from England, which brought Advice, that the large Fleet of Merchantmen, which sailed from that Island in May last, were all safe arrived in the Downs; and that Admiral Lestock had thrice failed with the Fleet for cape breton, and was as often put back by contrary Winds; but that it was believed he got to Sea with the Wind this Vessel sailed with; his Fleet, 'tis said, consists of 6 Men of War, and 60 Transports. The Letter adds, that the French Privateers are as brisk about the Island as ever, one of them having, a few Days before the Date of this, taken a Snow off of Oistins, after a smart Engagement of above an Hour. They fired at the privateer from the Fort, but did not reach her. ...

Boston, October 6.

By Letters from Louisburgh we have Advice, that by the Prize brought in there by the Kinsale Man of War, they had the following Intelligence, viz. Anthony Rodinquez, Master of the La Judith, from Rochelle, bound to Quebec, says, that on the 22d of June, N.S. he sailed from Rochelle in Company with 70 Sail of Ships, Men of War and Transports, under the Command of the Duke of d'Anville, with 8000 Troops on Board; 14 were Ships of the Line from 50 to 74 Guns; that he left them on the 15th of July, in Latitude 44. 54. and saw them again the 23d, in the latitude of 41. 42. He was taken by the Kinsale off of Anticosta, the 25th of August, O.S.
We have had a Report in Town for some Time, that a French Man of War of 60 Guns was lately cast away near Canso; and the Belief of that Report is very much strengthened by the following Article, viz.

Friday last a Fishing Schooner arrived at Cape-Ann, from the Coast of Acadia, where she met at Sea with a very large Mast of a Ship, with abundance of Rigging about it, and a large Chain about 7 Fatham long. They stript the Mast of its Rigging and Chain, and have brought them home in the Schooner. They also met with a Hencoop with seven or eight Fowls in it, which they knew to be French by the Nails, &c.

Saturday last Capt. Bunker arrived here in 11 Days from Louisburgh, by whom we hear that no Vessels were arrived from England; that the Rye Man of War was gone Home with Dispatches for the Government, and the Hinchinbrook Sloop sent to make Discoveries on the Cape Sable Shoar. --- That the Comet Bomb was not arrived, which gives reason to fear she is fallen into the Hands of the Enemy. --- That on the 25th of September past, in the Night, Capt. Bunker fell in with four Ships about 6 leagues to the Eastward of Canso, standing with their Heads to the S.E. They had Lights on board, by which Capt. Bunker discovered them, otherwise he might have been run down by them, they being very near him, and a dark Night. --- And that they have Plenty of all Sorts of Provisions at Louisburgh, and are under no Concern about the French, but rather wish that they would make them a Visit.

New York, October 13.

Friday last arrived here Capt. Barnes, in 18 Days from Louisburg, who informs us, that they have there three Men of War of 60 Guns, two of 50, two of 40, and two of 20 Guns; all which lay ready in good Order to assist them in case they are attacked.

... October 14. 

Five or six Vessels parted from the Fleet, being bound to France, with a great Number of sick People on board. There are 5 Hospital ships still in the Fleet, and great Numbers of Sick in all the Vessels, and the Distemper still encreasing. From the 20th of June N.S. to the Day they left Jebucta, they buried between 23 and 240 Men, of which above 1100 died at Jebucta, and they have not now above 1000 soldiers, including officers, capable of bearing Arms. There are now no more than 7 Line of battle ships with the squadron, the rest being Frigates and Transports, and very poorly mann'd.

'Tis said the French took on or near the Banks of Newfoundland and Coast of Acadia, 18 Vessels; that they used the Prisoners well, and were very inquisitive after the Men of War at Louisburg, of whom they seemed to be much afraid. 'Tis the general Opinion of those returned from Jebucta, that the French Fleet is gone directly for France, notwithstanding they gave out they were going to Annapolis Royal ...

Boston, October 22.

Friday last a Vessel arrived here in 4 Days from Annapolis Royal, by which we have the following Intelligence in a Letter from a Gentleman there, dated October 19, 1746. "This just serves to acquaint you, that the Canadians continue still about their Fort, tho' they make no Attempt, or scarce shew themselves till provoked to it by us. Two Days ago we narrowly missed surprizing an advanced Guard of theirs of about 20 or 30 Men; a Party of ours of about 150 being within shot of them before they were alarmed. The same Day we brought off abut 16 Head of Cattle before their Faces. At present they besieged are obliged to hunt for the besiegers, but we are not without some expectation of the Brest squadron, unless Mr. Leftock should meet them, which in my Opinion would prove a mortal Blow to France; but the very great Mortality amongst their sailors, &c. the lateness of the season for opening Trenches (without which with all their force then cannot succeed) the good spirits of our garrison, and the tolerable good Condition of our Fort, gives hopes that the Monsieurs may once again miss their Aim."

We have Advice from the Westward, That on the 12th Instant, a Party of soldiers that went out from Saratoga as a Guard to some waggons, were fired upon by a Body of Indians, supposed to be 150; and 7 of the Men were killed and left dead upon the spot, six of them scalped, and seven more are missing.

Thursday last a schooner arrived here from Jebucta, with about 45 English seamen, and others, who had been taken by the French squadron under the command of the Duke d'Anville. The said Schooner was sent by Admiral Townshend with a Flag of Truce from Louisbourg to the harbour of Jebucta, with a Number of French Prisoners to exchange for a like Number of our Countrymen, and was bound to Louisbourg again, but the Wind now favouring them, they stood away for this Port. The best Account we can get of the French Fleet, is from two Gentlemen who came in the said schooner, and is as follows:

--- We were Passengers on board the snow Eveleigh, bound from South-Carolina to Bristol, and on the 16th of August last fell in with a French Fleet of 57 sail of Vessels, under the command of the duke d'Anville, and were taken by them. Sept. 16, part of the Fleet entred Jebucta Harbour, where they found 13 More of the Fleet that had been separated from them in a storm. Six of the Fleet, 4 of which were capital ships, were never heard of since the storm, when they were seen in great Distress. Sept. 17, the duke d'Anville was interred on a small Island at the Entrance of the Harbour, that bears his Name. He died the Day before we entred the Harbour, not without being suspected of having poisoned himself. Sept. 18, a Council of War was held when Monsieur Estermelle who succeeded Duke d'Anville, proposed going back to France with the whole squadron, as the soldiers and sailors were very sickly; and died fast, and the season far advanced; but the other Officers thinking their Honour concern'd, insisted upon making an Attack upon the English, which greatly piqued the Commandant, and the next Morning he was found in his Apartment fallen upon his sword, and the Informants have great Reason to believe he died about 24 Hours afterwards. Oct. 3, four Vessels with stores sail'd for Quebec, under Convey of the Rennomee. 11th in the Night, upon a Flag of Truce's arriving from Louisbourg, all the Troops, Tents, &c. were embarked. 12th, burnt the Pursuit of 50 Guns, and several Prize Vessels 13th, sail'd from Jebucta with the whole squadron, consisting of 30 ships, 2 snows, 2 Brigantines, 1 Dogger, 4 Schooners, and 3 sloops, and 'twas said they had on board 50 Men from Menis, who were to serve as Pilots from Annapolis Royal. ...

[October 30, 1746]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred ...
Outwards.... Snow George, Nathaniel Ambler, for cape breton...

Boston, October 30.

On each Side and Bottom of the first Page of the General Evening Post (a London Paper so called) of July 26, 1746, there are printed the following remarkable words, viz. CAPE BRETON for ever. To which we will venture to add, Amen, in English Hands.

Last Friday Night Capt. Cobb, who sailed near three Weeks ago for the Coast of Acadia, by order of this Government, to make what Discoveries he could of the French Fleet, return'd, and informs, that he look'd into the Harbour of Jebucta, where he discovered ten Ships, which he took to be Men of War, four of them were very large, and one had a white Flag. He also discovered about 40 Tents on Shore, and saw a great Number of Masts of Ships over the Land between him and a large Bason that is higher up the Bay or Harbour, which he supposes belonged to the Transports and Storeships that came with the Men of War. He was chased out of the Harbour by 2 Schooners and some Row-Boats, which prevented his making any further Discoveries; upon which he stood away for Louisbourg, and informed Admiral Townsend of what he had seen. He had 4 Days Passage to Jebucta, and 11 from Louisbourg to this Town. By him we hear, that the Comet Bomb and her Tender, were arrived safe at Louisbourg.

We hear that it appears by late Advices, that the four French Ships which Ingersole and Luskin met 21 Days ago to the Eastward of cape Sable, standing towards Jebucta, were the Ships under the Command of M. Constans, which convoy'd the large French Fleet to Cape Francois.

On Saturday last arrived Capt. Davis in a Sloop from Annapolis Royal, for the Safety of which Place we have been for some Time in Pain; but to our great Satisfaction we hear, that the three Companies lately sent to reinforce his Majesty's Garrison there, by his Excellency our Governor, are safely arrived; and as opportunely for the Succour of it, as those which he sent to its Relief two Years ago; and we are now in Hopes from the Accounts given of the Condition of the Garrison, notwithstanding the Party of Canadians in Minas has, as we hear, been join'd by some French Troops from Jebucta, so that the Enemy is now thought by some to be 3000 strong there, that this Reinforcement, with what it is said is preparing to follow it from hence, and the Protection which it has received from his Majesty's Ship Chester, sent there by Admiral Warren, and the Shirley Frigate, sent by Admiral Townsend, the Province of Nova Scotia may not fall immediately into the Enemy's Hands, as it was greatly fear'd at first it would have done by this Time. --- Among other Particulars we hear, That the French had encamp'd within two Miles of the Garrison, and hoisted their Flag there the 2d Instant; and that Skirmishes have happen'd, wherein some of the Enemy, it is said, have been killed; and only one on our Side, of Capt. Prebble's Company, one of the three sent from hence, is slightly wounded. --- That the Desertions from among the Augmentation to General Philip's Regiment, lately sent from England continue; but that the New England Companies are posted so as to prevent them. Also that Capt. Gorham, who commands the Rangers (chiefly Indians) one of the Companies sent there two Years ago by Governor Shirley, went down to Annapolis River the latter End of September, with a Party of Indians in a Whaleboat, and seeing a Number of Inhabitants at Work in some Grounds, went on Shore, and landing his Indians under Covers, went alone unarm'd among the French, and having got them into Discourse with him, whom they took for a Canada Officer, surrounded them by that Means with his Indians, and carried the most Intelligent among them off. Who upon Examination have, among other Things, given Governor Mascarne an Account that the Duke d'Anville, Commander of the French Squadron, is dead: That two of their Ships are lost on the Isle of Sable, one with her crew, but that the Crew of the other was sav'd; and the whole Fleet was very near being lost on that Island. --- The French Fleet has been very sickly; and we hear that many of the Indians on the Cape Sable Shore have died.

By the best Information we can collect from Capts. Laws and Davidson from Bristol, who left that Place the 23d of August, with a fair Wind, which lasted six or seven Days, we have great Reason to think the English Fleet came out at the same Time, under Command of Admiral Lestock.

We hear from Rhode Island, that Capt. Dennis, of that Port, has taken a French Sloop bound to Martineco, laden with white Sugar and Cotton Wool.

Boston, November 3.

Saturday last his majesty's ship Chester, capt. Spry, arrived here from Annapolis Royal, by whom we have the following letter, dated October 26, 1746. "I am exceedingly glad I have the good news to send you of the Departure of the French fleet and army, which gives us great reason to rejoice. The Besiegers walked off two days past, and we are informed the fleet left Jebucta about 15 days ago, bound to this place, but by a violent gale off Cape Sable, lost two of their fleet, the remainder put away for the West Indies, after putting their pilots they had for this place on board two small vessels, and sending them to Menis. The same morning we had the news of the enemy's drawing off, a French ship appeared in the bason, which was pursued by capt. Spry, Rouse, Connoly and myself: I happened to be the foremost, and saw him the first in the bay, she sailing out the night before us, but being at a great distance did not follow her far. Doubtless she was one of the two that were missing out of the fleet off Cape Sable; but as the fleet was very sickly, I imagine we are as well without her as with her."

Other letters from the same place inform us, that the Canadians were gone home, and the neutrals returned to Annapolis; that the sickness was got among the Indians, and that 150 of them had died; that 30 or 40 vessels had been sent to Canada at different times since the arrival of the fleet on the coast of Acadia, with all sorts of stores. That on the 25th of October the Annapolis priest came to the fort, and informed them, that Monsieur Magar, a priest that was taken at Louisburg the last year, was come over in the French fleet, and informed him, that the Vice Admiral, who had stabb'd himself, was recover'd, but had resigned his command. That there had been two men of war in the harbour of Jebucta all the summer, which had taken (among others) a ship with governor Knowles's coach and horses, and a large sum of money for the payment of the works at Louisburg, and that 7 vessels from Canada had been at the bay of Vert with provisions. --- That when the fleet came out of France they had 25,000 seamen and soldiers on board, but that they had lost 2000 in the passage, and buried 1800 at Jebucta; that when they left the coast of Acadia, they had 4000 sick in the fleet. --- That if they had not met with a storm after they left Jebucta, they intended to have attacked Annapolis with all their force, having 8 mortars, and a sufficient number of cannon, for that purpose. --- That they intended to have erected a bomb-battery across the river, opposite to the fort, another at the Red Bank, and one at the Cape, about half a mile off; for the speedy erecting of which a great number of fascines were prepared against they came. --- That their design at first was to take Cape Breton, and then Annapolis Royal.

We are also well assured from Annapolis Royal, That they have had information, since the enemy withdrew, That the Orders given by the French ministry to the Duke d'Anville, which he was not to open until he arrived at Jebucta, were, to proceed to Cape Breton, to retake that, and demolish its works; then to Annapolis, to take that, and garrison it; and then to Boston, to lay that town in ashes, and destroy all they could upon the coast of North America; and afterwards to the West Indies, and distress our islands.

We are informed that Capt. Oliver came out in company with 3 mast-ships, and several other vessels bound to these parts, under convoy of the Mermaid man of war, of 40 Guns, capt. Gayton, from whom he parted near a month ago. One of the fleet, a schooner, got into Marblehead last Friday; and yesterday morning capt. Adams, another of the fleet, a vast large and rich ship, arrived safe in our harbour. By passengers who came in these vessels we are informed, That the expedition to America was laid aside for some time; and that the Admirals Lestock and Anson, with a fleet of 25 sail of the line, and 10,000 land forces, under General St. Clair, were sail'd upon some secret Expedition, and were seen in the bay of Biscay the 17th of September; but that 'twas not certainly known whither they were bound.

[November 6, 1746]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred ...

Cleared. ... Snow George, Nathaniel Ambler, to cape breton....

Boston, November 17.

... A Schooner from Louisburgh was also cast ashore at Cape Cod, but the People all saved; who say, that they saw two Ships off the Back of the Cape lying too, in said Storm, with their Heads to the Eastward, which 'tis supposed were the Mast ships expected; and we are in hopes they are well, having not heard further of them since. We hear that Admiral Townshend with six Men of War, is sail'd from Louisburgh for England. His majesty's Ship the Chester, with the Honourable Admiral Warren, will sail in a Day of two. ...

[Boston?]

... Extract of a Letter from St. Eustatia, December 6.

"Last Sunday two French Privateers came into this Road, a sloop and a Schooner, one having sprung a leak, the other her main Boom; while they were repairing they ey'd several English Vessels that they thought would suit their conveniency. Last night they being ready to sail, about 10 o'Clock weigh'd Anchor; and one of their boats, with a number of Men armed, boarded one Capt. Seagers, of Maryland: The Captain, hearing a noise, came upon deck, where they cut him in a cruel Manner, and knock'd down another; the Captain thereupon went down into the cabbin, and he, with 3 others, jump'd out of the cabbin windows, and so made their escape, by swimming on board other vessels. The French went off quietly with the vessel; but 'tis to be hoped they will meet with some of our English Privateers, who are off St. Kitts waiting for them.

We hear from Louisbourg, that Governor Knowles is recovering, and that three Store-ships are arrived there from England.

We hear from Newport, on Rhode-Island, that Mr. William Clagget, of that town, has at last succeeded so far in the Electrical Experiments, as to set fire to Spirits of Wine, the most satisfactory and difficult of all.

... December 8. 

From the Eastward we hear, That on Thursday last was seven night, in a violent Storm, was cast away at Casco Bay, a Vessel with a great Number of People on board, who are all lost. That by some of the Bodies found, and the Papers taken up on Shore, it is greatly to be fear'd that it is a Schooner sent out from Louisbourgh (with about forty Soldiers on board, commanded by Captain Kinslaugh) in Company with His Majesty's Sloop the Hind, bound hither, and to look into the Harbour, and discover what she could along Shore on the Coast of Acadia: 'Tis thought there was about sixty or seventy Souls on board the Vessel. We are in great Pain for the Hind, as we have had no News of her as yet, but wish she may be well ...

December 9, 1746

Lately imported, and to be sold by B. Franklin, Bibles of various Sizes, from large Folio down to the smallest Pocket Bibles; Testaments, Common Prayers, Confessions of Faith, large and small, Grays Works, compleat, Vincent on Judgment, Dyer's Golden Chain, Life of Monsieur DeRenty; Journals of the Siege of cape breton, with a large Map of Louisburgh, &c. ...

[December 23, 1746]

... published, ... Journals of the Siege of cape breton, with a large Map of Louisburgh, ...

[December 23, 1746]

From the WESTMINSTER JOURNAL.

Extract from a Pamphlet, entitiled, The great Importance of cape breton, &c. containing Reasons against giving it up on a Peace.

THE compiler of this pamphlet, after giving us extracts from Charlevoix, Savary, and several other writers, sums up the substance of all he has brought together in this manner:
From this cloud of witnesses we may collect:

1. That cape breton, notwithstanding the diversity of accounts by different authors concerning the soil, produce, climate, and harbours, is upon the whole, a place of considerable value in itself, and represented as most valuable by those who had best opportunities of examining its condition.

2. That by its situation at the mouth of the gulph of St. Lawrence, between Newfoundland and the great fishing bank, and the main continent of North America, and by the happy circumstance of having its ports all open to the ocean, this island would be of inestimable worth to the possessor, tho' it did of itself produce nothing at all.

3. That whoever are possess'd of Newfoundland and Acadia, if they have cape breton at the same time, may command all the fishery of North America; But whoever have Newfoundland and Acadia, if they have not cape breton likewise, can pretend only to a share in this fishery, and not the best share neither, if the people of another nation, who are in possession of cape breton, be better protected, and more industrious than the possessors of Newfoundland and Acadia.

4. That the fishery of the Newfoundland Islands and Banks (under which general Name I include cape breton, and all the rest of those seas) and the opposite coasts along the continent, might, if carried to the highest, and made the most of, by any one nation, be render'd of more value than the mines of Peru and Mexico, or any other possession of property that can be had in any part of the world.

5. That the reason of this is, because a vast quantity of salt fish is a necessary part of the support of the present large and populous nations of Europe, as well on account of the frequent deficiencies and failures of other provisions, as from motives of religion and superstition, which bind down two thirds of the people of Christendom to the use of no other flesh but that of fish, for almost half the days of the year.

6. That these latter motives induced the French, while they were in possession of cape breton, to be more industrious in the fishery than the English, and their crown to give them better protection; by which means they out-vied us greatly in this trade, and in a course of time might have driven us intirely out of it; but we, by possessing the whole, shall have the strongest incentives, those of immense profit, to cultivate this trade to the utmost, and our king will have the most powerful reason to protect us, from the great addition this trade must in time bring to the revenue.

7. That if ever cape breton be restored to the French, or they are suffer'd to be establish'd and carry on, without interruption, any other fishery, the same motives will revive again, and the same encouragement will be given to them by the Roman Catholick nations to out-vie us in this trade; for if we keep the whole in our hands (as we very well may, by the help of our fleets) all the papists in Christendom will depend upon us for their fast-day Provisions, and must pay us a greater tax for their superstition, that they pay even to the pope himself.

8. That we shall not only hurt the French nation in general (our most dangerous rivals) by depriving them of their fishery; but must largely abridge the revenue of France, by lessening the consumption of French salt, the profit of which is solely in the crown, and more than half of which, that was made in the kingdom, was employ'd in this fishery. At the same time, the revenue from our own salt trade, which stands engag'd for a considerable part of the national debt, may be made to increase in proportion as that of France is lessen'd.

9. That the advantages to arise from this fishery are not merely the profits of the fish, or the salt to cure it; but the vast consumption of British commodities, of most kinds, that must be occasioned by this trade, and the superiority it must inevitably preserve to us at sea, by being an eternal nursery of perhaps 30, 40, or 50,000 seamen; since nobody can tell what numbers might be employed, while we have this trade solely in our possession.

10. That the British empire in America can be no otherwise compleated, nor our trade to New-England, New-York, the Jerseys, Maryland, Virginia, Carolina, and Georgia, be secured, than by keeping possession of Cape-Breton.

11. That the strength of this place, when attacked by the New-England men, the long siege it held out, the danger there was of a miscarriage, if every circumstance had not fallen right on our side, and every measure on the side of the French been defeated; if all supplies to carry it on had not arrived, and all those to the enemy been intercepted. These, I say, sufficiently demonstrate, that this place may be made impregnable by us, if we do but keep there is a good garrison, well supplied, and a few men of war in or about the harbour.

12. That by the possession of this place we may render the French settlements in Canada of no value, and must in time make it die away, tho' we should not succeed against it in open military attempts; and that by being masters of Canada, we shall monopolize the whole fur trade of North-America, which is perhaps, next to the fishery, the most valuable in that part of the world.

13. That all these things observed, no consideration whatsoever, either for ourselves or for our allies; no cession in Europe, or any other part of America; no advantageous stipulations in a divided trade (which we never yet found binding, longer than interest or necessity held the tie) not the terror of a rebellion in Scotland, fomented and supported in that view by French and Spanish money; nothing, in a word, that France, Spain, or any of their friends can give, promise, or engage for, should prevail upon us to give up, at a general peace, either wholly or in part, the important, invaluable island of CAPE-BRETON.

[December 23, 1746]

From the Westminster Journal.

To maintain a War with France, even without Allies, more eligible than restoring cape breton.

WHOEVER, that has read the Accounts of the Advantages of cape breton, will not hear without the deepest Regret the Insinuation now spread, that it must not be ours? - 'France, it is said, will never consent to a peace without it, and therefore we must submit. Whether we give it up by treaty, or put her to the expence of a parade to retake it, no matter: She must have it, and we cannot help ourselves, as our affairs are circumstanced.'
Now I say, that our help is in our own hands; that the circumstances of affairs are in this respect nothing to us, and that therefore we are under no necessity of submitting on the occasion.

'But then, it will e objected, we must continue the war alone against France' - So much the better; because then we should do it in the way adapted to our own strength, which would make us alone, under Providence, as much a superior match to France, as we are now inferior to her with all our powerful allies. Shall we not then save all the expence and disgrace that may attend us in Flanders, the only theatre on which we are unable to measure arms with this mighty enemy? And how much better than alone have we been upon this theatre, with all our pompous list of allies, if we consider how many troops we have paid, some for acting, some for not acting, besides those we have furnished of our nation?

The Dutch, it is very plain, never desired the war in their neighbourhood, and were sorry to see it brought thither by the sending over of our troops. - Suppose they, the empress, and the king of Sardinia, should make their peace, therefore, upon the best terms they can, and leave us entirely out of the question, for our obstinacy in not restoring Cape-Breton; in this case, I should be glad to hear in what respect we could find ourselves worsted. We should then have neither Austrians, Piedmontese, Hessians, nor Hanoverians, to pay; the expence of so many men would be entirely saved to add sinews to our own strength, and yet France would be no stronger, with respect to us, than she is at present. This I think demonstrable.

Has not this enemy, several times, within little more than 2 years, done all in her power to invade us? Could she do more for this purpose, if intirely at peace with all her neighbours on the continent? What then have we to fear from being at war with her alone, provided the nature of the war be so changed, as to consist only in naval armaments and invasions attempted on either side? We have a better fleet than France, and troops enough for a war of this kind, in which the hundred thousands of the French king could do him no service.
Since France can insult the coasts of a power superior to her at sea, what is there to hinder that power from returning the insults with double vengeance? There is as much French coast opposite to ours, as there is of ours to France; and I do not hear but it is altogether as accessible. Why then has it not been alarmed? Are not invasions as practicable to us as to the French? I am apt to think they are more so for this reason; the wind is constantly as much greater part of the year in the points that favour a descent from the south of England upon the coast of Normandy, than it is in those that would assist the French to fall upon England from any of their ports in either the ocean or channel. This is certainly a very material circumstance which nature has given to our advantage, and we have sometimes know it of more service to us than our own vigilance.

'But tho' the French have not at present a fleet equal to ours, might they not soon raise such an one if all their Finances were applied to carry on a war against Great-Britain?' - I would answer, No, unless we permitted 'em; because ours might be still encreasing in a much greater proportion. Besides, as France must then be oblig'd to bring all her naval strength into the ocean and channel, we could call home our fleets from the Mediterranean, except a few ships to intercept the French trade, since we should then have no Italian allies to assist and protect.

And our very keeping of this Island of C. BRETON would be a capital means of preventing the increase of the French navy; for

P. Charlevoix mentions among the other advantages of this island, 'That it furnishes plenty of the best Oaks for ship building, and, together with the stores raised in Canada, might alone suffice to keep up the navy of France, which now depends almost intirely upon the products of other countries, for which ready money must be sent out of the kingdom.'

Tho' I have room but to touch upon these heads, I hope sufficient has been said to support my argument, "That GREAT BRITAIN alone is more capable of maintaining a war against France, than in conjunction with allies on the continent; and that she had better engage in such a war, than give up the island of CAPE-BRETON.

[December 30, 1746]

We hear from Louisbourgh, that Governor Knowles lay dangerously ill when the last Vessel came away.
By Capt. Cawley, in five Weeks from Londonderry, in Ireland, we have the following Advices from the publick Prints, viz. That the Conferences at Breda were begun, but little Good expected from them. That the Dutch have promised, that if the French Minister in the Congress makes too high Demands, they will immediately declare War against France, and join the Allies with all their Force. And that it was the general Opinion in England and Ireland, that Admiral Lestock was gone to seize Belle-Isle, and to make a Descent near Port Louis, in France.

[December 30, 1746]

... Mr. Agent Bollan likewise informs me, That the Representation of the Services of the New-England Forces in the ale Expedition, which, at the Request of the Two Houses, I drew up last Year at Louisbourgh, & from thence transmitted to England, to be laid before His Majesty, had been delivered by Himself and Mr. Agent Kilby, to the Duke of Newcastle; and that, as both He and Mr. Kilby conceiv'd that the Publication of it by Authority would be the most effectual Means of securing to the American Officers and Troops their just Share of the Credit of the Conquest and Acquisition to the British Dominions made in that Enterprize; and to the several Colonies, which they belong'd to, the Honour justly resulting to them from the Bravery and Zeal of their Countrymen in His Majesty's Service, and from their own publick Spirit, for promoting the Common Cause in so eminent a Manner upon that Occasion; they presented a Petition to his Grace, praying, that that Representation might be published by Authority; which was accordingly granted them, as you will perceive by two of the printed Copies, which the Secretary will deliver to you. ... Dec. 30. 1746. W. SHIRLEY.