CO
194/15 [Reel B-212]
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Page
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Date
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From
whom (where)
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Contents
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1 |
23
Feb. 1761 |
J.
Webb (Antelope, Portsmouth) |
Board
of Trade |
He
is sending the state of the fishery and inhabitants, answers to the
Heads of Enquiry, copies of the returns from the officers of the state
and condition of the forts at St. John’s and Placentia. He seized
three vessels belonging to Waterford because of clandestine trade
(Nathaniel Floyd of the Lovely Mary, Lawrence Hern of the Industry,
John Benger of the Good Intent.) |
2-2v |
|
Webb |
|
[enclosed
with above] State of the fishery for the year 1760. |
3-4 |
|
Webb |
|
[enclosed
with above] Answers to the Heads of Enquiry. (70 articles) No boats
kept at Petit Nord. No French remain at St. Peter’s [St. Pierre] or
at Placentia. No men carried away to New England. No officers of the
garrison are concerned in the fishery. No crimes have been committed
during his government. |
5-11 |
|
Webb |
|
[enclosed
with above] State of the ordnance stores at St. John’s (Francis Day
and Lemercier, storekeepers). |
11v |
|
Webb |
|
[enclosed
with above] State of ordnance for Placentia attested by Otho Hamilton
and done by Lemercier. Iron Ordnance, Standing carriages, Round shot,
grape shot, paper cartridges, 150 muskets, etc. |
12-12v |
|
Webb |
|
[enclosed
with above] Return of the troops stationed at St. John’s and the
places adjacent. Capt. Ross’ Company (64 privates), Capt. John
Dovers’ Co. of artillery (25 mattrosses, 11 gunners), Capt. Ross’
Company and the detachment of the Royal Regiment of Artillery at St.
John’s, Trinity, Carbonear, and Boys Island dated 17 July 1760.
"An effective return of Captain John Dovers Company of the Royal
Regiment of Artillery in Newfoundland," p.12v. Placentia, St.
John’s, Trinity, Carbonear, Isle of Boys, on the continent, totals.
John Hamilton’s company at Placentia p.12v. |
13 |
|
Webb |
|
[enclosed
with above] A Report of works ordered by the Board of Ordnance at St.
John’s for 1759. "In hand: King’s [Wharf] & "Crance".
Inclosure of Fort George. Retrenchment in Fort George. Not begun:
Works & repairs at St. John’s, Sally Port. Works proposed:
finish main ditch round Fort William, to build [barracks] of masonry
for 304 men and [barracks] for 2 captains and 4 subalterns."
Signed by George Weston and endorsed by J. Webb. |
14-21 |
7
July 1760- 6 Nov. 1760 |
J.W.
Webb/ Nicholas Gill, (Naval Officer in St. John’s) |
|
[enclosed
with above] Imports (p.14-19) and Exports (19v-21). Detailed account
of cargoes arriving & departing St. John’s since 7 July last.
Most appear to be American. The list describes in detail ships and
vessels, their cargoes, sometimes what they traded for it, how many
men served on-board, sometimes where the ships were built, the origin
of goods, the value of the cargo and the destination of the vessel
when trading here is concluded. Imported items included such things as
sugar, tea, silk, women’s shoes, linen, men’s "hoze",
blankets, Madeira wine, coffee, rice, molasses, tar and turpentine,
salt, flour, bread, Indian Corn, etc. The account of departing vessels
includes such information as the time of clearance, ships’ names,
commanders, ports of destination, tonnage, number of men and guns, and
nature of cargo. Note: A lot of information. |
22-23 |
|
Webb/Gill |
|
[enclosed
with above] "A Catalogue of the Newfoundland Northern [northward]
fishery." Detailed inventory of supplies and gear (and their
value) required for the fishery; everything from sails to blocks to
staves to line , to hooks, provisions, clothing, etc. A useful
indication of all the gear needed to support a fishery. |
24 |
13
April 1761 |
W.
Pitt (Sec. of State, Whitehall) |
Lords
of Trade |
Letter
recommending Capt. James Webb to the board as governor and requesting
a draught. |
26 |
16
May 1761 |
W.
Pitt (Whitehall) |
Lords
of Trade |
Thomas
Graves being appointed by the Lords of the Admiralty to command this
year’s ships for the protection of the fishery and being recommended
as Governor, please prepare a draught. |
28-28v |
6
April 1761 |
Otho
Hamilton, commandant of the garrison (Placentia) |
Lords
of Trade |
Ordered
proclamations to be published about the death of King George II and
the succession of King George III. |
30 |
|
John
Bradford, John Northcott, William Luckham, Joseph Mortimer (Exeter) |
Lords
of Trade |
Petition
concerning White’s Arm. This place was used by the French to fish
but the petitioners are now using it. They built stages and flakes
there and it appears that they want to be granted possession of it.
The clerical note describes this petition as " praying that some
improvements which they have made in the Harbour of White’s Arm for
carrying on the fishery, may be confirmed to them." Note: Very
difficult handwriting. |
31-34v |
10
Aug. 1762 |
Thomas
Graves, Governor (Antelope, Placentia Harbour) |
Lords
of Trade |
The
French are on the coast. Graves is strengthening the island. The Isle
of Boys will make a good defence, laments Fort Frederick’s poor
location. The New fort at Placentia (which never was finished) is a
better location. He proposes to destroy the old fort and built
fortifications on the New Fort. Graves has sent information to General
Amherst asking for help and explaining what an advantage Newfoundland
would be to the enemy if conquered. The French already have the
Northern end of this island and control both passages to the gulf of
St. Lawrence. The French’s force consists of one ship of 74 guns,
one of 64, one of 36 and one of 26, under the command of Monsieur
Ternay (700 or 800 troops) from 5 different regiments under the
command of Monsieur Hosenville [D’Haussonville] . St. John’s
surrendered without opposition, they have sent four sloops and a
schooner in Conception, Trinity, and Bonavista Bay to destroy the fish
flakes and stages but few houses. The cannon at Carbonear and Trinity
they have destroyed. The fleet should be assembled at Ferryland Head.
Lord Colvill has arrived with the Northumberland, Gosport, Provincial.
They are organizing an offensive. |
36 |
22
July 1762 |
Graves |
|
[enclosed
with above] "Return of Capt. John Hamilton’s Company belonging
H.M. 40th Regiment of foot in Placentia." A total of
75 men (4 unfit for service). |
37 |
22
July 1762 |
Graves |
|
[enclosed
with above] "Return of Capt. John Dovers Company of the Royal
regiment of Artillery at Placentia and Boy’s Island." A Total
of 26 (2 unfit). |
38-41 |
18
Aug. 1762 |
Graves |
|
[enclosed
with above] "Return of Ordnance stores at Placentia" signed
by Lemercier. Round shot, grape shot, paper cartridges, etc. including
a "Fire Engine" and fire-fighting gear , Cooper’s tools,
Mason tools, Smith tools, from His Majesty’s ships: iron ordnance,
round shot, paper cartridges, carriages complete with aprons, etc. |
42-43v |
4
Oct. 1762 |
Graves
(Antelope, St. John’s) |
|
The
French attacked Bay Bulls, Harbour Grace, Carbonear, and Belle Isle,
and provisions at Bay Bull’s and St. John’s fell into enemy hands.
The fort at St. John’s fell to the enemy and the French then fixed
it up. The Isle of Boys is in a respectable state of defence. Colvill
has left 6 warships at Carbonear for its fortification next year.
Amherst has left three battalions from Louisbourg. Graves comments on
the soldiers of Newfoundland who become more like fishermen than
soldiers over time. Note: The letter was received and read at the
board on 17 Nov. 1762. |
45-46 |
29
Nov. 1762 |
Rich
Farr (Master of Merchant Hall in Bristol) |
Lords
of Trade (Pownall) |
Responding
to a letter sent by the Board that referred to many of Grave’s
points concerning the need for fortifications and garrisons. The
merchants are deliberating on the subject. The Eastern shore only
needs to be protected in times of war. A fort at "Carpoon" (Quirpon)
is, however, urgently needed; could be set at Cape de Grat. Much fish
on the coasts north of Cape Bonavista (curing and salting is done
better there). The French took the best fishing grounds in the past.
Some discussion of price of fish; fish have moved to the northern
parts; Indians frequent northern parts, the Indians have the "Art
of killing whales". French ships were involved in that fishery
(bigger ships "capable of protecting themselves from those
savages.") Ask for two or three frigates to protect seas from
Cape de Grat to Chateau Bay on the coast of Labrador. |
47 |
11
Dec. 1762 |
George
Weston (Mayor of Poole) |
John
Pownall |
Responding
to Grave’s points. The merchants have not seen the articles of
peace, they have deferred giving an answer. They suggest that Capelin
Bay or Aquafort are proper places for making a fleet. They leave the
question of erecting fortifications to your Lords’ consideration. |
50 |
18
Dec. 1762 |
James
Crossing (Exeter) |
Board
of Trade |
Responding
to Grave’s points. He has sent the matter to the traders of Exeter
and more that are also concerned. Enclosed is their answer. |
51-51v |
|
Merchants |
Mayor
of Exeter |
[enclosed
with above] They feel that garrisons and forts are unnecessary if they
had sufficient warships to guard and protect them. The northern parts
about Quirpon are very valuable. Salmon, seal, furs are available
there. A fort would be useful there. |
55-56 |
5
Jan. 1763 |
George
Tito (Poole) |
Pownall |
The
Bailiff of Poole. They must reserve judgement until they know more
about the Peace Articles. Issues relating to the protection of the
fishery, St Pierre and Miquelon, the value of the northern parts. |
57-57v |
21
Dec. 1762 |
Edward
Hanbury, (Mayor of Dartmouth) |
Pownall |
Most
Dartmouth merchants trade at St. John’s where they have built
dwelling houses, stages, flakes, stores, wharfs. The removal of the
trade and the garrison to Ferryland would be detrimental to their
fishery. The entrance is narrow and difficult for warships but no ship
was ever lost and the merchants always tend to the warships. If the
island was guarded by a good number of warships, then there would be
no need for forts. They do not object to the erection of a fort at
Ferryland but they think warships is a better answer. |
59 |
8
March 1763 |
Egremont
(Whitehall) |
Lords
of Trade |
Copy
of the 5th and 6th Article. Peace Treaty at
Paris 18 Feb. 1763 was signed. The articles relate to the fishery at
Newfoundland. Any changes have to be communicated to the King’s
Council. |
61-62 |
|
|
|
Article
5 and 6 and extract of the 24 articles. Art. 5: French subjects will
be free to fish and dry fish on the part of the coast mentioned in the
Treaty of Utrecht, except at Cape Breton Island as well as islands and
coasts in the mouth of the St. Lawrence and in the Gulf of the St.
Lawrence. H.M. consents to allow fishing in the gulf as long as the
French only fish three leagues from all coasts belonging to Great
Britain and 15 leagues from the Cape Breton. Art 6: The King of Great
Britain gives St. Pierre and Miquelon to His Christian Majesty to be
used as shelter for the fishermen and not to build a fort. Only civil
buildings. A civil protection of only 50 men is allowed. Note: In
French |
63 |
9
March 1763 |
Thomas
Graves, Governor (London) |
Lords
of Trade |
Sends
the State of the fishery, the trial of John Stockbale, the returns
could not be made from St. John’s as the officer there is disputing
my command. The answers to the Heads could not be made in such a time
of confusion. |
64v-65v |
|
|
|
[enclosed
with above] State of the fishery for the year 1762. |
66v-68 |
10
Sept. 1762 |
Graves |
|
[enclosed
with above] The return of the detachments at the castle at Placentia . |
68v-69 |
21
July 1762 |
Graves |
|
[enclosed
with above] A return of ordnance, carriages, ball powder, arms and
ammunition at Placentia. |
70-72v |
1
Nov. 1762 |
Graves
(St. John’s) |
|
[enclosed
with above] At the Court of Oyer and Terminer. Trial of John Stackbald
of Ireland for the rape of Esther Merrifield, the wife of William
Merrifield of Torbay. And for acts of treason when the French invaded.
Sentenced to death by hanging. |
74-74v |
17
March 1763 |
Egremont |
Lords
of Trade |
Demands
that a draught of instructions for the governor of Newfoundland be
sent for the King’s pleasure before sailing for Newfoundland. |
76-76v |
24
March 1763 |
Egremont
(Whitehall) |
Lords
of Trade |
"The
king having judged it proper that all the coast of Labrador, from the
entrance of Hudson Straights to the river St. John’s which
discharges itself into the sea, nearly opposite the West End of the
island of Anticosti, including that island, with any other small
islands on the said coast of Labrador, and also the Magdalene Islands
in the Gulf of St. Lawrence should be included in the government of
Newfoundland." Requests that the draught for Governor Graves
should be changed accordingly. |
78-79v |
29
April 1763 (received and read) |
Joshua
Mauger and Gregory Olive (Agents to the petitioners) |
Lords
of Trade |
Petition
of the merchants and traders. They have suffered considerable losses
to the French and they attribute this to the fact that the traders
from the West are "rendered incapable of prosecuting this trade
as usual." They want their damages to be considered. |
80 |
27
Sept. 1763 |
D.
Halifax (St. James) |
Lords
of Trade |
Concerns
a memorial by Robert Trail of Portsmouth praying a compensation for
the loss of their private property on the island of St. Pierre and
Miquelon. The King asks that you take this into consideration. |
81-81v |
|
Robert
Trail |
Earl
of Halifax |
[enclosed
with above] Memorial. In 1722 Richard Phillips then governor of Nova
Scotia and Placentia granted the isle of Miquelon to Captain Diamond.
Diamond sold the island to Samuel Cutt. In 1758, a third of the island
was sold to Trail for 750 pounds. Demands to be paid back in money, or
in value elsewhere, or in civil employment in America. |
83 |
|
Benning
Wentworth |
|
[enclosed
with above] Attests that Wyseman Clagell (before whom the deed was
sworn in Nov. 1758) was fully authorized to perform every act
appertaining to the office of a justice of the peace. |
84 |
|
Wyseman |
|
[enclosed
with above] Concerns the purchase of parts of Miquelon by Trail. |
85-91 |
17
Aug. 1760 |
Diamond/
Cutt/Ganvrin |
|
[enclosed
with above] Indentures related to Trail’s petition. Diamond sells
two thirds of Miquelon to Cutt. Cutt sells to Trail. |
93 |
28
Nov. 1763 |
Edward
Sedgwick |
Pownall,
Sec. to the Lords of Trade |
Requests
that the instructions to the governor of Newfoundland be communicated
to the Earl of Halifax. |
95 |
18
Oct. 1763 |
Thomas
Graves (St. John’s) |
Lords
of Trade |
Sends
the returns of the garrisons at St. John’s and Placentia. |
97 |
4
July 1763 |
Graves |
|
[enclosed
with above] Office of Ordnance Placentia. Signed by Otho Hamilton and
Lemercier. |
98v-99 |
13
Oct. 1763 |
Graves |
|
[enclosed
with above] A return of the state of the garrison of Fort William St.
John’s. Signed by Stephen Gualy. |
100 |
13
Aug. 1763 |
|
|
[enclosed
with above] A return of stores on the isle of "Buoy" Boys
received from Lt. Bower. Iron guns mounted, iron guns dismounted,
shot, ladles, powder, 14 beds, pork, bread and flour, etc. signed by
J. Bishops Lt. 45th Regiment. |
101 |
1
Sept. 1763 |
John
Dovers/ John Bowen/ Hamilton/ Graves (Placentia) |
|
[enclosed
with above] Returns of the detachments at Placentia, St. John’s,
Boys island. Numbers that were discharged, deserted, sent to New York,
or were invalidated. |
102-106 |
14
July 1763 |
Francis
Hereford (Acting storekeeper to the ordnance) Graves. |
|
[enclosed
with above] State and remain of the ordnance and ordnance stores in
the garrison and harbour of Fort William , St. John’s. (p.102-104)
Return of ordnance and ordnance stores from the New York proportion by
order of William Amherst. (P.104-104v). A return of ordnance and
ordnance stores from H.M ship Enterprise (Col. William Amherst) and
from the Antelope (Graves) (p. 104v-105). A return of powder, etc.
ordered from this garrison to Placentia the 18 Oct. 1762 (p.105). A
return of ordnance and ordnance stores from England to this garrison
(p. 105v).A return of ordnance, stores and carriages from England at
this place for Placentia (p.105v). A return of the French muskets
issued out by order of Captain Stephen Gualy (p.106). |
108-109 |
20
Oct. 1763 |
Graves
(Antelope St. John’s) |
Lords
of Trade |
Acquaints
the lords that the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon were delivered
to Mr. D’Anjac on 4 July 1763. Warns of New England traders. (Copy
of this letter is also in CO194/26: 101-101v) |
110-110v |
15
Oct. 1763 |
Graves
(Antelope St. John’s) |
Capt.
Ruthven |
[enclosed
with above] Requesting that Ruthven observes and enforce Article 13 of
the Treaty of Utrecht. The French cannot resort to Newfoundland beyond
the time allowed for fishing, etc. English subjects must respect the
French. Whatever the French leave contrary to the treaty, we may
destroy by Public Authority but by no means at the caprice of the
multitude. (Copy of this letter is in CO194/26: 114-115) |
112-113 |
5
Nov. 1763 |
Mr.
Abraham Richards |
The
Board |
Richards
has accumulated information on the Newfoundland fishery from
1747-1762. He was referred by Townsend before he resigned. Richards
has a plan for the fishery, of over 100 sheets. He doesn’t know why
he us being refused to be permitted to be of service. He asks why he
is being refused after so many attempts. He appears to threaten to
take his findings to the French if not taken seriously. He wants to do
good service to his country, if permitted. John Spooner and James
Clark will attest to his good character, also Arthur Holdsworth
(Governor) of Dartmouth etc... Richards was employed as a
"factor" in the merchant’s service. |
114 |
27
Nov. 1763 |
J.
Cayley |
The
Lords of Trade |
He
is recommending his nephew (Abraham Richards) to be employed in a
company that is to be sent to Newfoundland in the Spring. He doesn’t
like to drink, is fully versed in the fishery because he has spent
many years in Nfld. He is young and full of spirit. Provides names of
referral. |
116 |
13
Dec. 1763 |
Sam
Smith (Merchant Hall, Bristol) |
Pownall,
Lords of Trade |
Has
submitted the question of civil government in Newfoundland to the
merchants and will transmit their opinions. (See p.136 for the
merchant’s answer) |
118 |
15
Dec. 1763 |
Abraham
Richards |
Lords
of Trade |
He
has received their letter and says that his knowledge is worth a lot.
With adequate prospects he might communicate his information. |
120-122v |
2
Jan. 1764 |
Samuel
Gridley |
Lords
of Trade |
Memorial.
Requests a grant for the seal cow fishery on the Magdalene Islands (or
Iles de la Madeleine) and a map (p.121v) |
123 |
17
Dec. 1763 |
John
Henning (mayor of Poole) |
Lords
of Trade |
The
establishment of a civil government will be a disadvantage to the
trade and fishery in Newfoundland. |
125-125v |
21
Dec. 1763 |
George
Milner (Poole) |
Lords
of Trade |
Your
lordships will hear from the merchants and traders of Poole that a
civil government will not be beneficial to the trade. Milner thinks
that it is contrary to the "universal voice of mankind".
Interest drives the refusal for a civil government. A few of the
principal merchants gave their opinion and I am forced to remain
silent. If a civil government be established, the power of these few
principal merchants would be destroyed but it would be most beneficial
and greatly promote the trade and fisheries of these countries. Crime
is high in Newfoundland: "the most lawless [rapings?],
oppression, and injustice, dependant on power and numbers only." |
126-126v |
22
Dec. 1763 |
Arch
Ingram (Provost of Glasgow) |
John
Pownall |
The
merchants favour a civil government over a military one in
Newfoundland. Sends a few memorials (not here). |
128 |
24
Dec. 1763 |
E.
Walker (Mayor, Exeter) |
John
Pownall |
It
is the merchant’s opinion that a civil government would be
burdensome to the trade, navigation, and fishery. "...they humbly
hope their lordships will not promote any proceedings so repugnant to
the welfare of that important branch of trade." |
130 |
27
Dec. 1763 |
Will
Weston (Deputy Town Clerk , Plymouth) |
John
Pownall |
Written
at the direction of the mayor, who made the letter public in order to
get a better sense of local opinion. No immediate trade is carried on
those islands or coasts, therefore they are not competent judges of
what form of government might or might not be advantageous for that
trade. |
132-132v |
29
Dec. 1763 |
John
Smith (Mayor, Cork) |
Lords
of Trade |
The
merchants feel that the establishment of a civil government will be
the best means of extending and securing the trade. |
134 |
31
Dec. 1763 |
George
Macarthy (Belfast) |
John
Pownall |
The
merchants involved in the trade are in favour of a civil government
provided that no taxes, impost, or restraints of any sort be imposed. |
136 |
10
Jan. 1761 |
Sam
Smith (Merchant Hall, Bristol) |
Pownall |
The
merchants believe that a complete civil government will not be
advantageous to the trade. |
138-140 |
|
Nicholas
Darby (Bristol) |
Lords
of Trade |
Petition.
He is part owner of the Snow or Antigua Factor. In last April, Darby
and Stook (master) came first to the harbour of Saint Julian and as
Stook became fishing admiral took as much fishing rooms as was
necessary and built stages. George Milner of Poole came and ordered us
away. He said he had a patent granted to one Matthew Glover in 1760 by
James Webb, then governor. John Ruthven, commander of the Terpsichore,
ordered us (Darby and Stook) to remove all our stages and to pay a fee
of 180 quintals of sound fish. Darby refused to pay and was threatened
with imprisonment. (On p.139, there is an order for Darby to appear
before Graves at the court in St. John’s to answer a complaint
exhibited against him by Maurice Welsh, dated 16 Aug. 1763.) |
141 |
25
Feb. 1764 |
Dunk,
Lord Halifax (St. James) |
Lords
of Trade |
The
King wants the Lords to consider the changes made by the French
Ambassador to articles for the prevention of difficulties and disputes
between their respective subjects on the coast of Newfoundland. |
143
-146v |
|
|
|
[In
French; enclosed with above] Modifications to the Articles. Article 2:
It is convened that the first English or French captain who will
arrive at the Cape called "Le Croc" or "petit
maitre" will have first pick of the harbours and beaches, etc.
Article 3: Each subsequent captain will chose his harbour and write
the name of it in 2 registers (at "Le Croc" or "Le
petit maitre") etc. Article 4: The two French and English
captains arrived first will keep the registers aboard their ships
(kept by a bilingual man of their equipage).etc. Article 5:No French
or English vessel can start fishing before picking a harbour and
signing the registers, etc. Article 6: Should an English fisherman
build stages and flakes in the Winter, he will only be able to keep
them the next Summer if he hurries and registers it at "Le Croc
harbour or Le Petit Maitre harbour." And much more... |
148-149 |
6
March 1764 |
Hay,
Norton, De Grey (His Majesty’s Attorneys and Solicitor general,
Lincoln’s Inn) |
Lords
of Trade |
In
reply to the Board’s request, we offer that the changes are not
consistent with the Act of 10th and 11th of
William the III. The Crown cannot legally enter into or has power to
enforce such regulations. |
150-150v |
8
March 1764 |
Dunk,
Ld Halifax (St. James) |
Lords
of Trade |
The
King was advised that the amendments could not be legally made
according to the 10th and 11th of William III.
The Lords are commanded to make the necessary changes (prepare a
draught) to allow the King to make legal amendments. (A copy of this
letter can also be found at CO194/26:149-150) |
152-152v |
16
March 1764 |
Halifax
(St. James) |
Lords
of Trade |
Capt.
Hugh Palliser is appointed by the Admiralty to command the convoy this
year, you are ordered to prepare draughts of a commission and
instructions. This also provides a description of the extent of the
territory Palliser will overlook. |
154-155 |
21
March 1764 |
Hay,
Norton, De Grey (Lincoln’s Inn) |
Lords
of Trade |
With
their alterations, the instructions to the governor of Newfoundland
will be legal. (Copy of this letter can be also found at
CO194/26:159-160v) |
156-157 |
5
April 1764 |
Halifax |
Lords
of Trade |
The
King orders that the alterations made to the articles for the
prevention of disturbance towards French subjects be incorporated in
Capt. Palliser’s draught of instructions. 2 points have to be
changed in regards to the length of the fishing season and the boat
burned on the island last year. The words underlined in the 5th
Article should be omitted because they would give the right of the
Court of France to demand reparation. (Copy of this letter can also be
found at CO194/26: 167-168) |
158-158v |
3
April 1764 |
Hay,
Carysfort, Howe (Admiralty Office) |
Earl
of Halifax |
Concerns
Mr. De Guerchy’s proposal regarding the end of the fishing season of
20 Oct.. They think it would be better to make it rather the 20th
or at the latest the 30th Sept.. |
160 |
9
Feb. 1764 |
George
Wilkinson (Mayor of Waterford) |
|
The
merchants of Waterford feel that an established civil government would
by no means be advantageous to the trade. |
162 |
31
Jan. 1764 |
Holdsworth
(Mayor of Dartmouth) |
Lords
of Trade |
Apologizes
for his late response but the merchants wanted to wait for all
merchants to be there before making a decision in regards to the civil
government in Newfoundland. An conclusion has not yet been made. |
164 |
29
March 1764 |
Holdsworth
(Dartmouth) |
Lords
of Trade |
The
merchants made their decision and are unanimous that a civil
government would not be advantageous to the island of Newfoundland and
adjacent islands. |
166-166v |
29
March 1764 |
Halifax
(St James) |
Lords
of Trade |
Sends
a memorial form the French Ambassador contending that Pointe Riche and
Cape Ray are the same. Requests that the Lords examine the matter and
report to the King about it. |
168-184 |
|
Monsieur
De Guerchy |
|
[In
French; enclosed with above] "Sur la position de Pointe
Riche." Copy. On the position of Pointe Riche mentioned in
Article 13 of the Treaty of Utrecht. The question is, should the point
be set at 47 degrees 40 minutes or should it be pushed to 50deg. 30'
close to the "Pointe du nord"? Issues of cartography prior
to 1753, Bellin copied the English maps which was a mistake,
D’Anville also made a mistake in setting Pointe Riche at 50deg. 30'.
The French Ambassador submits to refer to the law and establish facts
instead of relying on past mistakes. He is providing 3 reasons in
detail why Pointe Riche should be placed at 47 deg. 30'. The first
reason is based on Herman Moll’s map. The Ambassador’s logic is
that if Moll had been wrong at the time, (in 1715) the government that
commissioned his map would have forced him to retract and correct his
map. The confusion of Cape Ray with Pointe Riche is also here
explained using other evidence. The second reason (p.180v) is based on
the fisherman’s behaviour (they continued fishing and possessing the
area) after Bellin made a mistake in placing Pointe Riche at the wrong
place. And the third reason (p.182) is based on the fact that at the
Treaty of Utrecht, there was no confusion as to other parts, like Cape
Bonavista. It is only fair that the French should have half of
Newfoundland. Note: A lot of more information. |
185 |
3
April 1764 |
Edward
Sedgwick (St. James) |
Lords
of Trade |
He
is directed by the Earl of Halifax to transmit extract of a letter
from Mr. Prior to Lord Bolingbroke, dated at Paris 8 Jan. 1713 which
indicates that at that time Pointe Riche was understood to be quite
distinct and far from Cape Ray. Extract which might be of use in
regards to the French Ambassador’s claim about the location of
Pointe Riche. |
187 |
|
|
|
[enclosed
with above] extract of a letter from Mr. Prior to Lord Bolingbroke,
Paris, 8 Jan. 1713. Description of Pointe Riche and Cape Ray. |
189-190 |
18
March 1764 |
Thomas
Graves (Antelope, Portsmouth) |
Lords
of Trade |
Sends
his answers to the Heads of Enquiry. The Lords will find that answers
vary from his predecessors because the business has changed greatly
since the queries were fist draughted. Graves provides his views on
the present system of governorship. He states that captains of
warships are used to military laws. With civil rules, the captain
finds himself in a world of perplexity and without anyone of integrity
to consult. It is no wonder, then, that captains feel that there is
too much to risk [in prosecuting criminals], nothing to gain, and let
his time pass as safely as it can. The short duration of the
government is a disadvantage, after three years, the governor knows
the people and begins to distinguish the truth. Capt. Douglas has
surveyed the possessions of every settler upon the islands of St.
Pierre and Miquelon. The account of exports and imports from St.
John’s harbour is included. |
191-199 |
|
Graves |
Lords |
[enclosed
with above] Answers to the Heads of Enquiry for the year 1763. Queries
and answers both provided in full. No criminal causes to be tried this
season. Note: A lot of information. |
200 |
6
and 7 July 1763 |
Charles
Douglas (St.Peter’s) |
|
[enclosed
with above] A Survey of the houses and "immoveables" of the
island of St. Pierre. Dimensions and names of owners provided as well
as the value of these properties. The title: "Newfoundland, an
estimate of losses which the settlers of the islands of St. Peters and
Miquelon have sustained." on p.200v |
201-201v |
|
Graves |
|
[enclosed
with above] A state of the fishery for the year 1763. |
202-202v |
|
Graves |
|
[enclosed
with above] Estimate of the shipping at the fishing places in and
about Newfoundland. Amounts of cod cured, carried to market, Salmon
taken and cured, etc. Ships names and where they came from (Dartmouth,
Poole, Ireland, Topsham etc.) at such locations as Codroy, Bay Bulls,
Ferryland, Renews, etc. |
203-203v |
26
April 1764 |
Halifax
(St. James) |
Lords
of Trade |
Request
that the Lords forward maps or charts relating to the position of
Pointe Riche. |
205-205v |
30
April 1764 |
Hugh
Palliser (London) |
Pownall |
Requests
to be made aware of the memorial from the French Ambassador regarding
the French rights and the observations about Pointe Riche. |
207 |
25
Feb. 1764 |
Halifax
(St. James) |
Lords
of Trade |
Forwards
a memorial from Favry du Ponceau, Favry de Chanteloup and Foucher who
have grants for land in Labrador, in the Bay des Philippeaux. |
209-209v |
|
Favry
du Ponceau, Favry de Chanteloup, and Foucher |
|
[In
French; enclosed with above] Copy of the memorial of Favry du Ponceau,
Favry de Chanteloup and Foucher pray that the land granted them by the
Roi de France be granted to them by the King of England for a period
longer than 18 months so that they can sell it at a more profitable
rate. Otherwise it will ruin them. They used to fish seals there (loups
marins). |
210-214 |
|
|
|
[enclosed
with above] Title of the Bay des Philippeaux and the list of
successors to the land. |
215 |
20
May 1764 |
Hugh
Palliser (Plymouth Sound) |
Lords
of Trade |
Informs
the Board of his departure for Newfoundland. |
End
of volume.
|