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Researching the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada
  Recherche sur la Forteresse-de-Louisbourg Lieu historique national du Canada

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By Eric Krause 
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2004 to Present

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Public Record Office, Colonial Office 194: Newfoundland


Research Office
Wade Bowers, Ph.D.
Associate Vice-Principal (Research)
Sir Wilfred Grenfell College
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Corner Brook
NL, Canada A2H 6P9
Ph. 709-637-6231
Fax. 709-637-6218
E-mail:
wbowers@swgc.mun.ca  

http://www.swgc.mun.ca 

CO 194/15 [Reel B-212]

Page

Date

From whom (where)

To whom (where)

Contents or nature of the document

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.

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