CO
194/24 [Reel B-215]
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Page
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Date
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From
whom (where)
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To
whom (where)
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Contents
or nature of the document
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Page
1: "Newfoundland, Letters from Governors Crowe, Gledhill,
Osborne, Clinton, etc., from 12 Oct. 1706- 6 Dec. 1745"
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3-11 |
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Summary
of the documents featured in this volume. The date and the subject of
the letter is provided with a coding system. |
12 |
12
Sept. 1706 |
Huxford |
|
Oath
sworn in the presence of J. Underdown. Pertains to the severe whipping
of Christian, the servant woman of John Jackson, the chaplain, by
order of Capt. Moody [See also CO 194/3, 442 in Reel B-206] |
12v |
12
Sept. 1706 |
J.
Jones, John Knight, Henery Jeffery, soldiers at Fort William |
|
Oath
sworn in the presence of J. Underdown. They describe the whipping of
the servant woman, and Lt. Moody’s actions. She was ordered to be
expelled from the fort. |
13 |
12
Sept. 1706 |
Susana
Marshall (her mark) |
|
Oath
sworn in the presence of J. Underdown. She is the wife of John
Marshall, inhabitant of St. John’s. Some time about Christmas 1704,
she spoke with Christian, the servant maid of John Jackson, Minister
of St. John’s. She was sick in bed in the house of Richard Bunker
and said that she received her punishment for affronting Margret, the
daughter of Mr. Jackson. Christian said it would be her death. Susana
saw Christian’s back all blackened [See also CO 194/3, 443 in Reel
B-206] |
13v-14 |
12
Sept. 1706 |
Elisabeth
Bunker |
|
Wife
of Richard Bunker, inhabitant of St. John’s swears on oath that
sometime in Dec., Christian was whipped, fastened to a gun by the
order of Lt. Moody. She died 14 days later. At the request of Margret,
the eldest daughter of Jackson, Christian was whipped, put on the work
horse, water poured on her. Bunker took her in. Campbell, the Prize
officer, sent Edward May and his wife with a threat that if they kept
this woman, their house would be torn down. She died a few days later
[See also CO 194/3, 440-441 in Reel B-206] |
15 |
12
Sept. 1706 |
Aron
Cock, J. Newman, John Collins and Clement Vickerry |
|
All
inhabitants of St. John’s declare that some time in March 1706, Lt.
Moody ordered Broomfield to have them roll casks of beef, pork, bread,
oatmeal flour, and peas out of the garrison to the house of Mr. Collin
Campbell. On the casks was the royal mark. [ See also CO 194/3, 453] |
15v |
12
Sept. 1706 |
Sampson
Job |
|
In
Feb. 1705, Moody stole his food and bedding and stored it in the
garrison’s store. Sworn in the presence of J. Underdown. |
16 |
12
Sept. 1706 |
Thomas
Gruchy |
|
In
Feb. 1705, Moody took the following from his house by violence. The
affidavit is supported by two signatures, Henry Williams and Charles
Stephens. But Gruchy’s signature appears to be missing. Sworn in the
presence of J. Underdown. |
16v |
12
Sept. 1706 |
J.Violet,
Archibald Taylor, Henry Jefferys and John Barnes, soldiers |
|
Swear
that Moody gave orders to plunder the houses of the inhabitants of St.
John’s after the French siege was over. Sworn in the presence of J.
Underdown. |
17 |
12
Sept. 1706 |
Sgt.
Jones |
|
Swears
that he was under the command of Capt. Latham at the South Castle, and
some time after the French were gone, Broomfield showed him pots and
irons, flour etc. which he boasted to have taken from the inhabitants
and said that they at the South side had done nothing. Sworn in the
presence of J. Underdown. [See also CO194/3, 446] |
17v-18v |
12
Sept. 1706 |
John
Bradbury |
|
Swears
that he tried to "cannonade" the house where Subercase
stayed but was stopped by Moody. More details of the events that took
place in the garrison during the French siege. Sworn in the presence
of J. Underdown. [See also CO194/3, 444] |
20-20v |
|
The
traders and inhabitants of St. John’s and surrounding areas |
|
Signed
petition against Lt. Moody and his tyranny sent to the Secretary of
State |
21 |
|
Commanders
of Merchants ships |
|
Signed
petition against Lt. Moody. |
23-27v |
31
Oct. 1711 |
Josias
Crowe, Commander of the convoy (St. John’s) |
Secretary
of State |
State
of the Fishery at Newfoundland. Prepared in response to a letter sent
the 11 April 1711. Concerns the number of inhabitants, the
encroachments on the beaches, stages, and fish rooms, Admirals have to
keep journals in order to follow the rules and regulations, the French
fish and hunt to the Northward and the Southward and a few Spaniards
who come with passes to buy fish, great care is taken to cure and salt
the fish, rum and brandy is not brought by New England ships anymore,
some wine and oil is brought from Lisbon, Liverna [Leghorn], fishing
methods are described (nets, lines, hooks), no more than two French
inhabitants are at Placentia but they have companies of soldiers who
retire with the fishing ships when they have finished their season,
details on the fortifications. "Scheme of the Fishery of
Newfoundland" is provided at p. 27v |
28-29 |
1711 |
Josias
Crowe (St. John’s) |
Secretary
of State |
"A
record of several laws and orders made at St. John’s for the better
discipline and good order of the people and correcting the
irregularities by them committed contrary to the good laws and Acts of
Parliament. All of which I debated at several courts held wherein was
present the commanders of merchant ships, merchants and chief
inhabitants and witnesses being examined it was brought to the
conclusion between the 23 Aug. and the 23 Oct. 1711." Money for
the church, public houses, seamen to guard the harbour at night, lists
the owners of storehouses and stages, policy of protection during the
Winter. Note: A lot of information. |
29v |
28
Aug. 1711 |
Josias
Crowe |
|
Proclamation
forbidding the entertaining of seamen on Sabbath day, except for
strangers come from other harbours. |
30-31 |
31
Oct. 1711 |
Josias
Crowe |
|
Concludes
that he has done what was required of him and adds that cutting trees
and the supply of provisions by New England ships cannot be avoided.
Mentions Mr. John Collins, the deputed governor in absence. Explains
that he has organised groups of inhabitants to keep watch against
enemy attacks. Needs 200 disciplined troops (150 for St. John’s and
50 for Ferryland.) |
31v |
1711 |
Josias
Crowe |
|
"An
account of the bodies of inhabitants" Bonavista and adjacent
places: 290, Dildoe Island and adjacent places: 205, Fox Island and
adjacent places: 185.... [continues] |
32 |
1711 |
Josias
Crowe |
|
More
rules and regulations relating to the stages, the minister, rooms, and
plantations. |
33 |
16
April 1708 |
Sunderland |
|
Certificate
attesting to Mr. Michel de Monsegur’s good behaviour during his stay
in England and that the government is entirely satisfied with his good
services. Note: Document in French. |
35-36v |
22
Nov. 1710 |
De
Monsegur (London) |
|
De
Monsegur requests the Lords to review the plans he is proposing to
take Placentia. He was at Placentia in 1694 and 1696, and he knows the
strengths and weaknesses of the place. He discusses salary and his
devotion to His Majesty. Note: Document in French. |
37 |
5
Nov. 1711 |
John
Collins (St. John’s) |
Board
of Ordnance (London) |
"Exchange
£132:16:0" Pay to Mr. "Leamirell Lidards"
["L’amiral Lidards?] the sum of 132:16 for sundry disbursements
for the use of H.M. garrison in St. John’s. |
39-40 |
18
June 1711 |
John
Collins (Fort William St. John’s) |
|
Two
letters dated 18 June 1711 and the other Nov. 5 1711, on the same
page. In the first part, the commander requests to be allowed to
continue his command of the garrison and mentions the expenses he
incurred. And in the second, he confirms that he is still appointed
commander and to reimburse him for his expenses. On p.40, he provides
an account of his expenses. |
41-42 |
21
Jan. 1711 |
Joseph
Taylor, Commander of the Lichtfield (St. John’s), John Collins, the
inhabitants of Newfoundland who are Masters of families, Principal
merchants and Masters of ships in London and trading in Nfld. |
|
Printed
proclamation bearing 4 separate declarations. The first is the
appointment of John Collins as Governor of Newfoundland. The second
relates the great hardships Collins went through when defending Fort
Williams, being taken prisoner, how Lloyd was captured and killed in
France, and the ransom he had to pay to be freed. He begs to be
allowed to continue to be the governor, to be paid the Governor’s
salary and not be removed without just reason. The third declaration
is an address by the inhabitants who thank John Collins for organizing
a militia and guarding and repairing the fort. They recommend him as
Governor. And the fourth, an address by the merchants and masters of
ships also recommending him to Her Majesty. This was sent to the Board
of Ordnance |
43-44v |
|
The
inhabitants in Newfoundland |
|
This
appears to be the handwritten original copy of the address which is in
the above printed document. It is signed by (a few names taken at
random): Thomas Roberts, John Jenkins, James Harris, Skinner, Squary,
George Marrwood, John Marshall, Richard Williams, and many more. |
44 |
|
The
merchants and masters of ships trading at Newfoundland |
|
This
appears to be the handwritten original copy of the address of
merchants which is in the above printed document (p. 41). It is signed
by various people, including Solomon Merritt, Patrick Whellen, Joseph
Taylor, Henry Vanderstegen, Thomas Perkins, Nathaniel Torriano and
many more. |
45 |
29
Jan. 1712 |
Leeds |
Lords
Secretary of State, the Earl of Dartmouth |
Cover
letter relating to Governor Collins in Newfoundland. He introduces the
letter from Collins’ brother, Edward Collins who is a clergyman and
speaks on behalf of his brother. Based on the good representation that
the inhabitants and traders have given of Collins, Leeds asks the Earl
to consider the requests Governor Collins makes and to refer his case
to the Queen. |
47-47v |
20
Feb. 1712 |
Edward
Collins |
Earl
of Dartmouth |
[enclosed
with above] He begs that his brother’s request be granted based on
his brother’s courage and honesty. His brother has spent three
Winters there and he asks for his brother not to be removed and
replaced by Mr. Gully |
49-49v |
29
Oct. 1712 |
Sir
Nicholas Trevanion (St. John’s, York) |
|
He
took 5 prizes and their men were sent to Placentia. He has been in
good terms with Gouverneur Costebelle. Should Placentia be delivered
up, he asks that he might be appointed to settle the affairs there. |
51-52v |
3
Nov. 1712 |
Pastour
de Costebelle (Plaisance/Placentia) |
Trevanion |
In
regards to the merchant ships taken as prizes, he begs that the ships
should be repaired which he knows Trevanion will do because he has
proven an honourable man. He wants to make sure that the commander
knows that upon the departure of their merchant ships to France, no
instructions for war will have been sent. The "petit
corsaire" that was taken by the British on the 1 Oct. had been
sent on orders 15 to 18 days before the "cessation
d’armes" between France and England. He was informed that
French "flibustiers" have committed violent acts contrary to
his orders, should Trevanion provide him with names, he will give them
the punishment they merit. He requests that Jacques Tastel and [ _ ]
Darambour, both of whom were on board the "petit corsaire",
be sent to him: they owe money. The French Governor sends 4 dozen
bottles of wine to thank Trevanion. |
53 |
|
Inhabitants
& merchants of Newfoundland (including Jacob Rice [minister]),
John Jenkins, Charles Wayne, John Elliott) |
Earl
of Dartmouth |
Petition
by approximately 100 people asking that Sir Nicholas Trevanion be
allowed to remain governor in Newfoundland. He has protected them from
enemy incursions and has established tranquillity through much
prudence, justice, and equanimity. |
54-54v |
|
John
Collins |
The
Queen |
Asks
to be given a Governor’s pay, to be allowed to stay in that position
and not to be removed without just reason. He was appointed governor
in 1709 by Capt. Taylor and has been doing a good job. Note: There is
a signature on the previous document (p.53) which appears to be that
of John Collins. |
56-59 |
3
July 1720 |
Lt.
Governor Gledhill (Placentia) |
|
Gledhill
has received orders to reduce the garrison and send them to Nova
Scotia. He objects and gives several reasons here. (Example: Placentia
is outside General Phillips’ jurisdiction; need for protection
against Indians, pirates; value of the fishery here); in fact Gledhill
would like more authority and soldiers for himself. Gledhill provides
fairly detailed descriptions of piracy and pirate activity that year. |
60 |
23
Sept. 1727 |
Gledhill
(Fort Fredrick at Placentia) |
Thomas
Duke of Newcastle (Principal Secretary of State at Whitehall) |
Gives
his condolence for the death of the Sovereign and congratulates the
new king on his succession to the throne. |
62-65 |
14
Oct. 1729 |
Governor
Henry Osborn (St. John’s) |
My
Lord |
This
is a summary of how Osborn appointed magistrates, divided the island
into districts, the prison, etc. |
66-67 |
7
Nov. 1729 |
Henry
Osborn (Squirrel on route for Lisbon) |
My
Lord |
Gives
an account of his progress, brings up Lt. Col. Gledhill, sends an
inventory of arms and stores remaining in the magazine of the fort at
Placentia, had to leave the building of the prison for next Spring. |
68 |
23
Aug. 1729 |
Henry
Osborn |
Mr
William Keen, Mr. William Weston, Mr. Alyn Southmayd (justices of the
peace in St. John’s) |
[enclosed
with above] Orders them to build a prison and make an estimate of the
charges. |
68v |
25
Aug. 1729 |
William
Keen, William Weston, Alyn Southmayd |
Henry
Osborn |
[enclosed
with above] Estimate of the charges: 150 pounds sterling which a tax
on merchants paid in quintals of fish could cover. |
69 |
29
Aug. 1729 |
William
Keen, William Weston, Alyn Southmayd (justices of the peace in St.
John’s) |
Henry
Osborn |
[enclosed
with above] Orders the Justices to give timely notices to the
merchants and if they should refuse the Justices are ordered to
"proceed against them". |
69v |
5
Oct. 1729 |
Henry
Osborn (St. John’s) |
all
the inhabitants |
[enclosed
with above] Proclamation giving notice of the plans to build a prison,
orders them to give a payment in fish for that purpose. They are to
comply. |
70-71 |
6
Sept. 1729 |
Henry
Osborn (St. John’s) |
Sam
Gledhill |
[enclosed
with above] Instructions given to the commander of the garrison
Gledhill or the person commanding in his place (not to interfere with
the fishery, beaches or cook rooms; not to encourage the manufacture
or growth of any commodities; stop the carrying away of seamen,
fishermen or handymen; help the justices of the peace.) |
72-73v |
9
Sept. 1729 |
Osborn |
|
[enclosed
with above] An account of ordnance and stores at Placentia in Fort
Frederick. Charles Howe storekeeper. Some of the items include:
carriages, trucks for carriages, powder, cases of wood, tampions,
priming irons, hand brushes, ginns, hand screws, union flag, canvas,
flag, hand saws, kitt brushes, muskets (18), iron spades, boat hook,
brooms, paint, paint brushes, putty, nails (exact numbers given),
planes, chisels. |
74-74v |
11
Oct. 1729 |
Osborn |
Weston,
Dench, Degrave |
[enclosed
with above] The justices are empowered to collect a rate towards the
building a prison, throughout the whole district of St. John’s
(Torbay, Quiddy Viddy, Petty Harbour, Bay of Bulls). |
75 |
|
Osborn |
|
[enclosed
with above] Memorandum. Dimensions and construction details of the
prison. |
76-76v |
9
Sept. 1730 |
Osborn
(Placentia) |
Lord |
He
assembled all His Majesties’ subjects and read a proclamation to
them regarding the cessation of hostilities with Spain and restitution
of prizes. |
78-80v |
25
Sept. 1730 |
Osborn
(St. John’s) |
Lord |
The
masters of ships and the fishing admirals have ridiculed the justices
of the peace in the eyes of the "lower sort of people".
Conflict of power between justices, fishing admirals and the masters
of ships. In general, the people have complied with the rate that was
imposed for building a prison. Project of a prison to be built at
Ferryland. |
82-82v |
25
Sept. 1730 |
Osborn |
|
[enclosed
with above] Meeting held 14 Sept. 1730 with merchants of ships. It
concerns the building of a prison in Ferryland. All Masters of ships,
Masters of families should provide one shilling and six-pence for
every servant they employ in the district (from Trepassey South to
Brecast or Toad Cove North) to build a prison. |
84-85 |
25
Sept. 1730 |
Osborn |
|
[enclosed
with above] "The division of the island of Newfoundland into
convenient districts with the limits of the same and the places
wherein the several magistrates reside." Bonavista, Trinity, St.
John’s, Ferryland, Placentia. |
86-86v |
25
Sept. 1730 |
Osborn |
|
[enclosed
with above] "Establishment and State of the garrison at
Placentia" Here listed: the names of the soldiers present and the
defects of Fort Frederick. (Lt. Governor Col. Gledhill is absent) Some
of the names are: Edward Hopley, Peter Stewart, J. Green, J. Bright,
Hollingworth (confined to bed by age and infirmity) and Owen Edwards. |
88-88v |
25
Sept. 1730 |
Keen,
Weston, Southmayd (Justices of the peace) |
Osborn |
[enclosed
with above] Petition relating to the admirals and the masters of ship
obstructing their efforts. |
90 |
25
Sept. 1730 |
Signac,
Salmon, Buchanan (merchants at Placentia) |
Osborn |
[enclosed
with above] They were appointed justices of the peace and met with
obstruction from fishing admirals, who have seized and imprisoned at
their pleasure as well as erecting public houses without obtaining
licenses from the justices of the peace. |
92-93v |
25
July 1731 |
Henry
Osborn (Squirrel St. John’s) |
|
Because
of the great disrespect and the attitude that the fishing admirals and
masters of ships hold where they should oppose any "form of
government whatever here, that is not established by Parliament",
Osborn is resigning and has provided Captain Clinton with all
information. Osborn’s resignation. |
94 |
12
June 1731 |
Henry
Osborn |
|
Proclamation
regarding the justices of the peace and the peace in the island. |
96-97 |
10
June 1731 |
Weston
and Southmayd (St. John’s) |
Your
Excellency |
Petition.
They have tried to execute the powers granted in them but the fishing
admirals have slighted their authority. They ask that their authority
be clearly explained. |
98 |
29
July 1731 |
Clinton
(Salisbury at St. John’s ) |
|
Clinton
shall try his best to settle the affairs at Placentia. |
100 |
30
Sept. 1731 |
Gledhill
(Placentia) |
Duke
of Newcastle |
Informs
of his arrival with the major and recruits to complete the company of
30 men. Claims that Placentia is the most considerable fishing port in
America and is therefore worthy of protection. More troops are
wanting. He annexes a State of the fishery. |
101 |
1731 |
Gledhill |
|
[enclosed
with above] Account of the Fishery at Placentia for the year 1731.
Gives the number of British ships and also American ships. Quintals of
fish, inhabitants, number of families (who keep private houses and who
keep public houses); Number of inhabitants who remained in the country
in the Winter, Estimate of Land Improved (6 boats rooms). |
102 |
10
Sept. 1731 |
James
Chapple (Admiral), Charles Chapple (Vice Admiral), Williams Brooks
(Rear Admiral), William Chapple, John Brooks |
Governor
Gledhill |
"The
fishing admirals letter of complaints to governor Gledhill" They
describe the injuries they have suffered during Gledhill’s absence.
Their houses and cookrooms, wharfs and stages were destroyed and the
justices were gone to England and one was sick. |
104 |
5
Oct. 1731 |
Gledhill
(Fort Frederick at Placentia) |
The
Duke of Newcastle (Secretary of State) |
A
fire destroyed the best of the houses in Placentia, bread and
provisions. Had it not been for the vigilance of the garrison (36 men)
in blowing up the houses and extinguishing the fire, the garrison
would have been up in flames. |
106 |
30
July 1732 |
Edward
Falkingham (Salisbury at St. John’s) |
The
Duke of Newcastle |
Informs
the Duke of his arrival and that he has not interfered with the
fishery. The state of the fishery looks promising, he will be sending
the account later. |
108-109 |
22
July 1732 |
Edward
Falkingham |
|
[enclosed
with above] State of the garrison at Placentia. Samuel Gledhill is
present. On the muster roll, there is mention of a chaplain, surgeon,
judge advocate, commissary, a carpenter, mason, and smith. The
provisions in store: bread, flour, peas, beef, pork, butter. |
110-111 |
April
13 1732 |
Falkingham |
|
[enclosed
with above] Account of the provisions that were transported in the
Aylee (Martin Wadham, commander) to be delivered to Edward Hopley,
Ordnance and storekeeper. For supply of the stores: Corn Powder:
cannon, fine; Sheets of paper for cartridges: 18 pounders and 9
pounders; Match; Port fires; Cartridge paper; writing; Frame for a new
store house/materials needed for the construction/building a new store
house: Oak sill, raising fir, posts, beams, collar beam, braces (and a
lot more detail) Half clothing for the detachment of the Royal
Regiment of Artillery at Placentia by Order of the Board. Witnessed by
William Blockhouse and Thomas Boebuck [Roebuck?] and signed by Martin
Wadham. |
112-115 |
31
Aug. 1731 |
Falkingham |
|
[enclosed
with above] The state of the ordnance stores at Placentia. A very
detailed account of what was taken and when. |
116-116v |
4
Oct. 1732 |
Edward
Falkingham (Salisbury St.John’s) |
Duke
of Newcastle |
Provides
a series of reasons why offenders are not jailed. He ordered a prison
to be built for the Ferryland district, one at Trinity, and a third at
Bonavista with three round houses, one at Trepassey, one at Bay Bulls,
and one in Conception Bay. I am sending an offender for murder aboard
the Dursley Gally to be prosecuted in London. |
117-122 |
4
Oct. 1732 |
Edward
Falkingham |
Newcastle |
[enclosed
with above] Answers to articles regarding law and government in
Newfoundland. (Murderer sent to England, improved draughts,
inhabitants frequent church except for Irish servants who are not
permitted to practice their religion, matters of the fishery, out
migration issues, the civil magistrates are successful in their
districts but the fishing admirals in their ports care only for their
private interests, New England issues, cutting trees issues, no
convictions of illegal trade, the inhabitants are guilty of providing
servants with clothing and alcohol more than their wages which keeps
them from becoming seamen, no accounts on the French fishery, no
French inhabitants at Placentia or at St. Peter’s [St. Pierre],
salmon fishery, etc. |
122-123 |
4
Oct. 1732 |
Edward
Falkingham |
Newcastle |
[enclosed
with above] This is on the same previous document. Legal proceedings.
The Governor heard the case of Peter Shank (Poole) vs. Will Keen (St.
John’s) who is a justice of the peace. A representation by John
Moores and Joseph Vallis to Mr.Tim Spurrier (Mayor of Poole) against
Mr. Francis Squibb and Jacob Taverner (2 justices in Trinity) and more
complaints against the justices. |
125-130 |
4
Oct. 1732 |
Edward
Falkingham |
Newcastle |
[enclosed
with above] "The Newfoundland Scheme of the Fishery for the year
1732" Number of ships, boats, by boat men, quintals of fish,
inhabitants (masters, men servants, mistresses , children) by
district. The State of the inhabitants: English, Irish, etc. |
131-133 |
1
Aug. 1732 |
Edward
Falkingham |
|
[enclosed
with above] Oaths and affidavits sworn in the presence of the Governor
in relation to Mr Keen’s case. |
134-135 |
6
Nov. 1738 |
Capt
Vanbrugh (Chatham in Lisbon River) |
|
Governor
of Newfoundland. Answers to the Heads in relation to the State of the
fishery and the State of the Garrison of Placentia. The fort is
defenceless, the men are clothed and armed. The fishery is going well,
the major complaint is against the Irish Roman Catholic who are
annually imported. In case of a war, this could be of consequence. He
is sending to England two pirates who stole a sloop from Bonavista,
one of the Cape de Verds, they have sunk the sloop. |
136-138 |
1
July 1738 |
William
Sanderson (Storekeeper)and James Wilbault (Engineer) |
|
[enclosed
with above] General remain of ordnance stores" (bayonets, nails,
powder, shovels, quadrant, speaking trumpet, carpenter’s tools,
smith tools, masons tools. And more...) |
139v-140 |
|
P.
Vanbrugh |
|
[enclosed
with above] Survey of the inhabitants and state of the fishery for
1738. |
141-143v |
6
Nov. 1738 |
P.
Vanbrugh (Chatham in Lisbon River) |
|
[enclosed
with above] Answers to the Heads of enquiry. Unable to take draughts,
fishery is well, no ballast has been thrown overboard but Bonavista is
in bad shape, stages are not destroyed, the French have fishing ships
of 300 tons in the North part but all go home, Cattle brought from New
England, 14 public houses (licensed) are kept in St. John’s and
more... |
145 |
11
July 1739 |
Captain
H. Medley (Romney Spithead) |
Duke
of Newcastle |
Accepts
his responsibilities as governor of Newfoundland. |
147-150 |
30
March 1740 |
H.
Medley (Romney Spithead) |
|
Sends
the State of the fishery (Scheme) for 1739. Number of British ships,
sack ships, ships from America, "burthen of", Number of men,
Number of boats, quintals of fish (British fishing ships, ships from
America, by boats, inhabitants) etc. |
Pages
153-164 are accounts of the stores issued and expended, fired for
salutes, answers, alarms, and celebrations. For July 1738 to July
1739. The salutes are dated and the amount and types of shot used is
provided. The totals expended for each month is also provided.
|
153 |
30
March 1740 |
Medley |
|
[enclosed
with above] Accounts of the stores issued and expended for the month
of July. (Fired for the church, to answer a salute, to bring two boats
to order, round shot 18 pounder, to a signal for church. Total of
powder expended, round shot, etc.) |
154 |
30
March 1740 |
Medley |
|
[enclosed
with above] Accounts of the stores issued and expended for the month
of Aug.. (To a signal for the church, to salute the governor, to a
salute to the warship, etc.) Total of guns and powder used, etc. |
155 |
30
March 1740 |
Medley |
|
[enclosed
with above] Accounts of the stores issued and expended for the month
of Sept.. (To answer a salute, to salute C. Thomas, to a signal for
the church, etc.) |
156 |
30
March 1740 |
Medley |
|
[enclosed
with above] accounts of the stores issued and expended for the month
of Oct.. ( For experiment of an order, to answer a salute from C.
Baker, for the King’s Coronation...etc) Totals provided. |
157 |
30
March 1740 |
Medley |
|
[enclosed
with above] Accounts of the stores issued and expended for the month
of Nov. and Dec.. (To a signal for the church, to firing gunpowder
treason, to Capt. Gledhill’s company for duty,etc.) Totals. |
158 |
30
March 1740 |
Medley |
|
[enclosed
with above] Accounts for the stores issued and expended for the month
of Jan.. (To a signal for church, to sealing the guns, to his highness
the Prince of Wales birth, etc.)Totals. |
159 |
30
March 1740 |
Medley |
|
[enclosed
with above] Accounts for the stores issued and expended for the month
of Feb.. (To signal for church, etc.) Totals |
160 |
30
March 1740 |
Medley |
|
[enclosed
with above] Accounts for the month of March. (To signal church, to
Capt. Phillips (omitted), to signal for alarm, to answer a salute C.
Waters. Etc.) |
161 |
30
March 1740 |
Medley |
|
[enclosed
with above] Accounts for the month of April. (To answer a salute to
Capt. Samms, Capt. Chappell, to answer Capt. Prance, to answer Capt.
Browning, Capt.Vernum, Capt. Yes [Yeo?], Capt. Shapton,etc.) |
162 |
30
March 1740 |
Medley |
|
[enclosed
with above] Accounts for the month of May. (To make the Content sloop
show colours, to the Mayflower, to answer a salute from Capt. Olive,
Capt. Baker, for the restoration of King Charles II (29May1739),etc.) |
163 |
30
March 1740 |
Medley |
|
[enclosed
with above] Accounts for the month of June. (Answer Capt. Pallard,
Capt. Thomas, for his majesty’s accession to the throne (11 June
1739), etc.) |
164 |
30
March 1740 |
Medley |
|
[enclosed
with above] Accounts for the month of July. (signal for church, to
answer Capt. Vernum, etc.) |
167 |
30
March 1740 |
Medley |
|
[enclosed
with above] "A reply to the several articles (Heads of inquiry)
of Governor’s instructions for Newfoundland for the year 1739."
Issues related to the fishery, the stages, the agriculture practices,
the cutting of trees, claims for rooms, fish flakes, public houses,
the servants drink into debt by their own choice, drunkenness, taking
bond for all men that are carried to New England, curing fish, no
French here capable of carrying on trade, the fault of fish buyers to
take green fish not properly culled a practice which proves armful to
the fishery. |
175-181 |
30
March 1740 |
Medley |
|
[enclosed
with above] "A general remain of ordnance storesunder the care
and charge of William Sanderson, storekeeper tot he office of His
Majesty Ordnance at Placentia." Alphabetically organised. Tools,
bedding, kitchen tools, laboratory stores (beeswax, brushes, calipers,
canvas, chest, fuzes, brushes, portfires, paper for cartridges and for
writing, rasps, twine, etc.) Capenter tools (very extensive list),
smith tools, mason tools, etc. |
184 |
10
June 1740 |
H.
Medley (Romney Spithead) |
Duke
of Newcastle |
Acknowledges
receipt of a letter relating to H.M. Royal Proclamation and an Act of
Parliament. |
186 |
26
July 1740 |
Coke |
|
Sent
the proclamation of war with Spain to all parts of the island. |
187v-189 |
|
|
|
"A
plan of Fort William, George’s Battery and Saint John’s Harbour,
Newfoundland." |
190-193 |
24
Dec. 1740 |
H.
Medley (Romney Spithead) |
Duke
of Newcastle |
State
and condition of Newfoundland and the State of fishery for 1740. |
194-196v |
|
Medley |
|
[enclosed
with above] Reply to the several Heads of inquiry. The practice of
hiring Irish catholic servants which keeps them in the island in the
Winter, after the fishing season is over many retire into the woods
and remain there the Winter sawing boards, no furring trade carried
out by inhabitants, no traffic with the "Indians", etc...) |
199v-200v |
|
|
|
Blank
and printed forms probably relating to tickets for clothes and bedding
. |
202-205 |
20
Sept. 1741 |
Thomas
Smith (St. John’s) |
|
Arrived
with the Romney and Spy. Read the proclamation making him Governor to
the inhabitants. Wants to fortify the fort in St. John’s because it
might be vulnerable to privateers. Asks that he may receive his wages
without difficulty. Smith will send the State of the fishery and the
answers to the Heads later. |
206 |
18
June 1742 |
Thomas
Smith (London) |
|
The
Nottingham was taken by the Spaniards. Note: Claims that a copy of the
state of the fishery and copies of letters are here provided, but in
fact they are not included here or in the next pages. |
208 |
9
Aug. 1742 |
Capt.
Byng (Placentia) |
Secretary
of State |
[enclosed
with above] "A return of Capt. Joseph Gledhill’s company in the
Honourable Major General Phillips Regiment of Foot." |
210 |
7
Jan. 1743 |
Thomas
Smith (Princess Mary Lisbon River) |
|
Sending
the "fishing scheme" and the answers to the queries (heads
of inquiry). Note: Not here . |
212 |
9
Aug. 1742 |
Capt.
Byng (Governor) |
|
"Fort
Frederick 9 Aug. 1742 A return of the detachment of the royal regiment
of artillery" |
213 |
22
Feb. 1743 |
Capt.
Byng (London) |
|
Sends
an account of the arms, ammunition, and stores sent from London to
Placentia. Could not obtain maps or draughts of Newfoundland, or of
any bays, harbours, islands, banks, rocks, fishing places, and coasts.
It was impossible to procure a particular of the trade of Newfoundland
without appointing a Naval officer to receive the imports and exports.
Many ships sail before and after his arrival and departure. He
appoints Mr. William Keen jr, Naval Officer. (And more on this.)
Appointment of justices of the peace, salmon fishery, the whole island
is a monopoly, particularly at St. John’s where 3 or 4 of the
principal trading men go on board of all ships coming in and
"engross" the whole cargos to themselves. Exorbitant rates
charged b these men. Byng tries to prevent this. Note: p.213-259 are
documents sent within the same package. |
216 |
22
Feb. 1743 |
Capt.
Byng |
|
[enclosed
with above] Account of ordnance stores issued and expended at
Placentia between the 1-31 of Aug. 1741. ( Salute the Spy) |
217 |
22
Feb. 1743 |
Capt.
Byng |
|
[enclosed
with above] Account of ordnance stores issued and expended at
Placentia 1-30 Sept. 1741. (To bring a ship to, etc.) |
218 |
22
Feb. 1743 |
Capt.
Byng |
|
[enclosed
with above] Account of ordnance stores issued and expended at
Placentia 1-31Oct. 1741. (To exercise for Capt. Gledhill’s Company.,
to His Majesty Coronation (11 Oct. 1741), to salute the Bowden. To His
Majesty’s birthday (30 Oct. 1741.) |
219 |
22
Feb. 1743 |
Capt.
Byng |
|
[enclosed
with above] Account of ordnance stores issued and expended at
Placentia 1-30 Nov. 1741. (To observe anniversary of Gunpowder Plot,
for Princess of Wales birthday (19 Nov. 1741), by order of the
commanding officers, to a signal for a ship at sea, etc.) |
220 |
22
Feb. 1743 |
Capt.
Byng |
|
[enclosed
with above] Account of ordnance stores issued and expended at
Placentia 1-31 Dec.. |
221 |
22
Feb. 1743 |
Capt.
Byng |
|
[enclosed
with above] Account of ordnance stores issued and expended at
Placentia 1-31 Jan. 1742. (To burying Smithers the gunner, to the
Prince of Wales birthday (20 Jan.1742) |
222 |
22
Feb. 1743 |
Capt.
Byng |
|
[enclosed
with above] Account of ordnance stores issued and expended at
Placentia 1-28 Feb. 1742. |
223 |
22
Feb. 1743 |
Capt.
Byng |
|
[enclosed
with above] Account of ordnance stores issued and expended at
Placentia 1-31March 1742. |
224 |
22
Feb. 1743 |
Capt.
Byng |
|
[enclosed
with above] Account of ordnance stores issued and expended at
Placentia 1-31April 1742. (Salute Capt. James, Capt. Brooks, Capt.
Vernam, Capt. Hogg.) |
225 |
22
Feb. 1743 |
Capt.
Byng |
|
[enclosed
with above] Account of ordnance stores issued and expended at
Placentia 1-31 May 1742. (Salute Capt. Froth, storeship, Capt. Gilly,
to King Charle’s Restoration (29 may 1742). |
226 |
22
Feb. 1743 |
Capt.
Byng |
|
[enclosed
with above] Account of ordnance stores issued and expended at
Placentia 1-30 June 1742. (Signal for church, to His majesty’s
accession to the Crown (11 June 1742). |
227 |
22
Feb. 1743 |
Capt.
Byng |
|
[enclosed
with above] Account of ordnance stores issued and expended at
Placentia 1-31 July 1742. (Signal for church, Capt. Bull, Capt.
Browning) |
230-235v |
22
Feb. 1743 |
Capt.
Byng |
|
[enclosed
with above] Inventory of ordnance stores "under the care and
charge of William Sanderson, ordnance storekeeper at Placentia."
Alphabetically organised. Tools, ammunition, bedding, muskets, etc. |
238-250 |
22
Feb. 1743 |
Capt.Byng |
|
[enclosed
with above] Answers to the heads of enquiry. (No murders or felonies
committed, "you are to permit a liberty of conscience to all
persons (except papists) so they can be contended with a quiet and
peaceable enjoyment of the same, not giving offence or scandal to the
government" p.238v, "...aliens or strangers, not residing in
the kingdom of Great Britain or Ireland, do resort to Newfoundland, or
to the islands adjacent ..., and take bait..." p.241v, rooms,
flakes p.244, shares of the voyage p.245, taverns and public houses
p.245v-246, passage fees p246, Henry Osborne governor p.248v,
Commander Lee p.249v, fish buyers and fish not properly cured p.250)
Note: The documents are first recorded from p.238 to p.248 where they
end abruptly at Article 64. However, the complete set of documents is
reproduced further in its entirety from p.238 to p.250. |
251v-256 |
22
Feb. 1743 |
Capt.
Byng |
Secretary
of state office. |
[enclosed
with above] State of the fishery and scheme of the ships and their
cargos exported from the harbour of St. John’s Newfoundland from the
23 April to 30 Oct. 1742. Note: A lot of information. |
257-257v |
|
Fishermen
belonging to St.John’s harbour and Petty harbour. |
John
Byng, Governor |
[enclosed
with above] Petition. Capt. Ballard broke the price of fish contrary
to ancient custom used in Newfoundland. Merchants charge exorbitant
rates for their goods, buying cargoes here at cheap rates and charging
"three fourths above the prime cost." Note; no dates are
provided but the date of the package of letters (22 Feb. 1743) sent by
Byng where he has included all papers relating to Newfoundland. |
259 |
23
Sept. 1745 |
James
Wibault (St. John’s) |
|
Encloses
an affidavit made by the captains of H.M. ships the Lark and Hector.
He hopes the garrison at St. John’s will be strengthened in ca se of
an attack. Note: affidavits are missing. |
261 |
25
Sept. 1743 |
Governor
Thomas Smith (Princess Mary in St. John’s) |
|
Capt.
Forrest of the Hawk Sloop delivered orders to place the island in a
state of defence. Has brought Mr. Wibault of Placentia to repair the
old fort at St. John’s. The Bridgewater was lost on the 18 Sept.
near Cape Pine. He will draw bills for the treasurer to pay for the
repairs and construction. |
263-266v |
16
Nov. 1743 |
Thomas
Smith (St. John’s) |
|
Fortification
of Fort William at St. John’s. Mr Masters and Ballard will provide
provisions for the men to spend the Winter to repair and rebuild parts
of the fort. John Benger, Justice of the peace will command the
militia at Ferryland. Capt. Gledhill is also carrying repairs at the
old fort at Placentia but for want of money had to stop. He is
instructed to draw a bill for 500 pounds. He asks that 800 soldiers be
appointed to the service of the island (which is the number of the
French at Cape "Briton".) Asks for 60 gunners. Fox Island in
Trinity Bay and Carbonear Island in Conception Bay should also be
provided for. Requests repeal of the act allowing Irish servants
(Roman Catholics) to be imported here because they outnumber English
inhabitants right now. |
267-267v |
10
Oct. 1743 |
William
Wigmore (Store keeper at Fort William at St. John’s) |
|
Receipt
for the ammunition and arms delivered by Rich Morgan, gunner of H.M.
Princess Mary. Round shot, muskets and bayonets, flint, match, powder,
wads, cartouch boxes with belts, etc... |
269-270 |
26
Sept. 1743 |
James
Wibault (St. John’s |
|
A
description of the works needed for the repairing of the fort and
other construction to be done. |
271-274 |
8
Nov. 1743 |
Thomas
Smith |
James
Wibault |
List
of instructions and orders directing Wibault as Chief Engineer to
repair the fort and the battery. Orders him to build flanks. Gives him
permission to cut all the wood needed. Gives instructions regarding
the soldiers and provisions. Military instructions. |
278 |
|
Thomas
Smith |
|
"An
Account of the Expense and Remains of £6200, Drawn for on The Right
Honourable lords of the treasury for putting that island in a posture
of defence." |
279-280 |
8
Oct. 1743 |
Thomas
Smith |
Mr.
John Benger (Justices of the Peace at Ferryland) |
Instructions
regarding the request for assistance to "make a security on Buoy
Island" for the protection of Renewse, Fermeuse, and several
neighbouring small fisheries. Erect batteries. Have receipts for the
expenses. Make muster rolls of 20 English Protestants, etc. |
280v |
8
Oct. 1743 |
J.
Benger |
Thomas
Smith |
Received
a set of bills of exchange from Thomas Smith for £500. |
281 |
15
Nov. 1743 |
Thomas
Smith |
Capt.
Gledhill |
Gledhill
is empowered to draw bills of exchange for 500 pounds provided that he
draws all vouchers for it. For the purpose of fixing the old fort, as
the new fort (at Placentia)will not be finished soon. |
283-289v |
8
Oct. 1743 [this is a guess] |
Thomas
Smith |
|
Answers
to the "heads of enquiry" for 1743. This document shows the
questions and the answers together. (67 Articles). |
291v-292 |
8
Oct. 1743 [this is a guess] |
Thomas
Smith |
|
The
State of the fishery for the year 1743. |
293-293v |
7
Oct. 1744 |
J.
Gledhill (Placentia) |
Lord |
The
fort’s weaknesses. He has enclosed a copy of Mr Fournier’s letter
(Assistant Engineer to Mr. Wibault, the Engineer who went round to St.
John’s last Fall). The garrison consists of 31 private men most of
them not fit for service. The servants are Irish Papists and "we
are daily afraid that the French will make a strong attempt." He
has learned that at Louisbourg there are 5 warships ready to sail with
an Indian force to take Placentia, which is the key to the whole
island. He also sends a petition form the traders. The Navy has been
neglecting this place. |
295-295v |
7
Oct. 1744 |
Adam
Gabriel Fournier (Placentia) |
|
[enclosed
with above] The engineer describes the condition of the old fort in
Placentia and offers suggestions for fixing it. |
298 |
2
Aug. 1744 |
Traders
and inhabitants of little and great Placentia and the boatkeepers in
adjacent harbours |
Gledhill |
[enclosed
with above] "To the governor and commander in chief of His
Majesties Island of Newfoundland." They are asking for better
protection and in a P.S. write: "The privateers cruising on the
Western Coast off Cape St. Mary’s we take to be at present the only
security to our fishery." Signed by approx. 40 names ( Roach,
Travers, Mercer, Rowland, Clark, Barnes, Green, Browning, Davis,
Williams, Pardey, etc.) |
299-299v |
17
Nov. 1744 |
Capt.
Lediere (Fort William at St. John’s) |
|
He
was placed in charge of the place to supervise the garrison. For want
of provisions and war against France declared. |
301 |
12
May 1745 |
Lediere
(Fort William) |
|
Report
on the taking of Cape Breton by 4,000 British troops. |
303 |
23
Sept. 1745 |
James
Wibault, Lt. Governor (St. John’s) |
|
He
is sending an affidavit sworn before him in regards to strengthening
the fort here. |
305-306v |
20
Sept. 1745 |
James
Wibault |
|
[enclosed
with above] The French are at "Lecroc" or
"Larouse" [Croque?]. Questions of strategy and how to go
about acquiring intelligence (whether to send the Lark and the Hector
and more ) are discussed in this document. What is the best way to
protect the trade. Signed by James Wibault, John Wickham, Frederick
Cornwall, William Keen. |
307 |
23
Sept. 1745 |
James
Wibault (Garrison at St. John’s) |
|
[enclosed
with above] State of the Garrison (only ranks and numbers are
provided). Number of officers, artillery, detachment, 60 private men,
one captain. Detachment of Col. Cochrane and Col. Duncomb’s regiment
of marines left by Thomas Smith in 1743. |
309 |
20
Sept. |
Mc
Mallin (St. John’s) |
|
Deposition
sworn in the presence of James Wibault, John Wickham, and Frederick
Cornwall and Keen. McMallin was a carpenter on-board the Allen pink ,
commanded by Nich. Cummings (London). It was taken by 6 French
warships (St. Michael) 50 leagues eastward of Newfoundland. With John
Ward and James Johnson, they made their escape and travelled to
"Carouse". |
310-310v |
6
Dec. 1745 |
Corbyn
Morris |
|
His
appointment as Secretary for Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Cape
Breton. Requests that it be put on a license for him. |
End
of Volume
|