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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

Descriptive Louisbourg-Related Finding Aids and Inventories 
Not Available at the Fortress of Louisbourg

By Eric Krause 
(Krause House Info-Research Solutions)

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 194/35 [B-676]

Page

Date

From whom (where)

To whom (where)

Contents or nature of the document

1-1v 13 March, 1780 Gov. Edwards George Germain writing from England; discussion of the defense of Nfld.
3-3v 10 Dec., 1779 Robert Pringle Gov. Edwards [enclosed with above] extracts from a letter from Robert Pringle regarding the volunteer corps of Nfld.
5-5v 6 Jan., 1780 Robert Pringle Gov. Edwards [enclosed with above] extracts from another letter from Robert Pringle regarding the volunteer corps of Nfld.
7-7v 28 March, 1780 George Germain Gov. Edwards Information received which suggests an invasion of Nfld by the enemy. Preparations to be made.
9-10v 1 April, 1780 George Germain Gov. Edwards Preparations made the prior year for protection of the island on the part of Edwards and Pringle very much approved of by the king (see 9 Dec., 1779 and enclosures from CO 194/34).
11-11v 28 April, 1780 Gov. Edwards George Germain request for some form of payment for Nfld troops to be sent back with Edwards.
13 1 April, 1779 P. Stevens Gov. Edwards [enclosed with above] previous mention of payments to be sent for Nfld troops.
15 5 June, 1779 Gov. Edwards Gray [enclosed with above] confirmation of the above letter (1 April, 1779).
17 9 June, 1779 Gray Gov. Edwards [enclosed with above] regrets that he cannot send the above mentioned payment to Nfld.
19 3 April, 1780 Gov. Edwards   [enclosed with above] extracts from a letter sent by Edwards to commanding officer of troops at St. John’s regarding troop payment.
21 7 May, 1780 Gov. Edwards George Germain request for a 1 year supply of fuel to be sent from England to the Barrack Master of St. John’s.
23   John Lees Gov. Edwards [enclosed with above] complete outline of the estimate for the requested 1 year supply of fuel.
24-24v 12 May, 1780   Gov. Edwards more on the fuel supply.
26-26v 12 May, 1780   Lords of Trade notice that some recent Instruction issued by Gov. Edwards ignore a recent Acts of Parliament (C. 6 and C. 10).
28-29 19 May, 1780   Gov. Edwards Edwards recent Instructions are going to be examined by a board to see if they need to be revised to include information pertaining to the Acts.
30   George Germain Gov. Edwards List of ships of the line and frigates presumably operating near Newfoundland.
32-33 6 April, 1780 Henry E. Stan Hope George Germain mild winter has allowed for the preparations of the defense of the island in case of invasion. News of success against the Spanish fleet has been received.
34 17 May, 1780 Gov. Edwards George Germain notifies Germain that he will be returning to Nfld on the 21st and enquires about whether or not arrangements have been made to send payment to troop in garrison at St. John’s.
36-37v 1 Aug., 1780 Gov. Edwards George Germain has arrived in Nfld on 12 July aboard the HMS Portland. Notes the arrival of more men and ships for the defense of the island. Mentions the placement of artillery to prevent an enemy landing.
39 1 Aug., 1780 Gov. Edwards   [enclosed with above] "General Return of His Majesty’s Troops on the Island of Newfoundland."
40-40v 1 Aug., 1780 Robert Pringle Gov. Edwards [enclosed with above] report of the state of fortifications at St. John’s.
42-46 1 Aug., 1780 Gov. Edwards   [enclosed with above] Proceedings of a Council of War at Fort William
47-47v 10 July, 1780 Edward White   [enclosed with above] discussion of the victualing of the Garrison at St. John’s.
49-50v 21 July, 1780 Robert Pringle Gov. Edwards [enclosed with above] states that there is no money to pay for requested improvements in victualing to the garrison unless he (Pringle) pays out of his own pocket. Gives a list of the expenses.
51-59   Robert Pringle   [enclosed with above] "General Plan of Quiddy Viddy Harbour" and the environs of St. John’s in case of and attack/invasion. Maps included.
60-61 16 Sept., 1780 Gov. Edwards George Germain important documents have arrived under the care of Captain Keppel which are to be sent to England.
62   Gov. Edwards George Germain [enclosed with above] A list of prizes taken by Edwards’ squadron.
64-67v 12 Sept., 1780 Gov. Edwards George Germain more discussion of the defenses, believes the current quality of the garrison is good but not quite large enough, which he discusses at length (strengths and weaknesses). Suggests the benefit of an Independent Corps on the island.
69-69v 12 Sept., 1780 Gov. Edwards   "Proposal for raising a Corps of Infantry" to supplement the garrison of St. John’s.
71-74 15 Nov., 1780 Gov. Edwards George Germain Goes over some of the Nfld defenses; new regiment expected to be raised by the end of Nov.. Request for wages/furnishing of the new regiment. Also, mentions some concerns on behalf of the soldiers concerning bedding, firewood, and candles. Mention of the recent conviction of Michael Darrigan.
75 28 Oct., 1780 Gov. Edwards   [enclosed with above] General Return of His Majesty’s Troops at Nfld, 28 Oct., 1780.
76-77v 22 Oct., 1780 Gov. Edwards Robert Pringle [enclosed with above] believes that the enemy will attack Nfld in the Spring, order to raise more men. Instructions about the defense of the island for when he (Edwards) goes to England.
78-80v 22 Oct., 1780 Gov. Edwards Robert Pringle [enclosed with above] detailed instructions in case of an enemy invasion in the absence of Edwards.
82-83 20 Sept., 1780 Gov. Edwards Robert Pringle [enclosed with above] requests that 300 men be raised in light of new intelligence regarding enemy intentions toward Nfld. Instructions given regarding the establishment of the new regiment.
84   many signatures Gov. Edwards [enclosed with above] praise for the governor’s efforts in protecting Nfld in case of an enemy invasion.
86-86v 16 Jan., 1781 Gov. Edwards George Germain letter accompanying a "Return of the Newfoundland Regiment," notice that further victualing for the garrison will be needed after 1 July.
88 15 Nov., 1780 Gov. Edwards   [enclosed with above] "Return of the Newfoundland Regiment," dated 15 Nov., 1780.
90 20 Jan., 1781 Gov. Edwards George Germain letter accompanying an account of Camp Equipage
92   Gov. Edwards   [enclosed with above] an account of Camp Equipage
94   Gov. Edwards   [enclosed with above] an account of clothing necessary to be sent to St. John’s for the Nfld regiment for 1781.
96 3 March, 1781 Gov. Edwards George Germain notes that the fishery needs to be protected again this year, has sent out a ship and wishes to bring it to the attention of the Crown.
98 3 March, 1781 Gov. Edwards George Germain requests a supply of bedding to be sent to St. John’s and Placentia.
100-104v 16 March, 1781 George Germain Gov. Edwards comments that measures for the defense of Nfld (in light of knowledge that the enemy would attack in the Spring) were necessary; has requested the treasury pay the bills. However, requests the reduction of the new regiment.
106 17 March, 1781 Gov. Edwards George Germain request for 6 British flags for use in the new batteries.
108-108v 26 March, 1781 Gov. Edwards George Germain requests that monetary bills be drawn in his (Edwards’) name in Newfoundland after reports of some disputed bills.
110-112v 2 April, 1781 George Germain Gov. Edwards notes that prize salt, captured from the Americans, can be purchased cheaply from New York by the fishery. Illustrates some rules of trade to be observed during the current war. Must travel by convoy to trade with New York. Mention of coal shipments from Cape Breton allowed.
113 15 May, 1781 Gov. Edwards George Germain reminds Germain that payment is needed by troops stationed in Newfoundland.
115-115v 23 May, 1781 Gov. Edwards George Germain recent shipment of clothing for the Newfoundland regiment were spoiled, requests a new shipment. Money for the troops has not yet arrived.
117 26 May, 1781 Gov. Edwards George Germain again, notes the need for payment of troops in Newfoundland.
119-119v 28 May, 1781 Gov. Edwards George Germain mentions that Germain has, on the previous day, explained why troops have yet to be paid. Also notes that arrangements for furniture for the Governor’s House in St. John’s have not been made, wants to be able to make such arrangements himself.
121 28 Sept., 1781 Gov. Edwards George Germain Recent court martial regarding a piracy and desertion case.
123-124v 28 Sept., 1781 Gov. Edwards George Germain Out of 73 vessels in a convoy, 68 made it to their destination; 5 brigs taken by privateers; mentions "The amazing Number of Privateers that were upon the Coast" when he arrived. Governor’s House has been furnished. A detachment has been sent to Halifax.
125   Gov. Edwards George Germain [enclosed with above] "General Return of His Majesty’s Troops in the Island of Newfoundland"
126   Gov. Edwards George Germain [enclosed with above] "A List of Prizes taken by His Majesty’s Squadron under the Command of Rear Admiral Edwards at Newfoundland"
128-129 27 Nov., 1781 Gov. Edwards George Germain Problem of victualing the Nfld garrison temporarily solved when a victual ship was forced to winter on the island. Pringle has returned to England with him to address the concern of clothing provided for the troops.
130-130v   Gov. Edwards George Germain [enclosed with above] "General Scheme of the Fishery" for 1781from 1 Nov..
131   Gov. Edwards George Germain [enclosed with above] "A List of Prizes" taken by the Nfld squadron.
133-134 6 Dec., 1781 Gov. Edwards George Germain expresses his satisfaction with the Newfoundland regiment under Col. Pringle; says they’re as good as regular troops. States that the people of Newfoundland are quite loyal to the king.
135-138   10 officers Gov. Edwards [enclosed with above] a memorial presented by the officers to the Governor. They discuss the Newfoundland regiment. Request to "put the Corps on a more favorable footing.
139 7 Dec., 1781 Gov. Edwards George Germain letter attached to a memorial from the merchants and traders from Placentia.
141-141v   7 signatures Gov. Edwards [enclosed with above] express their fear of an enemy attack, suggest that Castle Graves be repaired as a defense measure.
143-143v 22 Jan., 1782 Gov. Edwards George Germain recently encountered a schooner from Boston heading to St. John’s to pick up American prisoners, but they had already been sent away on another ship.
145 26 Sept., 1782 Gov. Campbell Earl of Shelburne letter attached to some enclosures stating what they are.
147-147v 10 Sept., 1782 Robert Pringle   [enclosed with above] Report of fortification in St. John’s harbour
149-149v 23 Nov., 1782 Gov. Campbell Earl of Shelburne has complied with troop movements directed under Gov. Edwards; notes that nothing of great importance has happened lately.
151v-152   Gov. Campbell Earl of Shelburne [enclosed with above] general scheme of the fishery for 1782
153   Gov. Campbell Earl of Shelburne [enclosed with above] general return of the troops at Newfoundland.
155-155v   Gov. Campbell Earl of Shelburne [enclosed with above] report of the fortifications at St. John’s harbour.
159 30 Aug., 1782 Capt. Jesse Wright Gov. Campbell letter attached to an enclosed document outlining the content.
161-161v 28 Aug., 1782 William Bentham Capt. Wright [enclosed with above] wishes to bring to the attention of the government the hardships pertaining to officer duty at his station.
163 4 Oct., 1782 Edward Wilkinson Gov. Campbell letter accompanying an enclosed document; brief discussion of the garrison. Some of the guns are deteriorating.
165-166v 16 Oct., 1782 Robert Pringle Gov. Campbell report on defenses on the south side.
167-168 24 Oct., 1782 Benjamin Bloomfield, William Bentham, Thomas Judgeson, Jesse Wright Gov. Campbell letter from artillery officers; mention of an earlier request for a redress on the south side. Notes the difficulty of working at the post. Not enough people stationed there.
169-169v 17 Dec., 1782 Gov. Campbell Thomas Townshend note of receipt of Cap. Lt. Wilkinson’s resignation of the Command of the Troops on Oct. 22 because of a dispute with members of the Civil Department. Request for His Majesty’s assistance in the matter.
171-171v; 173; 175 15; 21-22 Oct., 1782 Cap. Lt. Wilkinson Gov. Campbell [enclosed with above] Wilkinson’s letter mentioned above.
177-178 Oct., 1782 Cap. Lt. Wilkinson Gov. Campbell [enclosed with above] court proceedings regarding Matthew Edwards’ desertion from his post without leave.
179 18 Oct., 1782 Robert Ballard, A. Willson Gov. Campbell [enclosed with above] notice that a mason is already on the way to make requested repairs to a chimney.
181-181v 18 Oct., 1782 Robert Ballard, A. Willson Robert Pringle [enclosed with above] More information regarding the dispute between Wilkinson and the Civil Department.
183-183v 16 Oct., 1782 Capt. Blackburn, Thomas Whaland, "The Respective Officers of His Majestys Ordnance, Placentia" [enclosed with above] More information regarding the misconduct of Wilkinson.
185-185v 20 Oct., 1782 Robert Ballard Gov. Campbell [enclosed with above] More information regarding the dispute between Wilkinson and the Civil Department.
187-187v 16, 18-19 Oct., 1782     [enclosed with above] orders for the garrison for those three days.
188-188v 30 Oct., 1782 Gov. Campbell Lt. Wilkinson [enclosed with above] Campbell requests that Wilkinson cooperate with the Board. Notes the receipt of Wilkinson’s resignation as Commander of the Troops at Placentia.
190-190v 28 Jan., 1783 Gov. Campbell Thomas Townshend notice of enclosure of more documents pertaining to the case against Wilkinson.
192-192v 14 Dec., 1782 Robert Pringle Gov. Campbell [enclosed with above] more information regarding the case against Wilkinson.
194-206v 30 Sept. - 21 Nov., 1782     [enclosed with above] "Copys of Minutes and Orders at Placentia Newfoundland Commencing 30th Sept. 1782 and ending 23 Nov. for more fully Explaining the Reasons for the Storekeepers Confinement for Lt. Col. Pringle"
208 31 May, 1783 Gov. Campbell Lord North notes that his previous letters to Townshend have not been responded to, requests a response in time for his departure from England.
210-210v 6 Aug., 1783 Gov. Campbell Lord North artillery regiment stationed on Newfoundland is to be relieved and stationed at Gibralter, and the infantry under Robert Pringle are to be disbanded upon the arrival of infantry appointed to relieve them.
212-213 13 Oct., 1783 Gov. Campbell Lord North Discussion of some issues regarding the closing of the war and with troop disbandment in Newfoundland.
214-214v 7 June, 1783 R. Fitzpatrick Gov. Campbell [enclosed with above] letter from the War Office regarding troop disbandment.
216 10 June, 1783 Capt. Donell Gov. Campbell [enclosed with above] attachment to an enclosed letter from the Secretary of War.
218-218v     Gov. Campbell [enclosed with above] petition on behalf of a regiment stationed at Newfoundland regarding their period of service extending past the agreed upon period.
220-220v 16 Nov., 1783 Gov. Campbell Lord North notice of the enclosure of various military documents and his arrival in England.
222   Gov. Campbell Lord North [enclosed with above] General Return of troops in Newfoundland.
224 27-28 Oct., 1783     [enclosed with above] Report on fortifications at St. John’s Harbour
226-227v 28 July, 1783 Ganne Du Menilambert (Commander at St. Pierre) Gov. Campbell [In French; enclosed with above] Correspondence concerning the process of handing the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon back to French control. Requests to be allowed to cut wood in Newfoundland, offers to pay for it. It was allowed in the past by Gov. Montagu. He offers to cut the wood and to prepare it but not to transport it until Mr. Lebaron De L’Esperance’s arrival.
228-229v 2 Aug., 1783 Baron De L’Esperance Gov. Campbell [In French; enclosed with above] Correspondence concerning the process of handing the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon back to French control. Wishes for the best relations between the nations. Asks for permission to cut wood in Newfoundland for the inhabitants who have found their houses completely destroyed. Because the season is too advanced, we cannot get wood elsewhere. The Court of England seemed to be in favour of this. Dumenilambert will bring you this letter.
230-231 21 Aug., 1783 Baron De L’Esperance Gov. Campbell [In French; enclosed with above] Correspondence concerning the process of handing the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon back to French control, and concerning the distressed condition of the inhabitants and the fishery there.
232-233 29 Sept., 1783 Baron De L’Esperance Gov. Campbell [In French; enclosed with above]   Correspondence concerning the process of handing the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon back to French control, and concerning the distressed condition of the inhabitants and the fishery there.
234-235 17 Sept., 1783 Gov. Campbell Baron De L’Esperance [enclosed with above] notice of receipt of L’Esperance’s letters and expresses concern for the situation in St. Pierre and Miquelon.
236-237 22 Sept., 1783     [enclosed with above] explanation of violation of British laws regarding cutting wood on Nfld coast by the St. Camille, may concern illegal trade at Fichot.
238-238v Dec., 1783 Gov. Campbell Lord North notice of North’s receipt of Campbell’s correspondence from Nov. 16.
239 10 May, 1784 Gov. Campbell   notice of receipt of instructions
241 28 May, 1784 Lord Sydney Gov. Campbell notice of enclosed letter regarding the shipping of coal from Cape Breton to troops.
243-243v 28 May, 1784 Lord Sydney Gov. Campbell notice of enclosure of a letter regarding Labrador natives.
245-248 26 May, 1784 Benjamin La Trobe and James Hutton   [enclosed with above] discussion of settlements established by the Society for the Furtherance of the Gospel and their encounter with Labrador natives.
249-249v 29 May, 1784 Gov. Campbell Lord Sydney notice of receipt of the letters from the 28th.
251 13 Sept., 1784 Gov. Campbell Lord Sydney notice of receipt of letter from 22 June regarding the state of trade between the colonies and the United States of America.
253 13 Nov., 1784 Gov. Campbell Lord Sydney notice of the enclosure of some documents.
255 20 Oct., 1784     [enclosed with above] document regarding the state of an artillery regiment in Newfoundland.
257 20 Oct., 1784     [enclosed with above] a Return of labourers working "His Majesty’s Works at St. John’s Newfoundland"
259-259v 20 Oct., 1784     [enclosed with above] "Report of the Fortifications at St. John’s Newfoundland"
261-261v 18 Oct., 1784     [enclosed with above] "State of the Fortifications of His Majesty’s Garrison at Placentia, Newfoundland"
263-272 31 Aug., 1784     [enclosed with above] "Remain of Ordnance & Ordnance Stores at St. John’s Newfoundland"
274-275 17 Dec., 1784 Lt. Gov. Gillford Lord Sydney discusses St. John’s lack of supplies and high unemployment.
276-277 16 Dec., 1784 Many Signatures Lt. Gov. Gillford [enclosed with above] petition regarding the above mentioned situation in St. John’s.
278-278v 29 Dec., 1784 Gov. Campbell Lord Sydney mentions the enclosure of documents relative to the legality of importing United States produce, and a Return of all things imported from the United States.
280-281 29 March, 1784 Arch. Buchanan   [enclosed with above] document regarding the legality of importing things from the United States and discussion of the state of the US.
282   Mr. Grahams   [enclosed with above] brief mention that "American Rum cannot be imported into Newfoundland"
284       [enclosed with above] "A Return of American Produce Imported into Newfoundland in British Bottoms in 1784"
286-287v 10 Sept., 1784 Gov. Campbell   Proclamation regarding Newfoundland as laid down in the Treaty of Utrecht.

Miscellaneous Papers

290 10 Dec., 1779 David Hay   Notice of enclosure of a Return of troops stationed in Newfoundland.
292       Presumably the above mentioned enclosure; very difficult to read.
294 6 April, 1780   Gov. Edwards notice of the arrival of Lord Townshend
296-296v 19 May, 1780 five signatures George Germain response to a letter from Germain. Deals with the conduct of Gov. Edwards.
298-299 20 Oct., 1780 Robert Pringle George Germain notice of enclosure of a pay list for those involved in constructing defenses for Newfoundland. Discussion of those defenses.
300-301 20 Oct., 1780     [enclosed with above] the pay list mentioned above
301v 27 Oct., 1780 Edward Langman   Oath sworn before Justice of the Peace that a preceding document was true.
302-305 10 March, 1782     Memorial of Lt. Col. Pringle.
306-306v       notice of some enclosures
308 25 April, 1782     "Invoice of Clothing"
310-310v 2 June, 1782 Robert Pringle Earl Shelburne various correspondence
312-312v 24 Nov., 1782 Robert Pringle Townshend very brief discussion of possible attack on Newfoundland, otherwise says the situation on the island is fine.
314 16 Dec., 1782     Comparison between cost of coal vs. cost of wood for fuel at the St. John’s garrison.
315-316v       A variety of instructions regarding conduct in Newfoundland on a variety of issues from trade to the treatment of natives.
317-317v 17 April, 1784     instructions to the Governor of Nova Scotia regarding the provision of coal from Cape Breton for use by troops stationed in Newfoundland.
320-321 25 March, 1784     "Minute of Information given by Col. Pringle." regarding Nfld contact with American vessels. Also questions addressed about various aspects of the island.
322-322v 25 March, 1784     a memorandum discussing trade with the West Indies, particular attention paid to fish and lumber trade. Mentions that Nfld doesn’t need to trade with America.
324-324v 2 April, 1784 Arthur M___worth

(Holdsworth?)

Lord Sydney various correspondence
326-330 5 April, 1784 Arch. Buchanan Keith Stewart discussion of a possible petition to be presented on behalf of merchants requesting the forbidding of American produce to be imported to Newfoundland. Also talks about the vessels used in the Newfoundland trade.
331-331v 16 April, 1784 various merchants Lord Sydney "The Memorial of the Merchants and Adventurers of the Port of Dartmouth Traders to the Island of Newfoundland;" the above mentioned petition requesting that produce imports from America be banned.
332-335       "Remarks on the Memorial from the Port of Poole to Abolish the Custom House and Officers of the Customs at Newfoundland, by a person well acquainted with the Trade and Fishery of that Island"
336-337   George Cartwright   "The Case of George Cartwright;" discusses his career as a captain and in the army. Requests government assistance for the misfortunes suffered throughout his life.
338-342 1784 George Cartwright   "The Case of the Wild or Red Indians of Newfoundland;" Cartwright describes his encounter with Newfoundland natives.
343-344 3 Dec., 1784 Arthur M____worth

(Holdsworth?)

Lord Sydney difficult to read, but seems to discuss trade with America.
345 20 July, 1783 Duke of Manchester Count de Vergennes [translation of the original french document] discusses people from St. Pierre and Miquelon cutting wood on Newfoundland.
347-348 16 Sept., 1784 Baron De L’Esperance   [translation of the original French document] more on people from St. Pierre and Miquelon cutting wood on Newfoundland.

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