Manuscript Group 11  

RESEARCH REPORT

Manuscript Group 11

Supplementary

I. The first 3 volumes of this series were consulted on transcript; over 20 items were collected. The series consisted of the minutes the Lords of T & P. dealing with the Atlantic fisheries.

II. References to Louisbourg and Cape Breton were most frequent when the following two topics were discussed.

• (a) The effects of allowing the French to settle and fortify Cape Breton on the fisheries. (Discussion preceding the Treaty of Utrecht, 1713)
• (b) The removal of the Acadians and the inhabitants of Placentia to Cape Breton.
• (e) The threat to Newfoundland from the proximity of Cape Breton.

III. Items covered the period 1712-1715

• MG 11 Supplementary 
    
• Supplementary 1, #6 (Military Papers)

1. pp. 11-13 1758, 2 March Pitt's appointment of Amherst as General and C. in C. of all forces to be employed in the siege of Louisbourg, listing the powers herein expressed.

2. p. 15 1758, 8 September. Pitt appoints Edward Whitmore as Governor of the island of Cape Breton and the town and fortresses of Louisbourg and outlines his powers.

• Supplementary 1, #7 (Capitulation of Louisbourg.)
  C.O. 412/5.

3. 1758, 26 July. The Articles of Capitulation between Admiral Boscawen, Maj. Gen. Amherst, and Mr. Drucourt.

4. 1758, 27 July. letter from Amherst written at Louisbourg to Wm. Pitt, giving an account of the past 4 days.

5. 1758, 28 July. Letter from Boscawen to Pitt from the Namur in Gabreuse Bay, giving the details of the recent siege.

6. 1758, 30 July. Letter from Jeffrey Amherst, at Louisbourg to Pitt telling what has been done since July 27, and enclosing the state of the Garrison of Louisbourg.

7. 1758, 13 September. Letter from Boscawen in Louisbourg Harbour to Wm. Pitt. He describes St. Johns' Island and its inhabitants, and tells of his plans for the disposition of the fleet.

• Supplement 1, #18 (Fisheries 1712-1852) Volume 1

8. pp. 3-7 Rec'd April 4, 1712. Memorial from Capt. Moody relations to the trade and fishery of Newfoundland. This consists of answers to questions of the Lords of Trade and Plantations; several concern French rights on Cape Breton.

9. pp. 8-15 1712, April 5. Solomon Merrett to the Lords of Trade and Plantations in reply to their queries concerning the fortifications to be maintained and the permitting of the French to dry fish on shore.

10. pp. 16-18 1712, April 5. The lords of Trade and Plantations to Sec'y of State St. John; concerning the same questions as the previous reference.

11. pp. 33-40 1713, Dec. 11. Memorial drawn up at Col. Nickelson's request to the Lords of Trade and Plantations, pointing out the need to fortify Newfoundland, as Cape Breton is being settled and fortified, this being described.

12. pp. 42-43 1713, Dec. 4. This document, News from Placentia, is also on file card for microfilm, CO 194 Vol. 5  ff. 76; B208. 

• Supplementary 1, # 18, Volume 2

13. pp. 87-92 1714, August 14. In this letter the Lords of Trade and Plantations discuss the situation of Newfoundland in relation to the French. 

14. pp. 100-113 1715. A representation from Newfoundland to the Lards of Trade & Plantations concerning the state of the trade and fisheries of Newfoundland. 

15. pp. 128-137 1715. Solomon Merrett's representation of the state of Newfoundland, referring to the necessity of fortifying Newfoundland because of the French efforts to fortify Cape Breton

16. pp. 158-152 1715. Memorial by James Campbell on the state of Newfoundland (fishery and other matters) as requested by the lords of Trade anal Plantations.

17. pp. 233-262 1715. A continuation of Mr. Campbell's memorial concerning Newfoundland, presented Feb. 1, in which he mentions the need for fortifications in Newfoundland because of the French on Cape Breton.

18. pp. 297-500 1714, Sept. 9. Moody writes from Newfoundland of the evacuation of Placentia by 2 French Men of War who are taking the stores and cannon, as well as French forces to Cape Breton. 

• Supplementary 1, #18, Volume 3

19. pp. 1-7 1712, April 4. This is a discussion of the advisability of allowing the French to settle and fortify Cape Breton from the Minutes of the Lords of Trade and Plantations. 

20. p. 8 1712, April 5. At the meeting of the Lords of Trade & Plantations the memorial of Sol Merret (vol. 1) was read. 

21. pp. 41-42 1714, Jan. 19. At a meeting of the Lords of Trade & Plantations a letter from Arch. Cummings relating to the settlements and fortifications intended by the French at Cape Breton was read.

22. p. 77 1714, June 17. At a meeting of the Lords of Trade & Plantations Col. Vetch gave information about the fortifications and fishing at Cape Breton. 

23. pp. 96-99 1714, Nov. 23. At a meeting of the Lords of Trade & Plantation Col. Vetch, Cummings and Smith gave information on the methods used by the French to settle Cape Breton with people from N.S. and Placentia.

24. pp. 139-140 1715, Feb. 10. At a meeting of the Lords of Trade & Plantations Col. Nicholson presented the board with parcels of papers relating to the French inhabitants in N.S. 

25. pp. 150-154 1715, Feb. 28. At a meeting of the Lords of Trade & Plantations there was a memorial from Arch. Cummings relating to the Newfoundland fisheries and the consequences of the French having Cape Breton. 

26. pp. 159-165 17l5, March 8. At a meeting of the Lords of Trade & Plantations Capt. wade mentioned that it was necessary to have Fortifications to keep the French in check at Cape Breton. 

27. pp. 171-179 1715, March 10. At a meeting of the Lords of Trade & Plantations there was much discussion as to whether it was better for the English to have the French in Cape Breton or Nova Scotia. 

28. pp. 184-185 1715, March 22. At a meeting of the Lords of Trade & Plantations Capt. Fairley described why Cape Breton was preferable to Placentia. 

29. p. 187 1715, March 24. At a meeting of the Lords of Trade & Plantations a Memorial from Mr. Sherrif relating to the French inhabitants of Nova Scotia removing to Cape Breton was read.

• Supplementary 2, #12 Commissions to Governors)

30. pp. 131-152 1763, 21 November. Commissions to Montagu Wilmot, Governor of Nova Scotia, from the Board of Trade. The Boundaries of his territory are described in detail.

31. pp. 155-176 1760, 11 August. Commission to Lord Wm. Campbell, relative to his duties as Governor of Nova Scotia, discussing the limits of his territory.

• Supplementary 2, #13 (Instructions to Governors) Part 1

32. 1719, 19 June. Instructions for Rickard Philips, Governor of Placentia and Nova Scotia; he is to report on the strength and activities of the French.

33. 1729, 1 July. Board of Trade #l Instructions for Richard Philipps, similar to the above reference. 

• Supplementary 2, #13 (Part 2) Instructions to Governors

34. 1749, 29 April Colonial Office. Instructions to Edw. Cornwallis, Governor of N.S.; he is to keep watch upon the French at Cape Breton and Canada, and the regiments now at Louisbourg are to repair to N.S.

35. 1752, 25 April, Colonial Office Instructions to Peregrine Thomas Hopson, Governor of N.S. This is the same order to keep watch upon the proceedings of the French as in the previous reference.

36. 1756, 2 March, Colonial Office. Instructions for Charles Lawrence, Governor of N.S., the same as the above two references.

• Supplementary 2, #13 (Part 3) Instructions to Governors

37. 1764, 16 March, Colonial Office. Instructions to Montagu Wilmot, Governor of Nova Scotia, include one clause that he is not to grant land in Cape Breton or Island of St. John without permission.

38. 1766, 50 August, Colonial Office. Instructions to William Campbell, Governor of Nova Scotia, contains the same instruction as the previous reference.

• The following group of references are marked Manuscript
  Group 11, Supplementary 1, Miscellaneous with no
  further enumeration, so have been placed at the end.
• [Note: These transcripts (Items 39-44) are now catalogued as MG 40 C4, Miscellaneous & Composite Collection, Board of Trade Letters, 1727-1754, and are on Microfilm C-10868]

39. 1741, 22nd April. Mr. Clarke to the Duke of Newcastle. Dated at New York. Clarke discusses the strength of Louisbourg, the number of forces, and methods that could be used to take Cape Breton and weaken France.

40. 1743, 19th June. Dated New York. Report on the State of the British Provinces with respect to the French who surround them. This discusses the necessity of taking Cape Breton before Canada.

41. 1745, March 27th. Governor Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle. Clinton writes of the weakness of Louisbourg, and urges its reduction, with the problem of persuading his province to raise its quota.

42. 1745, 25th July. Governor Clinton to the Board of Trade. He mentions that the new Assembly has voted £5000 towards the Cape Breton Expedition.

43. 1745, 25th July. Governor Clinton to the Duke of Newcastle. This is the same as the previous reference.

44. 1747, 15th August. Dated Boston. Shirley to Gov. Clinton. Shirley writes that the expedition against Canada is laid aside and that he and Mr. Knowles are to see to disbanding the forces and do everything for the protection of Nova Scotia and Louisbourg.