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Researching the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada
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An Event Chronology Based on Louisbourg Accounts Not Available in the Archives of the Fortress of Louisbourg, By Eric Krause, Krause House Info-Research Solutions, 2004 - Present

1750

[February 13, 1750]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred Inwards.... 

------ Louisburgh, Hugh Wright, from Tenerife. ...

Extract of a letter from a gentleman at Hallifax, 
in Nova Scotia, to his friend in Boston, dated April 12, 1750.

"In my last, you had an account of the expedition intended against the French and Indians at Chegnecto: Since which; on Thursday last, Major Lawrence, with a party of a hundred and fifty gentlemen voluntiers and soldiers, were transported to Sackvilla fort, at the head of the Bason; from whence they cross'd the country to Minas, and are to be joined by Capt. Rous, in the Albany, attended with several armed vessels: The Major will command about four hundred men on this occasion, exclusive of those in the sloops, who are to act on board, or ashore, as the service may require: The forces are (it is said) to be landed on North side of Minas bay, and are to proceed by land to Chegnecto: The principal officers with him are Capt. St. Loe, Capt. Bartelo, who commands all the Rangers, Capt. Scott, Capt. Clapham, Lieutenants Gorham, Pateshall, Winslow, Watmaugh, Arbuthnot, Mr. Mitchell, and some other officers of Col. Warburton's, and gentlemen on the half pay list, whose named I do not recollect. The French inhabitants, except a small number, seem determined to leave the Province, rather than to take the Oaths to his majesty; and it is come nearly to a crisis that must determine the point with them: It is probable that the French Missionaries, as well as the principal officers at Canada, and cape breton, have encouraged a defection of this kind, as they find the British ministry resolved to protect and secure so valuable a country; altho' the Bigotry of these Nova Scotians alone, is almost a sufficient motive to carry them from a place where their religion has not the chief countenance and protection of the civil government. If they actually leave us, their improvements are so considerable as to make a number of fine settlements for those who succeed them: But how they are (in that case) to be disposed of, it is not very easy to determine; but as his excellency Governor Cornwallis, has always discovered a capacity of turning every occurrence to good account, his superior genius will undoubtedly improve this for the publick advantage, and to the satisfaction of those who observe the happy effects of his prudent administration. Every thing goes on with great dispatch; and whilst the closest application is made in civil concerns, religion is not unthought of; we shall soon have a large church erected on the Parade, and for the encouragement of Protestant Dissenters, a handsome lot is laid out for a meeting house, and another for a minister, in a very pleasant situation; and next to these, if not more nearly related, a commodious hospital is built for the reception of the sick and diseased, and a house for the education of orphans, and deserted young Children. The cod fish are not so plenty this Spring on the Banks, as usual, which is imputed to the large quantities of ice that have been driven on them from the Gulph of St. Lawrence. We have no advice yet of Capt. Rous's arrival at Minas; he has been out 11 days, during part of which time, it has been pretty close foggy weather at sea."

Boston, April 30.

One day last week a little dapper smart Frenchman, named Peter Bellec, who calls himself a doctor, was discovered to have committed several thefts of late, in this town, and was sent to goal for the same. He owns himself guilty of some of the facts charged upon him, and says, he has a partner, named Julian Giraudet, who is lately gone to Sea. Bellex came from Louisburgh to Hallifax, and from thence to this town, a few months ago. He pretends to be a Protestant, and that he came here for the sake of religion; but we know of no article in our Creeds, of Confessions of Faith, that teaches us to break open warehouses, and enrich ourselves with the spoil of our neighbours. ...

[March 6, 1750]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred ...

Cleared.... Brigt. Louisburgh, Hugh Wright, to St. Kitts. ...

July 5, 1750

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entered Inwards.

... Brigt. Louisburgh, Hugh Wright, from St. Kitts. ...

[July 12, 1750]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entered ...

Cleared.... Brigt. Louisburgh, Hugh Wright, to Lisbon. ....

New York, July 30.

... It is very certain, that the French look on the settlement of Chebucta, as a greater eye sore to them, than if we had kept possession Cape Breton: The situation and conveniency of the harbour, rendering it naturally capable of being of more importance than Louisbourg. Nay, the pannick is so universal on that occasion, that they all seem of opinion, it will be impossible to secure their possessions in North America, unless they can make themselves masters of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. And, indeed, the great pains they are constantly at, in bringing over, and preserving in their interest the Indian nations, may give them too good grounds (and the only ones) of hoping to accomplish those acquisitions; especially whilst the like, or any endeavours, are so---neglected by us! An engineer with about 400 men were sent from Quebeck to Accadia, the week before the prisoners departure, in order to build a fortification there. Since the first landing of governor Cornwallis, at Chebucta [Halifax], about 30 men have deserted from his to Canada; but the wretched exchange they find they have made, makes their repentance too visible, to be suspected of insincerity ...

Boston, August 6.

... By Capt. Hill in nine Days from Halifax we are informed, that as he came out of the Harbour, he met a Ship going in, full of Soldiers, who informed him, that they came from Ireland in company with five other Ships bound to Halifax, and that they had on board the six Ships Col. Lascelle's Regiment.

We hear the French at Louisbourg have seized three of our northern vessels that were trading there, and that the Men are returned to Newport. We suppose the Monsieurs are well supplied with Provisions, &c. and 'tis hoped our Friends at Halifax may fare the better for this Jobb.

Boston, August 13.

By a vessel from Halifax to Marblehead we are informed, that all the Transports from Ireland, with Lascelles's Regiment on board, were arrived; and that Governor Cornwallis had taken up a Number of small Vessels to transport the Troops and Stores directly to Minas and Chignecto, where they were to be posted. Also, that a Schooner was arrived from London, which informed, that Capt. Foster sailed four Days before her for Halifax, and that several Ships with Settlers, Stores and Money on board, might be daily expected.

By a Vessel from the Eastward, we have Advice of the Arrival at Penobscot of the French Brigantine with Settlers, lately mention'd in this Paper, and that she parted with five other Vessels to the Eastward of Newfoundland, all bound to Penobscot, with Officers and Soldiers, and Utensils for building of Fortifications. And from Portsmouth in New Hampshire we are informed, that a Gentleman is lately arrived there from Louisbourg, who gives the following Account, viz. That 3 Men of War, 2 of them of 60, and the other of 36 Guns, with 20 Transports, besides a Ship with 300 Women on board, were arrived there from France; and that 3 Brigantines with Soldiers, and all Sorts of warlike Stores, and Utensils for building Forts, sail'd from Louisbourg about the 20th of July past, and that tho' our Informant could bot learn their Destination, they were observed to sail to the Westward. Also, that another man of War and 20 Transports were soon expected from France.

Extract of a Letter from Hallifax, dated Sept. 11. 1750.

Eight Days since, three fishing Schooners met with a French Ship about 30 Leagues of Louisbourg, bound for that Port. She was about 300 Tons burthen; had lost her Masts, Bowsprit and Rudder in a Gale of Wind, and was somewhat leaky; and was a Store Ship, having on board some King's Stores for some Men of War that are building at Canada, together with a great Quantity of valuable Goods, as Velvet, Brandy, Wine, &c. The French Captain offered the Englishmen what they could get out of her, if they would set them ashore at Canso, except one Chest of Money, which they reported was for the Governor of Louisbourg: The Schooner's People offer'd to tow her into Louisbourg for L600. as she did not then leak more than one Spell in two Hours; The Capt. did not comply with their offer, but urged them to comply with his; so they took out some Bales and Trunks, Wine, Brandy, and the Chest of Money, with the Men; some of whom they set on shore at Canto[?], and some they brought hither with the Captain. The Schooner's People report, That the Captain has not a Mind to carry the Ship in, but privately bored Holes in her, in order to make her sink the quicker: She soon turn'd on one Side, and her Decks blew out with the Weight of the Ship pressing under Water; and the Top of the Water was soon covered with Trunks, Bales, Casks, &c. A French Sloop which was taken up the Bay of Verte, supplying the Indians with Powder and Guns, as also having five English Soldiers on board; who deserted from our Troops at Minas, is condemned, and is to be sold at Vendue this Day. Monday last a Brigt. arrived from London in 8 Weeks Passage, with 129 English Settlers.

Boston, September 24.

By several Fishing Vessels come in from the Coast of Nova Scotia we have Advice, that a French Ship of 5 or 600 Tons, and 70 Men, bound to Canada, with Money and Stores, particularly Store for the two Men of War built at Quebeck, was lately cast away upon the Isle of Sable, and that the Captain had loaded three English Schooner with Money and the most valuable Effects he could come at, and agreed with the Skippers to carry him and his Goods to Halifax, refusing to go to Louisbourg, or any other French Place. 'Tis whispered, that one of the Schooners miss'd her Port, and is come into a Place much to the Westward of Halifax.

By Capt. Ford, in 7 Weeks from Liverpool, we hear, that his Excellency Governor Shirley was gone to France.

New York, October 8.

Yesterday came in here in Distress the Snow Mary, Capt. Badger of this Place, bound for London, who sail'd from Sandy Hook the 23d of August last, in Company with Captains, Garrison, Goelet, and Todd: On the 9th of September, in Lat. 39, 55, Long.. 52, 45. they met with a violent Storm at East, which lasted 56 Hours, in which Time she broacht too thrice, and had her Cabouse and Binnacle wash'd away: She lay on her Beam Ends, and had four Feet Water in the Hold, when they were oblig'd to cut away her Mainmast, the Foremast sprung, and throw some of the Cargo overboard, but before she righted: She had two of her People wash'd overboard, but the next Sea happily threw them in again Two Days before the Storm, they spoke with Capt. Garrison, and with Capt. Todd bound for Cadiz, whose Vessel was very leaky) as also with a Ship from Jamaica for Bristol, Capt Salmon, and a large French Ship from the Cape for Nantz; and two Days after the Storm they again spoke with the French Ship, she had lost all her masts, and was endeavouring to make for cape breton, to refit.

Monday last was brought in here by an Egg harbour Shallop, three Men, which they took up the Friday before, about 30 Leagues off Sandy Hook from another Egg harbour Shallop, John Nicholson Master, who having sprang a Leak, filled with Water, but being loaded with cedar Rails, she could not sink: Tho' the Wind blowing very hard, they were in the utmost Danger of perishing. ...

Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman in Boston to his Friend
in New York, dated October 11, 1750. IN answer to your
Questions relating to our Money, Trade, ...

The Reason that building in Boston is so dear (in the Country Towns it is quite otherwise) is, from the Combination of several Head Carpenters, Bricklayers, &c. who have established certain Rules of Work,
as they term it, which their Employers think quite extravagant; and so many Tradesmen of all Sorts being carried off by the Louisburgh Expedition. ...

Boston

"November 1. Capt. William Bellon died this Morning much lamented. ----And this Day the French Brig lately brought in by Capt. Rous, was condemned by a Court of Admiralty; one Half to the King, and the other Half to the Captors.

"November 3. 

The French Officers which belong'd to the said Brig. embark'd on board a Schooner, which is to carry them to Louisbourg."

... Extract of a Letter from Halifax, dated November 21, 1750.

"Yesterday arrived here from Cork in Ireland, Capt. Wait, after a Passage of eight Weeks. ---We have no late News from Chinecto, or any inland Place.---The Buildings on the opposite Side the Harbour increase daily.--- The Weather here is very moderate, tho' we have had some pretty cold Days. People are very sickly, especially the common sort, and the Germans, which is probably owing to change of Climate, want of Necessaries, and bad Attendance.

By a Person lately arrived from Louisbourg, we are informed, that Capt. Becket, in one of our fishing Vessels, being in great want of Firing and other Necessaries, put into Louisbourg for a Supply, but was immediately forc'd out of the Harbour, by Order of the Governor, tho' the Weather was then extreme bad. He continued at Sea in great Distress 14 Days, and was obliged to cut up his Cables to burn for want of Wood; but at last got into Chaparouge Bay, near Louisbourg, where 8 Frenchmen came on board, and finding he had fish in his Vessel, they forcibly carried her into the Harbour, where she was seized, and himself clapp'd into Goal, under pretence that he had offer'd to sell Fish. Upon this hard and unjust Treatment of Mr. Becket, some English, who happened to be there, so effectually represented his Case to the Governor, that he was released from Prison, but 'twas tho't he would lose his Vessel.

By Capt. De Jersey, from Newcastle, we are informed, that on the 27th of October, he met with a French Sloop in great Distress, in Lat. 42. Long. 52. which had drove from the Isle Je Daigne, near St. John's Island, in the Gulph of St. Lawrence. She had 30 Frenchmen on board, with 16 Englishmen, lately taken by the French and Indians in Nova Scotia, bound to Canada, but by contrary Winds were blown off, and had been out 14 Days. Capt. De Jersey supply'd them with Provisions, Instruments, and other Necessaries, with which they said they intended to stand for the West Indies. One of the Chief among the English said his Names was Watson, and had been Clerk to Capt. How, who was lately kill'd.

[1750]

Halifax, in Nova Scotia, Nov. 28. 

Capt. Pimore arrived here a Day or two ago from Newfoundland; who brought from thence upwards of 40 Passengers, as Settlers for this Place; but being by Stress of Weather obliged to put into Louisbourg, about 19 or 20 or his Passengers went ashore, and swore Allegiance, and upon that were protected by the Governor. ---

The Monsieurs there are terribly vex at Rous taking the Brig. as is usual upon such Affairs ...

Boston, December 3.

One Day last Week, a Brigantine deeply laden from the West Indies, in bad Weather, ran ashore on Plumb Island, and feared will suffer much Damage. Extract of a Letter from Halifax, dated November 21. 1750. "Yesterday arrived here from Cork in Ireland, Capt. Wait, after a Passage of eight Weeks. ---We have no late News from Chinecto, or any inland Place.---The Buildings on the opposite Side the Harbour increase daily.--- The Weather here is very moderate, tho' we have had some pretty cold Days. People are very sickly, especially the common sort, and the Germans, which is probably owing to change of Climate, want of Necessaries, and bad Attendance. By a Person lately arrived from Louisbourg, we are informed, that Capt. Becket, in one of our fishing Vessels, being in great want of Firing and other Necessaries, put into Louisbourg for a Supply, but was immediately forcout of the Harbour, by Order of the Governor, tho' the Weather was then extreme bad. He continued at Sea in great Distress 14 Days, and was obliged to cut up his Cables to burn for want of Wood; but at last got into Chaparouge Bay, near Louisbourg, where 8 Frenchmen came on board, and finding he had fish in his Vessel, they forcibly carried her into the Harbour, where she was seized, and himself clappinto Goal, under pretence that he had offer to sell Fish. Upon this hard and unjust Treatment of Mr. Becket, some English, who happened to be there, so effectually represented his Case to the Governor, that he was released from Prison, but tho he would [... ] his Vessel. By Capt. De Jersey, from Newcastle, we are informed, that on the 27th of October, he met with a French Sloop in great Distress, in Lat. 42. Long. 52. which had drove from the Isle Je Daigne, near St. John Island, in the Gulph of St. Lawrence. She had 30 Frenchmen on board, with 16 Englishmen, lately taken by the French and Indians in Nova Scotia, bound to Canada, but by contrary Winds were blown off, and had been out 14 Days. Capt. De Jersey supply them with Provisions, Instruments, and other Necessaries, with which they said they intended to stand for the West Indies. One of the Chief among the English said his Names was Watson, and had been Clerk to Capt. How, who was lately kill.

[December 18, 1750]

CUSTOM HOUSE, Philadelphia, ENTERED INWARDS.

... Brigt. Louisburgh, Hugh Wright, from Cadiz. ...

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