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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

1756

[1756]

An account of the great dangers and distresses, and the remarkable deliverance of Capt. Nathanael Peirce: who sail'd from Portsmouth, in New-Hampshire, bound for Louisbourg; and being taken up at sea, was carried to Oporto. / Written by himself. Boston: Printed and sold by Edes and Gill, in Queen-Street, 1756.

[January 1, 1756]

" ... we are very much oblig’d both to you & our good Friend Mr. Knight for the Spirits you have been so kind to send us. We dare say its such stuff as does not often Appear in this Quarter. We shall reserve it for high days & holy days. Wish [We] may have occation to expand it on some advantages his Majesty may gain over the French in America but really there is very small hopes of it by our latest advices from the Northwood which bring that the thoulone Squadron consisting of 18 Sail of the Line & 6,000 Land Forces on board was got into Louisbourg. This we very much feart will turn Affairs in that quarter upside down ... " [Volume 2: November 1, 1755-December 31, 1758, p. 57]

New York, January 5.

... Last Week Capt. Barnes arrived here in 15 Days from Halifax, and informs us, that there were no Accounts at that Place of a French Fleet being at Spanish River, on cape breton, but what were received from Boston; so that we have the greatest Reason to believe that Report is without Foundation.

Excerpt from Charlotte Brown's Diary, 1756

...

April the 26. Receiv'd an Invitation to dine at Col'n Marshalls Miss Miller an old Acquaintance of mine at Louisburg [on Cape Breton Island] came to see me she told me that the Dutch said I was Gen'l Braddocks Miss[tress] but she had convinced them that I was not for that her Father had known me Maid, Wife and Widow and that nobody could say any thing bad of me ….

[Source: Charlotte Brown, Diary of a Nurse, in Colonial Captivities, Marches and Journeys, edited by Isabel M. Calder, Port Washington, NY: Kennikat Press, 1967]

 

 

Extract of a Letter from Annapolis Royal, dated March 21. 

... "There has not one Indian been seen since the Inhabitants left this. Undoubtedly you have heard of McNeal Fate, who was taken by 20 Canoes, when all fast asleep; but their Gentry at St. John will perhaps very suddenly pay dear for their Tricks: A French Deserted says, that the People of St. John sent for provisions to Canada, but only brought back a little Flour, being in Want themselves, and greatly so at Louisbourgh: Pray God increase their Troubles for their unjust and vile Proceedings." ...

New York, May 3.

... They write from Halifax, That Commodore Spry had ordered all the Ships under his Command in that Harbour to be ready, as he intended to put to Sea the First of May, and to cruize off  Louisburg ...

Boston, May 17.

... We hear that Commodore Spry having got the Men of War in Readiness, had sailed with five Ships to cruize off Louisbourg ...

Boston, May 20.

Last Tuesday Thomas Rowe, Master of a Fishing Schooner that arrived the Day before, made Oath before one of his Majesty Justices of the Peace, That on the 3d Inst. being on the Grand Bank of Newfoundland, in Lat. 44 and a Half, at Anchor, he was haled by a French Men of War of 74 Guns, who inquired, what Ships were at Boston and Halifax to which he answered, the Mermaid and Hornet were at Boston, and that 15 Ships were cruizing before Louisbourg: And further, that he saw a great Number of Men on board her with Coats cuffwith white; and that within half an Hour after, he saw two other Ships standing the same Course, with the Wind about E.N.E. which he took to be as large as the Ship which spake with him: That they past within a Mile of him, and that by the Cut of their Topsails he took them to be French Ships: That the Distance from Cape Race he apprehends to be about 90 Leagues N.W. and by N. and from Louisbourg 220 Leagues ...

[May 27, 1756]

Philadelphia.

An Act for the more effectual obstructing the Exportation of Provisions and Warble Stores from the Province of Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS an Act of General Assembly of this Province, passed in the Twenty eighth Year of the present Reign, intitled, An Act to prevent the Exportation of Provisions, Naval or Warlike Stores from this Province to cape breton, or to any other the Dominions of the French King, or Places at present in Possession of any of his Subjects; which Act, by one other Act Passed in same Year, was continued, and is now subsisting in this Province, has not fully answered the Purposes thereby intended: Therefore, for the more effectual
obstructing any Supplies of Provisions or Warlike Stores at this critical Conjuncture which the French may have from this Colony, Be it enacted ...

New York, July 5.

... By a Gentleman that came Passenger, in Captain Tingley, who arrived here on Thursday last, in 10 Days from Halifax, we are told, That a few Days before he left that Place, he saw a Letter from an Officer on board his Majesty Ship Fogeux, dated off Cape Breton, informing his Friend at Halifax, that they had look into the Harbour of Louisbourg, where there was only one Frigate of 36 Guns, that had been there all the Winter, and two other Ships, and that the English Fleet then off that Place consisted of nine Sail, five of which were Capital Ships ...

New York, June 7.

... Last Week Capt. Butler arrived here from Halifax, which Place he left the 9th of May, and says, the Day he left that Place Commodore Spry, with his Majesty Ships of War on that Station, were unmoored, and would sail in a Day or two in order to cruize off Cape Breton; that the Report of a French Fleet having got into Louisbourg was not credited at Halifax, and only looked upon to be spread by a few intimidated Fishermen, who had seen two or three large Ships off the Grand Fishing Bank.

Halifax

June 12.

Last Sunday a Party of Inhabitants of this Town, Voluntiers, who had been out in Pursuit of the Indian Enemy, returned here with the Loss of two of their Number, viz. James Giffin, their Leader, and Derby Doyle; they had been out from the Fort at Pisquit assisting in getting a Frame for Mr. Dechamps, one of the Settlers at that Place, when three Indians came upon them, and killed and scalped Giffin, and supposed took Doyle Prisoner; however they took three of the seven Deserters who went from this Place soon after the Execution of Hamilton, and his Accomplices, whom they carried to the Fort at Pisquit, from whence they are daily expected in Capt. Adams.

The above Deserters inform, that when they first joined the French, they fired upon and killed one of them, a Corporal belonging to Col Dobson Regiment, and wounded another, but upon their submitting the rest were preserved. They also inform that the French and Indians, to the Number of about 800, were assembled at St. John, but with what Design was uncertain; however it was supposed their Design was to endeavour to take the Fort at Pisquit, and cut off the Communication between this Place and that Fortress. They further inform, that 300 Indians had arrived among them from Louisbourg, with Arms and Ammunition for the Rebel French, that 200 of them returned to Louisbourg, the others tarried with them.

Last Monday a fishing Schooner arrived here from the Banks, the Skipper of which informs, that a few Days before she was chased off Sable Island by a French Dogger for some Hours, who fired at them several Times, but having the Heels of her she got clear.

On Wednesday a French Dogger, taken by his majesty Ship Fogeux, Commodore Spry, off Louisburg, arrived here; she was taken the 29th of May, bound to Louisburg from Rochefort, her Cargo consisting chiefly of King Provisions. On their Passage hither, the French Captain endeavoured twice to rise upon the English, but was happily prevented; and presently after her coming to Anchor in this Harbour, he attempted to fire a Gun, a 4 Pounder, charged with Grape Shot, at the Governor House, but the Gun missing Fire, altho' the Priming was burnt, it was happily prevented. The Captain is closely confined.

The next Day a Prize Schooner, taken by his Majesty Ship Success, Capt. Rous, arrived here; Capt. Rous first saw her off Louisbourg, and gave Chase to her, which they discerning, stood thro' the Gut of Canso into the Bay Vert, and running into a small Bay they run the Schooner ashore, which Capt. Rous perceiving, he immediately manned out his Barge with armed Men, and sent them in after her, but when they came to her they found the people had all deserted her, after heaving overboard her Guns all; except one, and setting Fire to a Barrel of Tar that stood near some Hogsheads of Rum, which they happily extinguished. and brought her safe off; they left Capt. Rous on Sunday last returning to join the Fleet. Her Cargo also consists of Provisions, but as no Papers were found on board, they cannot tell who she was, where from, or where bound: She is an English built Vessel, of about 90 Tons.

... DE L’ISLE ROYALE.

IL a paru 4 Vaisseaux Anglais devant Louisbourg le premier de mois, qui n(y ont point séjourné, on présume que ce sont ceux qui ont hiverné à Halifax, & qu’ils allaient en Europe, lorsqu’on les a vus. Louisbourg est d’autant plus tranquille, qu’il est bien pourvu des vivres & munitions de guerre. ...

[Journal de ce qui s’est passé au Canada depuis le mois d’Octobre 1755 jusqu’au mois de Juin 1756 - "PAR une lettre du Détroit, en date du 18, tous les Sauvages de ce pays paraissent disposés à frapper sur les Anglais. Les Miamis & Poutoüamis sont dans les mêmes dispositions ; ces derniers ont toujours eu des partis en campagne, ils avoient tué, ou pris, lors de la date de cette lettre,..." http://www.bmlisieux.com/curiosa/canada.htm - LE RAYON DOCUMENTAIRE : une sélection de brochures et petits opuscules conservés à la bibliothèque municipale de Lisieux]

 

Halifax, July 3.

Last Saturday his Majesty Ship Success, Capt. Rous with the Baltimore Sloop of War, arrived here from the Squadron now cruizing off Louisbourg, from whom we have Advice, that they had fell in with a French 50 Gun Ship, called the Rainbow, off Louisbourg, from whom we have Advice, that they had fell in with a French 50 Gun Ship, called the Rainbow, off Louisbourg, to whom the Litchfield gave Chace, and, after a Kind of a running Engagement of near 7 Glasses, she was obliged to strike. We hear she had on board upwards of 600 Men, about 70 of which were either killed or wounded during the Engagement, without the Loss of one Man to the Litchfield: And on Tuesday last the Rainbow arrived here in a very shattered Condition.

Capt. Ross also fell in with a French Store ship off Louisbourg, which he took after a short Engagement; her Cargo, we hear, consists of 800 Barrels of Powder, 20 odd Cannon, 32 Pounders, and two Brass 13 Inch Mortars, besides Ball, Shells, and other warlike Stores, and a Quantity of Brandy, Wine &c. She is esteemed a very good Prize, and is daily expected here. ...

 ... July 10. [Halifax]

We hear that Commodore Spry, a little before taking two Prizes mentioned in our last, taking the Advantage of a good Opportunity, with the Squadron under his Command, thought fit to pay our Neighbours of Louisbourg a Visit with his French Colours, which mightily pleased the Monsieurs, they expecting it had been their Fleet: Their Signs of Joy were plain enough to be perceived by the Display of their Colours, and other Tokens of Satisfaction: The Commodore went so near as plainly to perceive, by the Help of Glasses, Numbers of People upon the Ramparts looking out to see them; but their Hopes being thus raised were as soon disappointed, when they saw them put about and strike their French Colours, at the same Time hoisting English: This put them into great Confusion, which might plainly be perceived by their running about upon the Ramparts, striking their Colours, and firing some Shot after them, which however falling short, the Commodore with his Squadron returned safe to their Station.

We hear there were at that Time but two Men of War in that Harbour.

Boston, July 5.

Yesterday arrived here Capt. Dommet, in 8 Days from Halifax, and says, the Afternoon before he sailed Captain Rous arrived there from Louisburg, and reported to the Governor, that the Fleet under Commodore Spry, then consisting of 7 Sail, observing a 36 Gun French Frigate, gave her Chace, and 5 of them being prime Sailers, left the Norwich of 59 Guns, and a 60 Gun Ship to Leeward, which the Morning after discovered a large Ship between them, that proved to be a 54 Gun French Man of War, when they immediately began to engage her, and after exchanging a few Broadsides, she struck to the Norwich. She had on board 480 Men and was bound to Louisburg. Capt. Rous also took a French Storeship of 400 Tons, and 80 Men, laden with Ammunition, Stores, &c. he was convoying to Halifax, but in a Fog the Thursday Night before parted with them; and as the Wind was fair when Capt. Dommet sailed, he doubts not of their being arrived. The two above Ships were Part of 13 Sail which sailed from different Ports in France for Cape Breton; and we hope in our next to give a further Account of the Remainder, as the Fleet cruising off Louisburg, now consists of 13 Sail, having, since the taking of the above Prizes, been reinforced with six Ships, viz. a 40, a 20, and a 16 Gun Ship from hence, a 20 Gun Ship from Virginia, the Grafton of 74, and Nottingham of 60, from New York.

Boston, July 12.


Last Wednesday Night arrived here Capt. Jones in 8 Days from Halifax, in whom came Passenger the Hon. Jonathan Belcher, Esq; Chief Justice of the Province of Nova Scotia. By Capt. Jones we have Advice, that about a Fortnight before he sailed, his Majesty Ship Norwich of 50 guns, fell in with L'Arc-on-Ciel, a French Man of War of 54 Guns, and between 7 an 8 hundred Men, and had a smart Engagement with her for 3 Hours, when the Litchfield of 60 Guns came up, and having given her 2 Broadsides, she struck to the Norwich, having lost many of her Men; and said by few of the English were killed. She was standing in for Halifax as Capt. Jones came out. We have also a Confirmation of the Account we had of Captain Roustaking a large Store Ship, with these further Particulars, viz. That he had on board a great Quantity of Powder, Fire Arms, 2 large Brass Mortars, 2 Brass Cannon, and other warlike Stores and military Accoutrements. And by Letters found on board her, the Captors learned that a Fleet of 14 Sail, consisting of Men of War, Store Ships; and Transports, sail in Company with her from France, bound to Louisbourgh. Also, that Commodore Holmes in the Grafton of 70 Guns, with the Nottingham of 60, who arrived at Halifax from New York, was to sail in a few Days with 2 or 3 other Ships of War then in Port, to join the Fleet cruizing off Capt Breton, which consisted of 8 Sail. 'Tis said the Prize was a Dutch Vessel and navigated by Dutch Sailors ...

New York, July 12.

... Saturday last, Capt. Sears arrived here in two Weeks from Halifax, where his Majesty Ship the Grafton, Commodore Holmes, of 70 Guns, and the Nottingham of 60, were safe arrived, and intended to sail from that Place in a few Days, in order to join our Fleet that is cruizing off Louisbourg.

Capt. Sears informs us, That the Night before he sailed, his Majesty Ship Success, Capt. Rous, and the Baltimore Snow, arrived there with about 700 French Prisoners belonging to a French 50 Gun Ship, and a Store Ship that some Days before were taken by our Fleet off Cape Breton; and they were hourly expected into Port. N.B. There was six Brass Mortars of 13 Inches Diameter, on board the Store Ship.

Halifax, July 17.

... Last Thursday his Majesty Ship Success, Captain Rous, sailed from this Place for the Fleet off Louisbourg; as did the Ulysses, Captain Rogers, Captain Knox, in an armed Sloop, with a small Schooner as a Tender, for the Bay Vert; and Captain Metcalf in a Sloop, with 26 fat Oxen, some Sheep, &c. for the Fleet. And,

Yesterday his Majesty Sloop Baltimore, and Captain Taggert, came under sail hence from the Bay of Fundy. ...

 ... July 24.  [Halifax]

Sunday last arrived here his Majesty Ship Fogeux, Commodore Spry, the Litchfield and Centurion, from off Louisbourg, having not met with any Thing remarkable since the taking the two prizes sent in here some Time since.

The same Day Capt. Adams arrived here from Chignecto, but last from Pisguit, he brought with him the 3 Deserters taken some Time ago by a Party of Voluntiers, and carried to the Fort at Chignecto, and who were so hardy as to desert the next Day after the Execution of Hamilton, Hussey, and Skien.

Tuesday last the three Deserters mentioned above had their Trials at a General Court Martial.

Yesterday arrived here his Majesty Ships Norwich, Garland, and Mermaid, from their Cruize off Louisbourg. 

Boston  ...

[August 3, 1756]

Extract of a Letter from Halifax, dated the 3d Instant.

"A French 84 Gun Ship, a 64, a 44, and a 36, came to Louisburg a few Days ago, and the next Morning came out and attacked the Grafton of 74, the Nottingham of 60, and the Jamaica Sloop of War of 14 Guns. They were engaged seven Hours, and the French Ships tacked about, and ran into the Harbour. Away went the Grafton and the two others after them, and lay to for two Hours at the Mouth of it, to see if they would come out a second Time, to get a second Part of the same Tune, as Commodore Holmes stiles it. A 42 Pounder went through his Main mast; he had 5 Men killed, and 40 wounded. He staid there 3 Days, to see if they would chuse to repeat the Dose; but finding they did not, he sailed away, and is now in here to refit; and the Fogeux, Centurion, Litchfield, and Norwich, are going out to take the Station. This Affair will gain Commodore Holmes great Honour and Applause. The 84 Gun Ship and the 44 attacked him; the 64 Captain Marshall; and the 36 Captain Hood. This, I think, is as I heard Captain Holmes tell the Story himself, therefore it is to be depended on."

Besides the above we learn, That the first Broadside Commodore Holmes carried away the French 84 Gun Ship Rudder, which disabled her; and also that he killed them a great Number of Men.

Another Letter, after mentioning the above, says,

That Commodore Holmes followed the French Ships as near the harbour of Louisburg as he thought prudent, and then lined his Masts and Shrouds, and gave them three Cheers ...

[ August 5, 1756 ]

On Monday last his Majesty Ship Grafton, Commodore Holmes, and his Majesty Ship Nottingham, Captain Marshall, sail from this Place with a fair Wind, in order to join Commodore Spry with the Squadron cruizing off Louisbourg. At their Departure they were complimented with the Discharge of the Cannon from the Batteries in the Town.

Boston, August 30.

... Saturday Night last arrived here Captain Freeman, from Halifax, who informs, that the Day before he left that Place, which was the 20th Infant, Captain Hale, who was sent to Louisbourg by Governor Lawrence as a Flag of Truce, retuned, and reported, that the French Fleet (5 in Number) were sailed for Old France, and that some of the Commodore Holmes Squadron were in Pursuit of them. We also hear, that Captain Knox was arrived at Halifax, and brought in with him a second Prize, a French Dogger, bound from Old France to Louisbourg, laden with Wine, Brandy, Oyl, and dry Goods: She is esteemed a valuable Prize.

Three Transport Sloops, with 141 private Soldiers, besides Officers, of Col. Scott Battallion, arrived here Yesterday from Chignecto, having been 16 Months in the Service there: Major Fry cam in one, and informs us that the Indians still continue very troublesome, having attempted lately at two different Times to burn a Blockhouse, but meeting with such a Warm Repulse, gladly quitted their Attempt ...

Boston, August 9.

.... The Master of a Fishing Schooner, arrived at Salem from the Banks, reports, that a short Time ago about ten Leagues to the Eastward of Louisburg, he heard the Firing of Cannons from about Noon till dark, and verily believes there could not be less than a Thousand discharged in that Time ...

Philadelphia, August 12.

We have Advice from Halifax, that a French Frigate was lately drove ashore near Louisburgh by some of our Men of War. ...

[August 17, 1756]

Boston ...

Province-House, August 17th, 1756 W. SHIRLEY.

In the House of Representatives, August 17, 1756.

Voted, that the following ADDRESS be presented to his Excellency the Governor ...

Your Excellency assiduous and unwearied Application to the publick Business throughout the whole of your administration, both in Time of Peace and War, especially in the successful Expedition against Louisburg (the strongest Fortress the French had in North-America) the great Vigilance your Excellency had over Nova-Scotia, which, under God, and by the Help of some Troops from this Province, you preserved once and again from falling into the Hands of the French and Indians, when in imminent Danger; but above all, your watchful Observations of the perfidious Designs of the French in North-America, and unwearied Pains to possess us here, as well as the Ministry at Home, of the great Danger these Provinces were in of falling a Sacrifice to their inveterate Malice and Revenge, are Matters, which can but endear your Memory to us, and recommend you to the Royal Favor ...

New York, August 30.

Thursday last Captain Spelling arrived here from Halifax: He sailed from thence in Company with his Majesty Ship Mermaid, Washington Shirley, Esq; Commander, who is arrived at Boston: He confirms the Account inserted in our last, of the Engagement off Louisbourg, between Commodore Holmes, in the Grafton, of 74 Guns, in Company with the Nottingham and Jamaica Sloop, and four French Men of War; and says that the Commodore expended 90 Barrels of Powder in the Engagement, and the Nottingham 50; and that a great Number of the French must have been killed in the Action, as the Blood was seen to run out at their Scuppers.

Captain Spelling says farther, That six Days after Captain Knox sailed out of the Harbour of Halifax, in a Privateer Sloop, he sent in a French Brig, loaded with Rum, Sugar and Melasses, that was bound into Louisbourg, from the West Indies. ...

Halifax, September 3.

Since our last arrived here a small Sloop and three small Schooners, French Prizes, taken by the Ulysses off Louisbourg and Parts adjacent, but their Cargoes are not very valuable. Also a Schooner from Piscataqua, one Richard Katrin, Master, taken by the Jamaica Sloop of War, off Louisbourg: We hear that by her Papers it appears, that she had cleared out at Piscataqua for Boston, with a Cargoe of Lumber, but meeting with contrary Winds, Fogs, or some other Accident, she was found so near the Enemy Coasts that the Commodore thought fit to detain and send her in here. By some unlucky Accident the Cargoe has undergone a strange Metamorphosis, and is chang from that of Lumber to that of Provisions, Pitch, Turpentine, Rozin, &c. The Commodore has taken the Captain and all his Men on board his own Ship.

Wednesday the Ulysses arrived here from the Fleet to refit, having carried away her Bowsprit, which she was obliged to supply with a Foremast taken out of one of her Prize Schooners, with which she arrived here, and informs, that she left the Fleet last Saturday, on their Station off Louisburg, ALL WELL, having taken nothing since they left this Place but two or three small Schooners: So that the Reports published in our last, brought in by some Fishermen, proves to be entirely groundless, and according to the common Saying; Fisherman News! ...

New York, September 13.

... A French Privateer Sloop from Cape-Breton, took 17 English Fishing Schooners, about 20 Days ago, and sent them into Louisbourg.

[September 9, 1756]

New York,...

... Saturday last, a fishing Schooner arrived here, the Master whereof reports, and has offered to make Affidavit of the same, That he saw Commodore Holmes, with 7 ships, take four French Men of War off Louisbourg. 'Tis supposed there are the four ships that Commodore Holmes engaged last Month, so
briskly, as we have had advice of their sailing from Louisbourg; and as the Wind has not been favourable, so as to permit Mr. HolmesArrival here, the Report gains Ground."

Captain Pennill, in a Brig from Philadelphia, is arrived at Halifax.

Extract of a Letter from Boston, fated last Monday.

Tuft know arrived Captain Trefrey from Halifax, who says as he was coming out, he met two fishing Schooners bound in, the Masters whereof told him, that Commodore Holmes had in two, four of the five French Men of War, that he engaged some Time ago off Louis Louisbourg.--- ...

Halifax, September 25.

... Yesterday Morning Capt. McNamara, in the Wasp Privateer, belonging to his Place, arrived here, and has brought in with him a French Prize Schooner, of about 70 Tons, which he took Yesterday sea bout 13 leagues to the Eastward of Louisbourg, bound thither from Old France, her Cargo consists of Wine and Provision, and cost 16,000 Livres ...

Boston, September 27. 

BY a Letter from Halifax we learn, That two of Capt. KnoxMen in a Barge took the Advantage of the Night and Tide, and went into the Harbour of Louisbourgh, cut away a Vessel which had just arrived, and brought her out to Captain Knox, who lay ready to receive her at the HarbourMouth, which they made a good Prize of. ...

Extract of a Letter from Portsmouth, dated Sept. 27.

"On Saturday arrived the Hornet Sloop, Capt. Salt, from America : She brings an Account of Commodore Holmes's Action in the Grafton, in Company with the Nottingham, Capt.Marshall, and Jamaica Sloop, Capt. Hood, with Mons. Beauffier in the Heros, with the Illustre, and two Frigates, off Louisbourg. The Heros and Illustre were chased into Louisbourg by the Commodore, and the next Day (reinforced with the Frigate) came to fight him. There being but little Wind, the Frigates did but little; the Heat of the Engagement lay with the Men of War, which was desperate and equal. At last, by some Misfortune, the French Commodore's Stern lay exposed to Commodore Holmes, who raked her in that Position near an Hour, and killed 80 Men, and wounded 150. The Grafton lost seven Men, and had 30 wounded, five Guns dismounted, and her Mainmast shot through. She beat three of the French Man of War's Port Holes into one. At last the French fairly ran away, and Mr. Holmes went the next Day off Louisbourg, and huzza's to brave them out again, but in vain. The Commodore then sailed for Hallifax, where he was received with great Demonstrations of Joy, and proceeded from thence in the Grafton, with the Nottingham, Fougeux, Centurion, Norwich, Litchfield, and Frigates, to cruise off Louisbourg again."

[Source: Some Selected Reports from Berrow's Worcester Journal ,Thursday, September 30th, 1756 - http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~dutillieul/ZOtherPapers/NewBWJ30Sep1756.html ]

... Oct. 2. 

Sunday last arrived His Majesty Ships Norwich and Success, from their Cruize; an Officer from the Success gives the following account, viz. That on the first of September, being in the Gut of Canfo, they espied a small Shallop standing along the Shore, upon which they manned out their Boats, and went in Quest of her, which they perceiving, run her ashore, quitted her, and run into the Woods, when Capt. Rous Barge put two Hands ashore in order to get her off; upon which the French and Indians, to the Number of 100, rushed out of the Bushes, and fired upon them, which killed Lieut. Jacobs, of the Success, the Coxen, and five other, and repeating their Fire, killed the other five of the Barges Crew, which were all in her after the two had landed, which those perceiving, took to the Water, and swam to the Norwich Boat, and held by her till she had towed them out of Danger, and then were taken in, being both wounded, one in the Side, and the other in the Wrist: Four of the Crew belonging to the Norwich Barge were wounded, one of which is since dead; the Success Barge was left in Possession of the Enemy. The next Day, having a fair Wind, they passed the Gut, and stood away for Newfoundland, and arrived at the Island of Miquelon, where they espied a small French Privateer Schooner close in Shore, standing away from the Island, but the Wind blowing so hard, they could not follow her; after the Wind abated, they sent their Boats ashore, and found the Lieutenant of the Privateer, whom they in their Hurry left behind them, and who had collected together near 50 Head of cattle belonging to Capt.
Cleves, Owner of said Island, which they killed and carried on board for the Use of the Ships, and then set Sail for this Place, where they arrived as above.

The same Day a French Prize Schooner arrived: She was taken by the Fogeux and Centurion, then cruizing in the Bay Gaspe, bound from the Island of St. Johnto Quebec, with about 100 Men, Women and Children on board.

Wednesday last the Fogeux arrived here: We hear that when she and the Centurion were cruizing in the Bay Gaspe, they, taking a favourable Opportunity, landed some of their Men under Cover of the Guns upon a small French Settlement, and burnt about 70 Houses, the Inhabitants having deserted them upon their landing, and fled to the Woods. ...

New York, October 4.

Tuesday Morning last  ...

The same Day Captain Tingley arrived here in 14 Days from Halifax, and says, that by the last Accounts received there from Commodore Holmes, he was, with the whole Fleet, cruizing off Louisbourg; that thought the French Fleet had got out of Cape Breton in the Night, and were sailed for Old France ...

... Oct. 9. 

Since our last His MajestyShips Graston, Centurion and Litchfield, together with the Jamaica Sloop, and the Tender, arrived here from their Cruize off Louisbourg, having met with nothing remarkable since the Taking the Prize Snow mentioned above ...

October 30 [Halifax]

... Thursday arrived Capt. Russel Privateer Shallop, Capt. Francis Piggot Commander, from a second Cruize: She has taken three large Sloops, one of them a Boston Sloop, which she took with in about two Miles of the Island Battery at Louisbourg, going in thither, her Cargo, we hear, consists of Lumber and naval Stores; the other two we cut out of a small Harbour on the Island of Louisbourg, one of which is loaded with Timber, the other a light Vessel. He also run into another Harbour in the Night, and discovered six large Sloops deeply laden with Fish, as he supposed, with French Pendants flying, but without Guns, which he came out and inform the Capts. Prescot and M'Namara of, and offer, that if they would lend him forty of their Men, and cover him with their Guns, he would go and bring them all out; to which Proposal Capt. Prescot consented, but Capt. M'Namara refusing, they were obliged to leave them.

The same day arrived here the Privateer Huzza, Capt. Prescot, belonging to this Place, having had eight Men kill, and four wounded, at the same Place, in the same Manner, and by the same Decoy, by which Capt. Rous had the Misfortune to lose his Lieutenant, Coxen, and 8 others, on the 31st of August last, as formerly mention.

The Names of the Killed, are, John Drawer, Thomas Trefry, Charles Robinson, John Love, David Berry, John Hayes, John Tubbs, and Thomas Hartley.

Wounded, --- Pepperrell, George Collicut, --- Orgin, and Patrick Daley. ---Gatchell died.

... Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman in Halifax, 
to his Friend in Boston, dated November 2, 1756.

"Yesterday arrived here the Flag of Truce from Louisbourg, who gives an Account of a Privateer Schooner sailing from thence to cruize in Boston Bay; she mounts six three Pounders, eight Swivels, and carries 50 Men, has a red Bottom, new Main sail and Foresail, and two Gaff Topsails."

Extract of a letter from Halifax, dated Nov. 6. 1756.


... "The CommodoreSchooner, which was sent to Louisbourgh about 18 Days ago, is returned with about 90 Prisoners, having been admitted under a Flag of Truce, which are to be exchanged for a like Number from hence. ---- There has been only two Prizes carried in thither of any Consequence; the one a Ship from Liverpool, for New York; the other a Snow with Salt, Capt. Samuel Livingston. ---- They left a small Privateer in the Harbour, of 6 Carriage Guns, but no other Vessels of War." ...

Boston, November 15.

... By a Vessel in 5 Days from Halifax, we are informed, that the French Privateers from Louisbourg had taken and carried in there, an English Ship, a Snow, and several smaller Vessels, most of them on our Southern Coast. That their Privateers are mostly small Vessels, 4 Carriage and a few Swivel Guns, with 40 or 50 Men. They say Provisions are very scarce at Louisbourg, especially Bread; and that they had but a small Garrison there.; They likewise inform, that a Privateer Schooner was ready to put to Sea to cruize upon our Coast in particular: She has a red Bottom, new Main and Fore sail, and two Gaff Top sails, and is thought to be on the Coast by this Time. Why no armed Vessel is appointed to protect our Trade, we list not to enquire. ...

Halifax, November 20 [1756]

Last Wednesday the Tender Schooner sailed from hence for Louisburgh with 150 French Prisoners.

Thursday arrived the Schooner Huzza from Louisburgh, whither she had been from this Place to carry a Cargoe of French Prisoners. The French give out that they have Provisions enough in that Garrison for three Years, and that they daily expect more from France....

Boston, November 29.

Tuesday last a fine Ship, about 350 Tons, lately taken from the French, off Louisbourg, arrived here from Halifax, to be fitted out for a Privateer. 'Tis said she belongs to an Officer in his Majesty Troops at Halifax, and is an excellent sailer.

Thursday last, about Noon, came on a most furious Storm of Wind at about East, with Rain, Hail and Snow, which continued for the Space of 12 or 14 Hours. Considerable Damage was done to the Shipping in the Harbour, and we expect to hear of more done on the Coast.

The same Day a fishing Schooner arrived here from Halifax, in which came Passenger Capt. Sawyer, late Master of a Brigantine belonging to this Town, and bound in from Lisbon, who gives the following Account, That on the first Instant, about 50 Leagues to the Eastward of Cape Anne, he was taken by a French Privateer Schooner from Louisbourg, carrying 6 carriage Guns, with a few Swivels, and 80 odd Men (the same that was lately described in this Paper.) That a few Hours after he was taken, the Privateer fell in with and took two of our fishing Schooners, and carried all her Prizes to Louisbourg, where one of the fishing Vessels was immediately fitted out for a Privateer, which made up their Number five in that Port. That the French hearing that all the Men of War at Halifax were laid up, that no English Vessels of War were abroad, and that Vessels with Provisions, &c. were constantly going to Halifax from this Province and the other Governments, they designed to send three Privateers to cruize off Halifax and Capt. Sable, and two others to cruize between Block Island and the Capes of Delaware. Captain Sawyer was also informed at Louisbourg, that they soon expected 4000 Troops from Canada, to attack our Forts at Minas and Chignecto. That a Flag of Truce arriving at Louisbourg from Halifax, 28 English Prisoners (all they had) were returned, one of which Capt. Sawyer.

We hear that besides the above Brigantine, a Vessel from Ireland for --- a Liverpool Man, for Philadelphia, eight other Vessels, besides two New Yorkers, bound for the West Indies (notwithstanding their Number of Guarda Costas) have been lately taken by a small French Privateer of 6 Carriage Guns,
and carried into Louisbourg ...

New York, December 6.

 ... From Halifax we are told, That one of their Privateers in a late Cruize, had run ashore one of the Louisbourg Privateers, and almost beat her to Pieces ...

Boston, December 6.

By Letters from St. John, in Newfoundland, of the 4th and 6th of November past, we are informed, That on the 3d at Night arrived there the Brig Edward of this Place, ---- Sandford late Master. She was taken the 26th of October, 200 Leagues to the Eastward of Cape Ann, bound to Europe, by a French Privateer Schooner, of 8 Carriage Guns, and 120 Men, from Louisbourg, to which Place she had ordered the Brig, but meeting with his Majesty Ship Seahorse, Capt. Darby, she was retaken, after she had been in the EnemyHands about 70 Hours. Capt. Sandford and all his hands were kept on board the Privateer, except the Mate and one Man more.

Philadelphia, December 16.

... Since our last Captain Stokes came to Town. He was bound to New York from Dublin, but taken by a Privateer Schooner from Louisburgh, and carried in there. He was very ill used, being stripped of every Thing that was valuable; and the Crew of the Privateer were so naked, that they cup of his Sails to make Trowsers of them. ...

1756

SUCCESSES and MISCARRIAGES by Sea and Land
During the present WAR.

Administration of HIS GRACE.
 

   
1755 Expedition against Fort Du Quesne - General Braddock - miscarried
1756 Sea Fight with the French Fleet under Gallissoniere, off Minorca - Admiral Byng - miscarried
  Defence of Fort St. Philip - Gen. Blakeney - misc.
  Expedition against Louisbourg - Admiral Holbourn, Lord Loudoun - miscarried
  Relief of Oswego - General Shirley - miscarried
1757 Battle of Hastenbeck - D. of Cumberland - misc.

...

[Source: Some Selected Reports from Berrow's Worcester Journal ,Thursday, December 30th, 1762.  - http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~dutillieul/ZOtherPapers/NewBWJ30Dec1762.html  ]

 

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