Search Website Design and Content © by Eric Krause, Krause House Info-Research Solutions (© 1996)
      All Images © Parks Canada Except Where Noted Otherwise
Report/Rapport © Eric Krause --- Report Assembly/Rapport de l'assemblée © Krause House Info-Research Solutions

Researching the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada
  Recherche sur la Forteresse-de-Louisbourg Lieu historique national du Canada

Return/retour

 

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


1760

[1760]

How just the fame, how much to him is owing
The Conqueror of Louisbourg Boscawen;
Not the Sea surging on her rocky Shore,
Not all her Castles, nor th' impetuous roar.

Of her firebelching Cannon could affright
The Sailors souls resolv'd to die, or right
Britanias Wrongs; Not so thy Gallio Host
For thee can Fight, Louis, with all thy boast.

They now can chatter, dance, and run away,
But leave to us the Honour of the Day,
So have I seen a flock of silly Geese,
Dare at Jove's Bird to clap their Wings & his,
But if he stoop'd the Insult to resent,
On nought but fright & flight the cackling Host were bent.

[Source: ENGLAND'S TRIUMPH over FRANCE, being a Memento of the taking of Louisbourgh July ye the 26 1758 by GENE. AMHERST and ADMR. BOSCAWEN  also the surrendering of Quebec to the English Forces commanded by the brave GENL. WOLFE and ADML. SAUNDERS Septr. the 18. 1759 ... Publish'd according to Act of parliament. (Artist: Cobin) - Library and Archives Canada, Acc. No. R9266-3422, Peter Winkworth Collection of Canadiana]


[January 26, 1760]

... On the 26th of last Month, in Latitude 23 N. Longitude 51 W. Capt. Peter Woodally in the Ship Fame of Bristol, spoke with the Snow Benjamin, Capt. Alexander, bound from Philadelphia to Louisbourg with Provisions, having been obliged, through Stress of Weather, to bear away for Antigua.


Boston, January 28.

The Court taking into Consideration the Services of the 2500 Men of this Province Troops, who were posted at Louisbourg, and at Halifax, and in the Bay of Fundy; have voted Provision of 4 £ as a Reward to each Man who continued in said Service during the Winter, and 9 £ per Man as a Bounty to each one of these who shall inlist for another Campaign: And have further voted as Bounty for 5000 Recruits more, 9 £ to each Man who shall inlist as aforesaid.


Philadelphia, February 7.

... Captain Kidd, from Halifax, advises, that the Garrisons there, and at Louisbourg were very healthy, and the Seamen that came in sick from Quebec, recovering fast ...


[February 14, 1760]

CUSTOM HOUSE, Philadelphia, ...

CLEARED.

... Schooner Lark, Jacob Taylor, to Louisbourg ...


Boston, February 25.

... By Capt. Robson, who arrived here last Friday, in five Days from Halifax, we have Advice, that a Sloop belonging to this Place, Archibald Dinmore, Master, laden with King Stores for Louisbourg, was lately burnt as she lay at Anchor in Canso Harbour: It is said the Fire was occasioned by some Defect in the Chimney place in the Steerage, which, as it happened at Midnight, got to such a Head before it was discovered, that nothing but the Mens Lives were saved. ...


[March 13, 1760]

CUSTOM HOUSE, Philadelphia,... 

OUTWARDS.

... Snow Hannah, Nathaniel Donnell, for Louisbourg ...

CLEARED.

... Sloop Success, Theophilus Dimmock, to Louisbourg. ...


Philadelphia, March 27.

.... The Snow Benjamin, Captain Alexander, from this Port for Louisbourg, is taken, and carried to Martinico ...


Boston, March 17.

Yesterday Captain Smallage, in a Sloop, arrived here in 7 Days from Louisbourg, by whom we hear, that the Garrison at that Place is well, and have Plenty of good Provisions. The Winter has been very severe at Louisbourg, but much moderated when Captain Smallage came away. By the above Vessel we learn, that the Provincial Troops of this Province, who have garrisoned Louisbourg the Summer and Winter past, have near all inlisted again for the ensuing Campaign, being well satisfied with the large Bounty and Pay made by our General Assembly in their late Session. ...


Boston, March 31.

... "I was surprized to hear of such a Number of Indian Chiefs in this Part of America, and Mr. Manach further told me, they were all of one Nation, and known by the Name of Micmacks; that they were very numerous, amounting to near three Thousand Souls; that he had learned their Language since he had been
among them, and found so much Excellence in it, that he was well persuaded if the Beauties of it were known in Europe, there would be Seminaries erected for Propagation of it.---- How that might be is better known to him, than to those who know nothing of the Language: But I think I may venture to say, That if there be so many of these Indians, as he says there are, I know this Province as it abounds very plentifully with Furrs, may reap a fast Advantage by them, provided Canada returns not into the Hands of the French." 

Names of the Indian Chiefs inhabiting the Coast of Acadia. ...

Jeannot Piguidawalwet, Chief of cape breton. ...


[April 10, 1760]

To be SOLD by ANDREW HOOK, In Arch street, at the Sign of Admiral Boscawen, handsomely embellished, and printed on the best paper, the second Edition (with very large Additions,
Corrections and Improvements) of A MAP of Nova Scotia, and Parts adjacent;

A MAP of Nova Scotia, and Parts adjacent; wherein is (now) accurately described Parts of New England (from Boston Northeastward) Nova Scotia, its true Extent, Boundaries, and Fishing banks; the Islands of Cape Breton, St. Johns, Anticosti, and Newfoundland; the great River of Canada, or St. Lawrence, with Orelans, Coudre, and other Islands that lie in it. Shewing also all the various Communications, by Means of the Rivers Restigouche, St. Johns, Penobscot, Kenebeck, Chaudiere, &c. between Quebec, and other Places situate on St. Lawrence River, on the North across the Land, with the Gulph of St. Lawrence on the East, the Bay of Fundy and Atlantic Ocean on the South. The English Forts and Settlements, and the Seats of the (pretended Neutral) French Inhabitants in Nova Scotia; with every thing else worthy of Notice, or that may serve to give a true Idea of the Situation and Connection of the several parts of that Country, and of the Advances and Operations of his Majesty Troops that have been, or now are employed in those parts. Also in a vacant Part of the Plate are inserted the following (more particular) Draughts of the principal Places that are situate within the Bounds of this Map, viz. 1. The Situation of Halifax, Draught of Chebucto Harbour, &c. 2. A PLan of the Town of Halifax. 3. A Plan of Quebec. 4. A Plan of the Port and Fortress of Louisbourg, with
the English Works raised against it in 1745. 5. A neat View of the Town of Boston. ...


April 22, 1760]

Henry Evans, Diary of the Charming Molly, PANS MG 100, Vol. 1, Number 7


[April 24, 1760]

CUSTOM HOUSE, Philadelphia, ...

CLEARED.

... Schooner Charming Molly, G. Gowell, to Louisbourg....


[May 1, 1760]

CUSTOM HOUSE, Philadelphia,...

OUTWARDS.

... Brig Catherine, John Andrews, for Louisbourg. ...

CLEARED.

... Sloop Elizabeth, John Brown, to Louisbourg. ...


NEWPORT, June 3.

REMARKS at Quebec, from October 27, 1759, to May 8, 1760.

[May] 8. Off Louisbourg, but forced to bear away for Halifax.


[May 15, 1760]

CUSTOM HOUSE, Philadelphia, ... 

CLEARED ....

Brig Katharine, John Andrews, to Louisbourg. ...


New York, May 19.

Saturday Afternoon the Quota of the Forces appointed to be raised by an Act of Assembly of this Colony, for the City of New York, embarked for Albany.

The same Day arrived here a Schooner from Louisbourg, in 11 Days in which Vessel came Passengers several Gentlemen Officers, belonging to Warburton Regiment; but are appointed to command in the 55th now at Albany. --- We are informed by the above Vessel, that a French Privateer, from the Missisippi, has lately been very troublesome at the Mouth of the River St. Lawrence; and that she has lately taken a Schooner from Boston, bound for Quebec or Louisbourg ...


Philadelphia, May 22.

... Captain Church came up here on Sunday last, in twelve Days, from Louisbourg, at which Time they were full of Ice there ...


[May 22, 1760]

CUSTOM HOUSE, Philadelphia, INWARD ENTRIES.

... Schooner Leopard, Thomas Church, from Louisbourg. ...

OUTWARDS.

... Sloop Dolphin, Jeremiah Greenman, for Louisbourg ...

CLEARED.

Snow Hibernia, John Troy, to Louisbourg. ...


Boston, May 26.

Last Wednesday a Fishing Vessel arrived at Marblehead from the Banks, the Skipper of which informs, that about 14 Days before, he spoke with one of his Majesty Ships of 26 Guns, and sent her to Louisbourg; she was bound up the River St. Lawrence, and parted from seven others the Day before she was taken, all bound for the same Place. ...


[May 29, 1760]

CUSTOM HOUSE, Philadelphia, INWARD ENTRIES.

... Sloop William and George, George McClenan, from Louisbourg. ...


Boston, May 19.

... By Captain Watts in 11 Days from Louisbourg, but last from Halifax, in Eight, we learn, that a small Privateer of 6 Guns, out of the Gutt of Canso, has taken a large Sloop belonging to Mr. Kingsbury of Newbury (bound from Philadelphia for Quebec) William Campbell Master; also a Schooner called the Bellona, belonging to Louisbourg; and that sundry other Vessels were chased by her, but being better Sailers, got clear. Captain Watts also informs, that all the Vessels bound up the River, were safe arrived at Louisbourg before he sailed, after having attempted it, and being prevented, by Reason of the great Quantity of Ice coming down the River. ...


... Extract of a Letter from an Officer at Quebec, to his
Friend in Boston, dated May 21, 1760.

---"On the 9th we were agreeably surprized to see Capt. Dean, in his MajestyShip Leostoffe, of 20 Guns, arrive here, which gave great Spirits to both Officers and Soldiers; in about 6 Days after, Capt. Swanton in the Vanguard, and Capt. Schomberg in the Diana, arrived here in the Dusk of the Evening, and the next Morning the 3 Ships weighted Anchor, and stood up the River to attack the enemy Ships, which were Mons. Votany with 4 Frigates, from 44 to 22 Guns, besides several Store Ships: They made a running Fight of it till our Ships got up with them, when they ran them all on Shore. The French Commodore fought bravely, and would not strike till all his Ammunition was exhausted: This is the Man that commanded the Arethusa at Louisbourg, and we have him at last safe on board Capt. Schomberg. In this Affair we lost the Leostoffe; but Canada is now ours ...


Boston, June 2.

... Saturday last a Sloop arrived here from Louisbourg in 7 Days, with Dispatches for his Excellency Gen. Amherst, which were brought there by one of His Majesty Ships of War, and Yesterday Morning an Express set out from hence for Albany. By her we learn, that Colonel Bastide with a Company of Miners, was arrived there, in order to demolish the Works at that Place. ...


London ...

Jan. 4. 

The same Reasons which induced us, at the Treaty of Utrecht, to insist upon the entire Cession of Nova Scotia,
to which we had a just Claim, and upon which the Islands of cape breton and St. John were naturally dependent (as appears from that very Treaty) ought to determine us to insist, whenever we conclude a Peace, on the keeping of those Islands; because if we do not keep them, our Frontier Colonies can never be quiet. Besides the French gained a great Advantage, and we received infinite Detriment, in spite of several Laws
made to prevent it, by the Lumber furnished by the Inhabitants of our Northern Plantations to the French Sugar Colonies; but they were not contented with this: They saw that it increased the Shipping and Navigation of those British Colonies which carried on the Trade with the French Islands, and they could not bear that. Instead, therefore, of suffering us to carry our Lumber as formerly, they resolved to carry it themselves;
and with this View they caused the Inhabitants of their Islands to bring their Melasses and other Goods to Cape Breton, where they were exchanged for Lumber, brought thither by our trading Vessels; and this Lumber again transport, in their own Ships, to their own Islands; in which Navigation they employed several Thousand Seamen, to their great Emolument, and apparently to our great Loss. --- This Trade, as soon as they are restored to the Possession of that Island, there is no Doubt will be revived; and therefore, to prevent the Revival of it, we ought not to part with cape breton.


[June 5, 1760]

CUSTOM HOUSE, Philadelphia, ...

OUTWARDS.

Sloop William and George, George McClenan, for Louisbourg. ...

CLEARED.

... Schooner Leopard, Thomas Church, to Louisbourg. ...


New York, June 30.

... By Captain Given, who arrived at Boston the 20th Instant, in 9 Days from Louisbourg, we are informed, That about 150 French Neutrals had arrived there from Pictou, in order to receive the Protection of the British Crown; but as there could be no Dependance on their Fidelity, they were to be sent to France in a Cartel Ship. These Neutrals informed that about 50 Indians were also coming in to surrender themselves to the English: --- And that the Miners lately arrived from England, together with Part of the Garrison, were daily employed in making the necessary Preparations for demolishing the Works of that Place, so as not to leave one Stone upon another. ...


[June 12, 1760]

CUSTOM HOUSE, Philadelphia, ...

CLEARED.

... Sloop William and George, G. McClean, to Louisbourg. ...


Boston, June 23.

... Capt. Harris further informs, that Capt. Schomberg of the Diana Frigate, with another Officer, were gone for England in the Hunter Sloop of War, which came down the River at the same Time he did, with an Account of the French having raised the Siege of that Place, and of the Arrival of the English Fleet there, consisting of 9 Sail of the Line besides Frigates: --- That only one Vessel was arrived from the continent before he sailed, which was a large Topsail Sloop: --- That about 7 Leagues below the city he met with a Fleet of small Craft bound up with Provisions, &c. from these Parts, being those that attempted it some Time since, but were obliged to put back to Louisbourg; and that he met with between 20 and 30 Sail of Provisions Vessels from Great Britain, just at the Entrance of the River; some of which he spoke with, who acquainted him that all that sailed in Company were safe in the River; That the large French Store Ship, mentioned some Time ago to be froze up in the Bay of Gaspey, was taken by Eurus and Richmond Frigates, and carried up to Quebec; and that they had received no Advice of any French Ships arriving in that River this Spring. ...


New York, June 23.

... The Captain of this Halifax Vessel farther says, that Lord Colvil carried up the River with him five Sail of the Line, and three Frigates; and that Commodore Swanton (in the Vanguard) hand either three or five Sail of the Line, and several Frigates, when he went up, so that it was supposed we had about 15 Men of War up St. Lawrence: That the Repulse Frigate sailed with him on a Cruize; that the Penzance Man of War was hove down, and would be ready in about ten Days to proceed to Quebec: That the Louisbourg Garrison was to be sent to Halifax; and the Cannon thereof to be transported to different Part of the Continent. And likewise, that Letters were received at Halifax from Chignecto, informing of the Siege of Quebec being raised by the Enemy, who suffered great Loss ...


New London

Extract of a Letter from Louisbourg, June 24.

"General Whitmore and Hopson Regiment are embarked, and will sail the first fair Weather for Quebec. --- Three 70 Gun Ships and 2 Frigates have sailed from here in Quest of several French Men of War, who were in the Gulf, and supposed intended to land Men and Stores at Chedibucto, or thereabouts. --- The Miners, &c. are hard at Work to demolish this Garrison, which will be effected in about 3 Weeks."

Last Monday arrived here from Cape Francois by Way of Monto Christi, Captain House, who commanded the rich Philadelphia Snow, taken by Monsieur Chateleau who, we are very sorry to say, has not answered the Character formerly given of him; for notwithstanding Capt. House proved a most valuable Prize, having a Cargo on board, worth at least Sixty Thousand Pounds Sterl. he was stripped of every Thing, even to a single Coat, obliged to pay for his Lodgings while at the Cape, and the Surgeon Bills for attending him (being shot through the Right Hand, so as to render it useless) this he found Means to do by the Friendship of one Monsieur McCarty, a Merchant, who supplied him with some Money, or he must have lain in Goal. From this Treatment of a Gentleman, who unfortunately fell into his Hands with so fine a Cargo, we believe Chateleau Politeness, while on our Coast, was owing more to several of the New York Privateers, into whose Hands there was some Danger of his falling, than to Principles of Virtue or Humanity in him. There were about 20 Sail of French Ships in that Port, and more daily coming in, our Men of War on that Station, not having Time to look after them, being engaged to stop a Branch of Trade the most beneficial for Great Britain and North America that the English have ever engaged in.


[June 26, 1760]

Just imported in the James and Mary, the Dragon, and the Prince George, from London, and to be sold very cheap, for cash or short credit, by BENJAMIN RAWLE, At his store, on the North side of Arch street, between Front and Second streets, ...  Louisbourg and King of Prussia handkerchiefs ...


Philadelphia, July 1.

... From Quebec we have these further Particulars, viz. That form the Battle on the 28th of April, to the Raising of the Siege, the Garrison had not above 50 men killed and wounded: That the General hearing the Enemy designed to escalade, called his Officers together, and told them, that if they would stand by him he would not give up the Place while he had ten Men left; to which the brave Men immediately agreed, and with the greatest Chearfulness: That the Garrison would soon be strongly reinforced, the Battalions at Louisbourg being shipping off for that Purpose, as they were destroying the Works of that Place: That some of our Provision Ships had got up: That the Rochester Man of War, with 15 or 16 more Provision Vessels from England, was met going up the River: And that it was said some or our Men of War, of the same Convoy, had taken two French Frigates on the Passage. ...


Philadelphia, July 10.

... One Tuesday arrived here Captain Jones, in 24 Days from Louisbourg. As he came out, twelve Sail of Vessel arrived, said to be the Fleet from New York. They were busy destroying the Works there, having above 1000 Men at Work on them; and it was thought it would take six Weeks to complete it from the Time Captain Jones sailed.


[July 17, 1760]

... CUSTOM HOUSE, Philadelphia, INWARD ENTRIES.

... Sloop Ruby, Ephraim Jones, from Louisbourg. ...


Boston, July 21.

Wednesday last arrived here Capt. John Ingersole, from Louisbourg, which Place he left the 22d of June, by whom we are informed, that on the 17th a Schooner, which was dispatched from the Island of St. John, arrived there in 36 Hours, with Advice, that they had received Intelligence by some of the Indians, that there were arrived at Bay Vert, and lying in one of the harbours there, five French Ships of War, two of them of 50 Guns, and three Frigates, of 20 Guns each; and that the French thereabouts were fitting out 6 or 7 Privateers, one of them which a large Sloop, of above 100 tons, taken by them last Year, under the Command of the above Capt. Ingersole, which they had mounted with 12 Carriage Guns. Upon which Intelligence, the Fame, of 74 Guns, commanded by the Hon. John Byron, with two 60 Gun Ships, and two Frigates, one of 28, the other of 20 Guns, they lying in Louisbourg Harbour, were fitted out with such Dispatch, that tho' their Sails were unbent and housed ashore, yet they got all in Order, and sailed the very next Day (the 18th) in Quest of them, and it was not doubted but they would meet with them. ...

We also learn from Louisbourg, that two Regiments of that Garrison had sailed from thence for Quebec, under Convoy; and that the Mines were almost finished, for blowing up the Fortifications and other Works there, agreeable to his Majest ypositive Orders, received some Time since.

The same Day a Schooner arrived at Salem, in 14 Days from Louisbourg, in whom came an Officer from Quebec, which Place he left the 16th of June. By him we learn, that 26 Store ships from England were arrived there; but that not above 4 or 5 of the Provisions Vessels from the Continent had got up when he came away, tho' Numbers were hourly expected: That some small Craft were sent above the City, in order to make Discoveries, and harrass the Enemy: And that Preparations were making for the Garrison to march in Pursuit of the French Army, as soon as the Reinforcement from Louisbourg should arrive there. That the People belonging to two Vessels from this Place, and one from Halifax, were got up to Quebec, their Vessels being taken by the Enemy, who came off from the Shore in Boats, as they were going up the River, just above Gaspey ...


Extract of a Letter from Quebec, July 22, 1760.

"Yesterday we had Accounts from General Murray. The Porcupine Man of War, with about 20 transports, had passed by Chambeau, and got safe over the Rapids, or Falls of Richlieu, about 16 or 18 Leagues from this Place; but, in passing by Chambeau, they were fired at by a two Gun Battery, when a Lieutenant, and three or four private Men were killed; the rest of the Fleet were waiting for a Wind to pass. they landed thrice on the South Shore, without any Opposition, but could not effect a Landing on the North Side. The Louisbourg Garrison is expected up every Day, the greatest Part of which will be sent up the River."


Boston, August 4.

Wednesday Morning Capt. Dean arrived here from Halifax, which Place he left the Saturday before: We have Advice, That on the 21st of July arrived there the Repulse Man of War, of 32 Guns, from the Bay Chaleurs, and brought in the Crews of several Vessels which had been taken by the French, particularly, of the Augustus, Barnabas Velman, from New London, but last from Louisbourg; Banks, from New York; Cushing from Casco Bay; Swinney and Maxwell, from Halifax, bound up the River, which Vessels, on the 16th of May last, off of Gaspee Bay, happened to fall in with a French Frigate, and two large Store ships, from Bourdeaux, in France, who took them all, and carried them into Bay Chaleurs. Some of the Men that were taken arrived here in Captain Dean, and inform, That the French had fitted out the Augustus as a Privateer; but was taken by one of the five Men of War, which sailed from Louisbourg in Quest of these Ships, as well have already given an Account:  ...

... Capt. Bradford is arrived at Portsmouth, in six Days from Louisbourg, and informs, That on the 20th ult. in the Gutt of Canso, he had like to have been boarded by a French Pettiaugre, which he fired at and beat off sundry Times. --- The 21st ult. sailed from Louisbourg, for Quebec, the Racehorse, and 17 Sail, with Stores, Provisions, &c. The 22d sailed for Halifax 9 Sail, with Cannon and Stores for that Place. Captain Dorrington, from Boston, was met with by the Repulse, off Canso. ...

... We hear form Marblehead, that John Caswall, Master of a Fishing Schooner, belonging to that Place, brought in there last Monday, a Boat, which he took up the Friday before on Brown Bank: In the Boat was one Man alive, and two or three dead Bodies: they took the live Man on board the Schooner, who, after being refreshed, and gaining a little strength, informed them, that he had belonged to a Brigantine, Arthur Cathern, Master, from New York, bound to Antigua, with Flour, Bread, & c. but 4 Days after they left Port, the Brig sprung a Leak, and the Water came in so fast, the People, consisting of the Master and 17 Men, had but just Time to get into the Boat, without any Provisions: A few Days after they saw a Sloop, and made Signals, but were not discerned by her; being without sustenance several of them soon died, which were thrown overboard by the others, till at length they all died but this Man, whose Name is Thomas Purnall; the two last who died was the Captain and Boy, but Purnall being very weak, he was not able to throw them over. It was 23 Days from the Brig foundering to the Time the Fisherman met with the Boat. What the poor People subsisted on, if it can be called Subsistance, was the Barnicles and Stuff which gathered on the Outside of the Boat.

The young Man since he has gathered more Strength says the Brig was bound to Louisbourg and the River ...


... Extract of a Letter from Louisbourg, August 4.

"Mr. John Moss, returned here with 14 Indians, who came to pay their Submission to his Excellency General Whitmore, and sign Articles of Peace: His Excellency received them with great Marks of Friendship, and ordered them all to be cloathed. There is one Chief and twelve more Indians expected
in every Day on the same Account.


[August 7, 1760]

Imported in the last vessels from London, a variety of choice goods, and to be sold cheap, for cash or sure credit, by PHILIP BENEZET, At his store in Front street, between Chestnut and Walnut streets, at the corner of Grayalley, in the city of Philadelphia, ... king of Prussia and Louisbourg printed linen and Scotch kenting ditto ...


[August 7, 1760]

... Yesterday Morning arrived here Capt. Andrews in 18 Days from Louisbourg, and informs, that the Miners have been somewhat retarded in their Work, by the caving in of some of the Mines, and that it would be some Time before the Works are blow up. --- That they had received no late News from Quebec; nor any from our Ships which lately sailed from thence in Quest of the French Vessels said to be in the Bay of Chaleurs.

Friday last arrived here from Louisbourg and a Cruize, the Province Ship of War King George, Capt. Hallowell.--- From Louisbourg we learn, that the armed Vessels lately fitted out from thence, had been at Pictou, and burnt 5 or 6 of the Vessels which the Enemy had taken from us last year, and brought off some Plunder; --- That the Indians from St. John, who brought the Account of the five French Men of War being the Bay of Chaleurs, also informed, that they had landed 400 Men, in order, it was said, to attack our Garrison at Fort Cumberland. ...


Philadelphia, August 14.

On Monday last Captain Rench arrived here, in Twenty Days Passage, from Quebec. By him, and from some private letters, we learn as follows, viz. That a Week before he sailed, General Murray, with 2000 Troops, in about 40 Sail of Transports, left Quebec for Montreal, having likewise with him a 40 Gun Ship, a Frigate, and a Sloop of War, with several floating Batteries, some of which mounted 24 Pounders: That about 10 Leagues up the River, he landed his Men, and took, after a good Deal of Opposition from the Enemy, a 16 Gun Battery, which is said to be the only Obstruction of that Kind he has to meet with in going up: That it was reported a French Army (about 10,000 Men) designed to give General Amherst Battle, to hinder his joining General Murray: That Captain Rench, in coming down the River, met the Louisbourg Garrison (two Battalions) going up to Quebec, about 20 Leagues above Gaspee: That there was no Trade allowed at Quebec with the Inhabitants, who are said to be in great Want of Provisions; but that there was a Sort of Market kept without the Walls, at which the Soldiers only were suffered to exchange their salt Provisions for Greens, Milk, &c. brought there by the Canadians: That an Express of Rangers had arrived from General Amherst, who were 20 Days from Crown Point; but in crossing the River St. Francis on a Raft, they were carried down the Falls, by which they lost their Packet, and all this Arms; so that General Murray could receive but little Information from them: That one of our Ships of War, above Quebec, had received some Damage from some of the French floating Batteries, and lost some Men: That a Friend Indian Came in from Trois Rivieres, and said, the French told him, that Major Rogers had burnt two Village son the Island Jesus, within five Leagues of Montreal: And that our Troops went off in high Spirits, the Officers, it is said, striving and petitioning for Leave to go on the Expedition.


Boston, August 18.

... Thursday last arrived here from Louisbourg, in fourteen Days, His Majesty Ship Scarborough, Captain Stott, with Dispatches for his Excellency General Amherst, which were brought thither by a Man of War in a Short Passage from England, who after delivering the Packets at Louisbourg, immediately proceeded to Quebec. The Dispatches for the General were forwarded from hence by Express the same Day. It is said they contain Matters of Consequence, but as yet nothing has transpired.

Saturday last Captain Ripley arrived here in 13 Days from Louisbourg, by him we learn that they were still at Work on the Mines, had compleated three, and were about to charge them; that they had blown up the Fortifications at Black Rock, without the Walls; and that, by the Dispatches brought by the Express mentioned above, it was generally thought there was a Peace.


Philadelphia, August 21.

... The Troops gone up to Quebec from Louisbourg, with Lord Rollo, are about 1100. They were preparing to blow there the 16th of July, but there was not one Mine finished; and the Preparation, it was thought, would last as long as the Season was fit for working. ...


Extract of a Letter from Louisbourg, Aug. 22.

--- "Five Mines were sprung last Sabbath, and had a good Effect: The Report was nothing to what we expected from Ten Thousand lb. Weight of Powder; but the Appearance was, as I conceive, like a Vulcano emitting earth, Smoke and Stones. ---  We have had an epidemic Cold in the Garrison, but are better."


Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Brigadier General
Murray, to the Right Honourable Mr. Secretary Pitt, dated
Contrecoeur, nine Leagues from Montreal, August 24, 1760.

BEFORE I set out from Quebec, I did myself the Honour to transmit to you, a Plan of the Operations I had proposed for the Corps under my Command this Campaign; I have hitherto adhered to it, and it has succeeded beyond my most sanguine Expectations.

M. De Levis has for a Monthly, done me, and still does me the Honour to watch our Motions, with the gross of his Army; and though I have no Tidings of General Amherst, I cannot doubt of his being well advanced, unless he has found his Route impracticable, which indeed I am told is difficult: I am confident he has not yet had any Interruption from the Enemy, their Post at Galette excepted.

The Manisestoes I have published to the Canadians, have had the desired Effect; most of the Parishes on the South Shore, as far as the River Sorrel, have submitted to His Majesty, and taken the Oath of Neutrality.

As I advanced with the Detachment of the Quebec Garrison, which sailed a Fortnight before the Arrival of the two Regiments from Louisbourg, the French Army kept Pace with me, abandoning every Post in their Rear:


Philadephia ...

[August 24 and 26, 1760].

... By Letters from Isle aux Noix, of the 24th and 26th of August, we have Advice, that an Express had arrived there from General Murray, by whom he wrote that the had with him 6500 Men, including the two Regiments from Louisbourg, and two complete Battalions that had joined him from England. ... 


Boston, August 25.

... THAT about a Fortnight before he sailed, General Murray with about 2500 Troops embarked on board a Number of Sloops, Schooners, &c. together with the Diana, Penzance and Porcupine Frigates, and sailed from Quebec the 14th of July,...  --- That the Troops from Louisbourg were impatiently waited for, who had Orders immediately to join General Murray, when the whole are to move forward towards Montreal, and we hope soon to inform our Readers of our Armies being in Possession of the whole French Territories in that Part of the World. 

We also learn, that the Army land from the Transports early in the Morning, and march with the greatest Caution, and embark on board again every Night, for Fear of a Surprize, as they are not strong enough to take the Field, until joined by the Troops from Louisbourg. That the Troops went off with the greatest Chearfulness, having received large Supplies of Provisions and Refreshments of all Kinds from this and the neighbouring Provinces; many Cattle Vessels, &c. being arrived before they sailed, and others daily coming in; and Captain Gardner met with many of them in the River going up. That Colonel Frazier, in the Absence of General Murray, commands at Quebec. ...


[August 28, 1760]

CUSTOM HOUSE, Philadelphia, INWARD ENTRIES.

... Sloop Molly, John Holmes from Louisbourg....


New York, Sept. 1.

At the Island of Coudre, Captain Gardner was obliged to anchor, where he met with the Men of War and Transports, with the Troops from Louisbourg, who arrived there the 29th of July, were in Health and high Spirits, and impatient to join their countrymen. ...


New York, Sept. 4.

... An Account of the Success of His Majesty Army under Gen. AMHERST, in the River St. Lawrence....

... On the 10th of August the Army embarked at Oswego, and proceeded across the Lake into the River. ... The Terms offered by the General were, that the Garrison should be Prisoners of War, and every thing in it delivered up: Ten Minutes were allowed them to consider whether or not they would accept of these Proposals: They thought best to accept of them; and His Majesty Troops are now in Possession of Fort Levi, on the Isle Royal. Our Loss on this Occasion has been very inconsiderable; that of the Enemy (whose Garrison consisted of about 300 Men) about 12 killed, and 40 wounded ...


... Copy of a letter from the Right Honourable the Lord Colville,
to the Right Honourable Mr. Secretary Pitt, dated
Northumberland at Quebec, Sept. 12, 1760.

CAPTAIN Byron, senior Officer of the King Ships at Louisbourg, in Consequence of Intelligence he had received Favour. He is very capable of giving you an Account of whatever you desire to know, with Relation to this Country. I am, &c. COLVILLE. from Brigadier General Whitmore, of some Ships of the Enemy being at Ristigouchi; in the Bottom of the Bay of Chaleurs, immediately sailed with the same, Dorsetshire, Achilles,
Scarbourough, and Repulse, and found the Ships at the Place described; ....,


Boston, September 15.

Friday last arrived here Capt. Cobb, from Halifax, but last from Liverpool, in Nova Scotia, in eight Days; by him we learn that seven Vessels were arrived at Halifax from Louisbourg, laden with Cannon, Mortars, Shells, &c. and that on the 27th ult. Capt. Stott, in his Majesty Ship Scarborough, arrived there from this Place.


[September 18, 1760]

Just imported in the last vessels from London, and to be sold cheap, for cash or short credit, by BENJAMIN RAWLE, At his store in Arch street, between Front and Second streets, ...  Louisbourg and king of Prussia handkerchiefs, ...


[September 25, 1760]

SAMUEL HOWELL Has just imported in the ships America and Britannia, and other vessels from England, and to be sold at his store, next door to the Queen Head, in Water street, a few doors above Chestnut street, ... Cumberland, Amherst, Wolfe, Louisbourg and Scots handkerchiefs ... 


October 19, 1760

Governor Charles Lawrence [referencing Grand-Pré] wrote this letter to General Whitemore at Louisbourg, the commander of the British in Cape Breton: 

...I find myself under a necessity of Complying with a Request that Mr. Maillard (Father Maillard) has made to me, that the Families of a Louis and Joseph Petitpas may be permitted to attend him here: These two men have always had a particular attachment to Mr. Maillard and may be very useful as interpreters of the Indian Language and otherwise, wherefore I am to Request Your Excellency to Permit them to Come hither together with Six more families Viz. Abraham Lavandière, Amand Braulds, Sigismond Braulds, Jean Baptiste Romas, Jacques Petitpas, and Jean Petitpas, whom I intend to employ, as they are recommend to me by Mr. Maillard, to be most Skillfull people in making Dikes & wares to keep off the sea frm our Marsh Lands about Mines & Piziquid; and whose fidelity he assures may be depended on. Lawrence

[http://www.acadian-home.org/chezzetcook.html]


... 22d October, 1760.

... We hear from Louisbourg, that the Works in the Front of that Place, were all blown up, and levelled, so that nothing but a Beach was to be seen; but that the Whole was not demolished a Fortnight ago. ...


[October 30, 1760]

CUSTOM HOUSE, Philadelphia, INWARD ENTRIES.

... Sloop Bonetia, John Potter, from Louisbourg. ...


Philadelphia, November 6.

On Monday last the Brig Sally, Captain William Budden, arrived here from Lisbon, in a most distressed Condition, as lately mentioned in this Paper. On the 17th of October he saw a Brig standing to the Westward, without her Mainmast, in Lat. 36: 53. The 19th, in Lat. 37: 24, saw three Sail, one of which under Jury Masts; and some time after, the same Day, a large Vessel without Masts. The 22d, in Lat. 38, he spoke with the Snow Polly, Capt. Troup, of London, bound to Hampton, in Virginia, from Louisbourg; had suffered a little in his Rigging, otherwise all well, and spared him some Water. The same Day he also spoke with Captain Lawrence, from New York, for Augustine, from whom likewise he had some Water and Candles. And on the 27th he met with Capt. John Williams, in a Sloop from Jamaica for New York, who was extremely kind to him, and offered him any Assistance in his Power.  ...


[November 6, 1760]

CUSTOM HOUSE, Philadelphia, INWARD ENTRIES.

... Snow Louisbourg, Hugh Dougherty, from Lisbon. ...

OUTWARDS.

... Sloop Bonetta, John Potter, For Louisbourg. ...


Boston, November 10.

... We hear from Louisbourg, That the Greyhound Man of War was arrived there from England; five Storeships for Quebec came out under her Convoy, who proceeded up the River, whilst the Greyhound put into Louisbourg to deliver some Dispatches.

Mr. Maitland, Adjutant General of all the Forces in Canada, who came Passenger in the Greyhound to Louisbourg, and arrived here last Week from thence, set out last Saturday for Quebec.


[November 13, 1760]

CUSTOM HOUSE, Philadelphia, ...

CLEARED.

... Sloop Bonetta, John Potter, to Louisbourg. ...


[November 14, 1760]

I acquainted you in some of my Letters in December [1759] and January [1760] last that the Indians were Come in, and that they had agreed to live with us upon a footing of Friendship. Accordingly Several of their Chiefs came in here and articles were agreed on and Signed by Them and Me in Form. On which Occassion as They pleaded they were Naked and Starving I Cloathed Them and gave Them Some Presents of Provisions etc. Afterwards Several Others came in to whom I was Obliged to do the like. And at this time the Chief of the Island is here who beside some Cloathing makes a demand of Powder, Shott, and Arms for four men, which if I would Remain in Peace with Them I find I must Comply with. They Say the French always Supplyed Them with these Things and They expect that we will do the Same. I can fore See that this will be a Constant annual Expence, and therefore I should be glad to have Your Directions both for my own Satisfaction and as a Rule to whoever may be left to Command here when I am Called away. Its Certain unless They are keep'd Quiet They might be very Troublesome to this Town with only a Small Garrison in it, and would entirely putt a Stop to any Settling or fishing all along the Coast, and which is yet of greater Consequence might much disturb and hinder the Settlement of Nova Scotia as They are so near to the back Settlements of that Province. 

[Source: Governor at Louisbourg, Brigadier-General Edward Whitmore to General Jeffrey Amherst, based in New York, who commanded the British forces in North America Dispatch, November 14, 1760.)


Boston, November 17.

... Yesterday Capt. Tozer, who sailed from hence for Quebec some Time ago, put back: He was obliged, by Stress of Weather, to put into Louisbourg, from which Place he sailed for the River 38 Days ago, but meeting with contrary Winds, and bad Weather, in which he received considerable Damage, he was obliged to return hither. ...


Philadelphia, November 19.

... Sunday last Captain Morton arrived here in 15 Days from Halifax; by whom we have Advice, that the Vessels had sailed from thence for Louisbourg, for the last Load of Guns, &c from that Place; so that it is thought the Fortifications there are, by this Time, intirely destroyed ...


Boston, December 1.

... Yesterday arrived here Captain Thompson in an armed Schooner of the Board of Ordnance, from Louisbourg; In her came the Hon. John Henry Bastide, Esq; one of His Majesty chief Engineers, and Director of the Works in the Demolition of the Fortifications on the Island of Cape Breton. ...


Return/retour