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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

1747

[1747]

 A brief and plain essay on God's wonder-working providence for New-England, [microform] : in the reduction of Louisburg, and fortresses thereto belonging on Cape-Breton. : With a short hint in the beginning, on the French taking & plundering the people of Canso, which led the several governments to unite and pursue that expedition. : With the names of the leading officers in the army and the several regiments to which they belonged. / By Samuel Niles.  N. London: Printed and sold by T. Green,, 1747.

Louisbourg, January 20, 1747

Governor Knowles to Duke of Newcastle:

As to this Place, words are wanting to represent it, the severity of the weather being now such, and the miseries and sufferings of the Troops so great, as to be beyond expression or comprehension. Many have been Froze to Death, and the Sentrys, though relieved every half hour, frequently loose their Toes and Fingers: some have lost their Limbs by mortification in a few hours. The Houses and Quarters in general are so bad they cannot be made to keep out the snow and cold, so that officers and men have but little comfort even within doors when off duty. The snow in many places laying 10, 12, and 16 feet deep, nothing is more common than for one Guard to Digg the other out of the Guard Room before they can relieve them.

[Source: http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/29hist_chapter3 ] - HISTORY OF THE 29TH (WORCESTERSHIRE) REGIMENT, by H. Everard

 

Boston, February 9.

By a Vessel from Louisbourg to York we are informed, that Governor Knowles lay dangerously ill, having been seized with a Fit of the Numb Palsey ...

February 16. 

By a Vessel who arrived here on the 8th Instant from Annapolis-Royal, we have Advice, That our Forces marched from thence to Menis the Beginning of last December, and were received in the most affectionate Manner; and that the Inhabitants of that Place provided plentifully for them: --- That Mons. Ramsey, with a small Number of French and Indians, being much affrighted, fled from Menis as soon as he heard the Arrival of our Forces at Annapolis: --- That all our Army at Menis are healthy, and in high Spirits, no Distemper nor Sickness raging among them: --- That Col. Noble, who is Commander in Chief of that Detachment, has determin'd pursue the Monsieur, and doubtless will soon have the Pleasure of conversing with him, and prevent his Return to Canada:--- That Capt. Winslow, Capt. Rouse, and Capt. Cobb, lately marched, with about 60 or 70 Men, to the Head of Annapolis River, and on their Return were entertained in a most sumptuous Manner by the Popish Priest of that Place, who, with the greatest Expressions of Loyalty drank King George's Health.

We have Advice by Capt. Bruce, that the Mercury, a French Man of War of 50 Guns (another of the Jebucta Fleet) was taken and carried into Plymouth by one of his Majesty's Ships. That 17 or 18 of our West India homeward bound Merchantmen, with the Severn Man of War, were taken by the 3 French Men of War of whom Mention was made in one of our former Papers, but that 7 or 8 of them were retaken by our Men of War and Privateers, and that several of the French privateers had been taken. That the Captains Carey, Buckley, Nevin and Dumeresque, were among those taken in the West India Fleet. That Capt. Mulberry, and Capt. Moody, who sailed from hence to London last Fall, were taken by the Enemy's Privateers, but that the Captains Fones and Clarke were safely arrived.

Capt. Bruce came out with Capt. Craige and Capt. Dunn, both for this Part, with the Virginia Fleet, under Convoy, from whom he parted about 300 leagues West of the Land's End.
We also hear, that the Admirals Lestock and Martin are dead, and that Commodore Lee stands a fair Chance for a Flag.

Boston, March 2.

We have Advice from Martha's Vineyard, that two Men belonging to that Island, were lately arrived there from Martineco, who inform, that being on a Whaling Voyage the last Spring, near Newfoundland, they were taken by a French Man of War, and carried to Jebucta, and from thence sent to Canada, where they saw Captain Bagley, of Newbury, who was taken in his Passage to Louisburg the last Summer, and Capt. Jonathan Salter, of this Town, who was taken in June last, on his Voyage from Philadelphia to Louisburg, with a Number of new raised men for that Garrison. They also saw Mr. Richardson, of this Town, who was taken at St. John's, with others of Capt. Rouse's Men, the last Year, and also some of Capt. Donahew's Men, who were taken when he was killed. They say, there are in Quebeck, at least 300 English People, among whom are several whole Families, who are treated very indifferently by the French.

Last Tuesday arrived here Captain Fryer, in 30 Days from Anquilla, by whom we have Advice, that Commodore Lee, with his Squadron, was returned from his Cruize, to Antigua, the French Fleet, bound to France from Martineco, having kept out of his Sight, by stretching away to the Southward, escaped, and got clear, and that Commodore Legg was expected every Day, to relieve Commodore Lee.

Captain Fryer, about 14 Days ago met with several broken Pieces of a Wreck, floating on the Sea, with a great Number of White Oak Staves, some shaved, and some rough, as also some Boxes of Candles, some dipp'd, and some cast; so that it is supposed some Vessel bound to the West Indies from some Colony to the Southward has been lost. An Oar from the Wreck was taken up by Capt. Fryer, and brought in here.

Philadelphia, March 16.

A Gentleman who came from Georgia, informs us, that the Reverend Mr. George Whitefield is safe arrived there.

Thursday last arrived here Captain Ambler, from cape breton, who says, that Commodore Knowles was recovered, and intended soon for England; and that it was fear'd the Hynd Sloop of War was lost, and all her Crew drowned.

[March 24, 1747]

Boston

The following is a Letter from Mr. Gardner of Nantucket, who lately arrived there from Canada, dated Nantucket Feb. 19.

----Two Ships of War, one mounting 50 Guns, the other 30, sail'd from France the 8th of March last, and on the eighth took a Brig. from London bound to Barbados, J. Holdam Commander, with 14 Men on board; about the first of May following, they took a Snow from Dartmouth bound for Lisbon, R. Roberts Master; about the 18th of May the 50 Gun Ship parted from the other on Bank Vert, and went away for Jebucta, and in her Way took 4 Vessels: Some Time after took Captain Salter of Boston in a Sloop bound from Philadelphia to cape breton; Captain Bagley of Newbury, in a Sloop bound to cape breton; Capt. Jordan, in a Schooner of Newport, bound also to cape breton; and Captain Philips of Marblehead, in a Schooner on a fishing Voyage, which they sunk; the other three they carried into Jebucta with them, the 4 Vessels having in all 52 People, some Women, and some Soldiers: And on the 6th of June the 30 Gun Ship took us on Bank Vert. bound from Nantucket to Newfoundland a Whaling; our Sloop was commanded by Zepheniah Pinkman, having on board 14 Men; the 13th Day they took a Sloop belonging to Amboy, Captain Johnston, bound from Newfoundland, having on board 4 Men; and on the 23d and 24th of the same Month they took two fishing Schooners, one belonging to Salem, Francis Cox, the other to Cape Ann, Joseph Dennie, both having on board eleven Men. The Day that this Ship carried us Prisoners into Jebucta, being the 28th of June, they took a Sloop belonging to Norwich in Connecticut, bound for cape breton, commanded by Captain Story, they having five Men in all: And there we found the 50 Gun Ship with her Prizes; and after we had been there about three Weeks, the 50 Gun Ship went out on a cruize, and after 3 Days came in with the Billander Man of War bound from cape breton to Boston, Captain Colebay, having on board 68 Men, and one that was kill'd. The Number of Vessels they had taken were Twelve, and 173 Men; and they kept us till the 15th of August, and then let us go forth to travel in the Woods for the Bay Vert, where they had 6 Vessels lying, and where we all embark'd for Quebeck. When we arrived there, we found 150 Prisoners, Men, Women and Children; among whom was Captain Chapman of London, Captain Southerlin of Cape Cod, Capt. Poet of Casco; another Master was sent to France; the rest were chiefly taken by the Indians, among whom were some taken at St. John's, but several taken there were kill'd and scalp'd; we found all there that were taken at the Fort call'd the Massachusett's, except one that was kill'd and scalp'd; and several others who were taken on the Borders. our Allowance was very short and scanty, scarcely enough to support Nature, and the Canada Soldiers in marching is through the Woods, abused many of is as tho' we had been Dogs, when we were so sick and weak that we could hardly set one Foot before the other. There were in Quebeck 280 in Goal when I left the Place. JAMES GARDNER.

[March 24, 1747]

Custom House, Philadelphia ...

Entered Outwards.
... Snow Hannah, William Allison, for Louisbourgh ...

[March 30, 1747]

30th Two Iroquois, of the Lake of the Two Mountains, and twenty-three others of the Saut are being equipped; they are going to the enemy's country under the command of Cadet Langy Fontenelle, accompanied by Sieur Pommeroy, another Cadet of Ile Royale. 

[Source: New York Colonial Manuscripts [in the New York State Archives] [in the New York State Archives], vol. 10, (Paris Documents: X), pp. 154.]

[April 2, 1747]

Custom House, Philadelphia,...

Entered Outwards. ...
Snow George, --------------- for cape breton.

Cleared....
Snow Hannah, William Allison, to cape breton....

Philadelphia, April 9, 1747.

Deserted the 21st of March, from Lieutenant Dwight, recruiting for Sir William Pepperrell's regiment at Louisburgh, two men; one named John Robeson, an Irishman, about 21 years of age, 5 foot 5 inches high, well set, dark complexion, and has short black hair. The other named Charles McCartney, an Irishman, aged about 35, about 5 foot 6 inches high, well set, and wears a cap. Whoever apprehends said deserters, or secures them in any goal, or brings them to the George, in Second street, Philadelphia, shall have Two Pistoles reward for each, and reasonable charges, paid by John Scutt, for Lieutenant Dwight.

Boston, April 13.

Last Friday arrived here Governor Knowles, in the Comet-Bomb, in 8 Days from Louisbourg.

By Capt. Haugh arrived here last Tuesday from South Carolina, we have Advice, That a Flag of Truce arrived there from the Havanna a few Days before he sail'd, by which they have Intelligence, That the Galleons which had attempted to sail from thence last Fall for Europe, but return'd, have at last proceeded on their Voyage under Convoy of a Man of War of 60 Guns: That five Privateers were fitting out at the Havanna to cruize against the English, viz. A Ship of 36 Guns, an armed Brigantine, a Schooner, and two Sloops; and that the three former were bound to St. Augustine, in order to man.

The same Day arrived a Vessel from Virginia, in which came Capt. Samuel Allyn, who informs, That being in a Brig. with a Cargo of Wheat bound lately from Virginia for Madeira, off the Capes he met with violent Gales of Wind, whereby the Vessel was drove ashore and lost with her Cargo, but the Men all saved. He likewise informs, That a Ship was arrived at Virginia in 30 Days from London, and that he just saw a publick Print from thence of the 24th of February last, which gives an Account that the Austrian Forces had suppress'd the Insurrection at Genoa Sword in Hand, whereby many Thousands of the Inhabitants were slain; and that they had likewise demolished some of their Fortifications, Walls, &c.

We hear from our Western Frontiers, that a Body of Indians suppos'd to be the same which lately attack'd Shattuck's Fort, had upon their Retreat, when about 15 Miles above Fort Dummer, hemm'd in Captain Melvil with 27 Men at the Nook of a River, but durst not venture to engage them: The Indians being above double in Number and advantageously posted, Capt. Melvil tho't it prudent not to attack them; and having stopp'd about 24 Hours they went off.

[April 16, 1747]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entered ...
Cleared.... Snow George, G. Rankin, to cape breton.

[April 16, 1747]

... Mr Maillard.

Mr Maillard is, since the fall, with the French settlers of Ile Royale, who are refugees at Tatimigouche, within 9 or 10 leagues of Bay Verte. He writes us, on the 20th of February, that he expects to send his Indians this winter to Ile Royale to harass the enemy and prevent them cutting firewood. Father Germain says, on this occasion, that the Indians can hardly succeed alone; that they will require some commanders to manage them; that it is true that 60 or 80 Indians would so disquiet the English of Louisbourg that they would, in the opinion of the more experienced at Beaubassin, be reduced to go and look for wood elsewhere, which would be a matter of very great inconvenience to them. ...

[Source: New York Colonial Manuscripts [in the New York State Archives] [in the New York State Archives], vol. 10, (Paris Documents: X), pp. 156.]

[April 23, 1747]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entered Inwards 

..... Brigt. Louisburgh, Richard Budden, from Cowes. ...

[May 7, 1747]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entered ...
Entered Outwards. ...
------ Louisburgh, Oswald Eve, for Jamaica.....

Williamsburgh, May 14.

His Majesty's Ship the Fowey, Capt. Policarpus Taylor, sailed last Week from Hampton Road for cape breton: And His Majesty's Ship Folkstone, Captain Taylor, is returned from a Cruize.

May 21, 1747

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entered...

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

[May 26, 1747]

... Arrived, the schooner L'Elisabeth, Captain Monsion sailed from St. Domingo on the 15th of March; 4 English prisoners had been put in his charge to bring to Louisbourg, under a cartel. When three days out he was met by an English privateer who took the 4 prisoners, and having continued his voyage was again overhauled by an English privateer on the banks of Newfoundland. The Captain of this privateer, in consideration of the service she was on, allowed this vessel to continue her voyage though loaded with about 150 puncheons of molasses and rum. The crew only were pillaged. 'Tis said that this trade is pretty frequent now between St. Domingo and the New English Colonies, where the vessels carry, reciprocally, (page 161) provisions and refreshments by taking out a cartel commission and taking on board a few prisoners. Captain Monsion has given us notice that a ship had sailed from St. Domingo in company with him, under a similar commission, for Quebec, with 2 @ 3000 minots of salt. ...

[Source: New York Colonial Manuscripts [in the New York State Archives], vol. 10, (Paris Documents: X), p. 160.]

Boston

Extract of a Letter from Lisbon, dated May 28, N.S.

By three French Prizes brought into this River, we learn, that the Admirals Anson and Warren, in their Cruize off Cape Finister, about 24 leagues distant, fell in with a large Fleet of French Ships, consisting of 4 Men of War and 5 India Ships, or Men of War taken into the Company's Service, with 30 odd Transports. The Men of War and Transports were bound for Quebeck, with Supplies and Troops for those Settlements, and serv'd as Convoy for the Indiamen till they arrived at a certain Latitude. So soon as the French Admiral perceived our Ships, he made a Signal for the Transports to escape as well as they could, and with the Men of War and India Ships drew up in Line of Battle to engage. Mr. Anson engaged the French Admiral, and his first Broadside carried away the Frenchman's Masts, when she struck, as did all the rest. Our Squadron being considerably stronger than the French before the Action, Mr. Anson sent 2 Men of War of 70 Guns after the Transports, some of which were seen to strike, and 'tis imagined very few will escape. We are impatiently waiting for more Particulars, and sincerely congratulate you on this important good News; for had they arrived at Canada, I fear the Northern Settlements would have greatly suffered. --- Since the above, the English officer on board the last Prize has been examined, and declares the following Particulars. The Action was on Sunday the 14th of May, and began at 2 in the Afternoon, and lasted till the Dusk of the Evening. Nine French Ships formed the Line of Battle, which they continued for 2 Hours, till our Ships came within 2 Gun Shots, when they afterwards made a running Fight of it. Seven of the French were taken before the Officer left the Fleet, and the other Two he expected would be taken, as he saw them engaged with two of our Men of War. Our Fleet consisted of 13 Ships of the Line, 2 Frigates of 40 Guns, and one of 20, and a Fireship. The Officer belong'd to the Monmouth, who had taken 3 of their Transports before he left her, and was in Pursuit of the rest, with 2 or 3 other Men of War.

By a Vessel from Louisbourg to York, we have a Report that the Comet Bomb has taken a French Brigantine bound to France from Canada, with Furr; and that three French Men of War have lately been in Bay-Vert, where they landed Cannon and Mortars for attacking the Fort at Annapolis; but we have Reason to believe Admiral Anson has happily given that Place a Reprieve for one Year more.

By Capt. Gay we have Advice, that Capt. Prince in a Brigantine, Capt. Bruce in a Ship, and Capt. Watts in a Snow, all belonging to this Place, are taken by the French Privateers.

New York

Extract of a Letter from Major Gid. Clark, of Barbados,
dated June 10, 1747.

I am told the Government have given 260,000 £. for the Charge, &c. in taking cape breton.
Mr. Warren is not coming your Way; he went after a Fleet of Ships bound to India: ...

... A Sloop arrived here last Week from cape breton, informs us, that they sailed from thence in company with the Fowey Man of War, Capt. Taylor, and the Shirley, Capt. Rouse bound on a Cruize off these Coasts. ...

Last Saturday Afternoon came in her a small Sloop, with several English Mariners on board, taken lately on our Coast by a Privateer Sloop from St. Augustine, of only 6 Carriage Guns; amongst whom is Capt. Hutchinson of this Place, who was taken some time ago off S. Carolina. He had got another small sloop in Carolina, with which he was coming home, but was again taken o Monday last. They had taken a few Days before that, a Brigt. from Cape Fear for England; a small Sloop that sail'd from this Port to Philadelphia, --- Stevens, Master, which they made a Tender of, and a large Sloop from Virginia for Piscataway, --- Holmes, Master, laden with Indian Corn: --- The Day after they took Capt. Hutchinson, they chased a Schooner on Shore near Egg-Harbour, which they set Fire to, the Men escaping on shore: While she was burning, they came to an Anchor with Hutchinson's Sloop, and were going to strip her, and burn her also, but a Brigt. appearing in Sight, they left her at Anchor, and gave chase to the Brigt. who was bound in here, and who having the Heels of 'em, escaped; after four Hours Chase, they stood in again for the Sloop; but found she was gone, and Capt. Hutchinson hopes the People who escaped from the Schooner have carried her off. Soon after they fell in with a poor Cape May Man, laden with Shingles, which they took and gave to 25 of the Prisoners, with scarce any Provisions on board; but they happily meeting a Sloop from Maryland, were by her relieved and brought in here, as above: --- By them we are informed, that just before they came in, they spoke with an Egg-Harbour Man, who told them she had been chased and fired at a little to the Eastward of Sandy-hook, off Long Island, by a large Ship and Snow, bur she running into shoal Water, escaped. 'Tis supposed these were the Men of War mentioned above from cape breton. ...

[June 14, 1747]

... Arrive, the ship Le Lion Monrose, Captain Foucher, sailed from St. Domingo on the 15th of March, under a Cartel flag with 4 English prisoners which he was to land at Louisbourg. This vessel was met when three days out by an English privateer, which relieved her of the 6 prisoners and allowed her to continue her voyage; she is loaded with about 1500 minots of salt. Said Foucher entered the Gulf in the beginning of April, and not being able to pass on account of the ice, went through Canso, where he encountered no obstacle. ...

[Source: New York Colonial Manuscripts [in the New York State Archives], vol. 10, (Paris Documents: X), p. 166.]

Boston, June 15.

We have Advice from Annapolis Royal, that Commodore Knowles was safely arrived there in the Norwich Man of War, and that the Canterbury and Shirley were also arrived there.

By a Vessel from Lisbon, we have Advice, that two stout Bristol Privateers had lately taken a Spanish Man of War of 50 Guns, and carried her into Lisbon.

Yesterday the Boston Packet, Capt. Bennet Commander, arrived at Cape-Ann, and in the Afternoon the Captain came to Town by Land, and informs, that in his Passage from Louisbourg to Annapolis Royal, he met with Commodore Knowles in the Norwich Man of War, bound to Louisbourg, who ordered Capt. Bennet to come to this Port; but meeting with contrary Winds, he put into a Harbour in Nova Scotia, where he was informed, that there were three French Men of War in Bay Vert, landing of Cannon, Mortars, &c. with which they intended to attack the Fortress of Annapolis, for which Purpose, the French and Indians at Menis were in daily Expectation to be join'd by a large Body of Troops from Canada. 'Tis said two of the Men of War came from Canada, and one from France.

[June 16, 1747]

Settlers of Ile Royal.

Reports the intention of the inhabitants of Ile Royale who are refugees at Tatmigouche, to send off a certain number, with as many Indians as Mr Maillard will be able to collect, to Ile Royale, on the breaking up of the ice, to lay waste the country and carry off the English lodging outside of Louisburg. Mr Maillard is doing his best to put this project into execution. Father Germain inquires if we wish to continue this little enterprise, and, at all events, gives us some information for the conveyance, without accident, to Acadia of a detachment of French and Indians, to harass the enemy at Ile Royal, without incurring much danger.

[Source: New York Colonial Manuscripts [in the New York State Archives], vol. 10, (Paris Documents: X), p. 165.]

[June 18, 1747]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred ... Snow Hannah, William Allison, from Louisburgh. ..

[June 19, 1747]

Settlers of Ile Royal.

Reports the intention of the inhabitants of Ile Royale who are refugees at Tatmigouche, to send off a certain number, with as many Indians as Mr Maillard will be able to collect, to Ile Royale, on the breaking up of the ice, to lay waste the country and carry off the English lodging outside of Louisburg. Mr Maillard is doing his best to put this project into execution. Father Germain inquires if we wish to continue this little enterprise, and, at all events, gives us some information for the conveyance, without accident, to Acadia of a detachment of French and Indians, to harass the enemy at Ile Royal, without incurring much danger.

[Source: New York Colonial Manuscripts [in the New York State Archives], vol. 10, (Paris Documents: X), p 165.]

Boston

Extract of a Letter from on Board the Schooner Spry (in the King's
Service) dated at Louisbourg, June 30.

When we arrived here from Annapolis, we expected to have sail'd for Boston in a Day or two, but some Men who had been taken by a French Snow, arriving here in a Shallop the Frenchmen gave them, Mr. Knowles ordered us, with the Comet Bomb, to go up the Bay of Gaspy (a fine large deep Bay near the Mouth of Canada River) where we expected to find the Frenchman. When we came in Sight of Cape Gaspy, we had very hard Gales of Wind and thick Weather which kept us cruizing between Gaspy and the Island of Anticosta 7 or 8 Days. On the 20th Instant we got into the Mouth of the Bay, where we saw a Sloop at Anchor; we stood in Shore after her, she hoisted French Colours, and fired a Gun, we fired 2 or 3 Shot at her; she fired 2 Swivel Guns at the Comet's Boat, and then the Men made the best of their Way to Shore in their Boat: the Comet's Boat boarded her, and struck her Colours. She is about 60 Tons, had 7 Swivel Guns, and had been trading with the Indians. She had on board 2 or 300 Weight of Beaver, a good Horse, &c. There being but little Wind we were drove to the Leeward of Gaspy by the Current. On the 21st, after Noon, we discover'd a Town, with abut 30 or 40 Houses in it, several fishing Stages, and a Number of Shallops on Shore; we hoisted French Colours, and stood close in with the Shore with the Scooner; the French came down so near as to call to us; we hail'd in French for a Pilot, but they told us in English if we were Friends to send our Boat ashore. We pass'd by them without firing a Gun, but when we were got 3 Miles from them, they began to fire small Arms as fast they could, out of a Bravado, thinking that we could not get to them again, it being Calm, and the Current against us; but we got out all our Oars, and soon row'd the Scooner up to the Town, and came to an Anchor within Pistol Shot of the Shore, and having brought our Starboard Broadside to bear on the Town, we kept a continual Fire of small Arms from 3 or 400 French and Indians, conceal'd behind Rocks, Bushes, Houses, and Fishing-stages. At Sundown we weigh'd and row'd off from the Shore, having spent most of our Ammunition. In this Action we had three Men wounded, and a great many Musket-Balls thro' our Sails and in our Sides. We cannot tell what Number we killed or wounded of the Enemy, but the People on board our Prize, who were at the Mast-head, saw them carry off their dead and wounded in great Numbers, and we must certainly have done them a great deal of Damage, and it is surprizing they did us so little; for the Balls flew as thick as Hail the whole Time. The Comet had only two Men wounded. On the 25th we got into Gaspy Bay, where we sent our Boats ashore well mann'd and arm'd, and burnt 23 Shallops and 12 Houses, but saw nothing of the Enemy or their Ships.

Last Monday a Vessel arriv'd at Marblehead in 28 Days from Lisbon, and by a Letter in her dated the 16th of last Month, we have Advice, That a Packet arrived there from England the Day before, with an Account that Admirals Anson and Warren were arrived at Portsmouth from their Cruize, and had brought in with them 6 French Men of War, and 6 East Indiamen, and a Number of Transports which they had taken. --- Another Letter, of the same Date, adds, That the French Admiral died of his Wounds two Days after his Arrival in England, and that the Packet that brought this News to Lisbon, had but 5 Days Passage. --- And by other Information we learn, That the Transports taken and brought in there were 12; and that three Men of War were left by the admirals in pursuit of the Rest. Also, That Admiral Warren will soon sail on another Expedition.

[July 2, 1747]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred...

Outwards.... 

Ship Francis, Robert Waters, for cape breton. ...

[July 16, 1747]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred ...

Cleared.

Ship Francis, Robert Waters, to cape breton. ...
Sloop Mary, William Waldall, to cape breton. ...

Boston, July 20.

We have a Report by a Fisherman, that five British Men of War have been seen, and one of them spoke with, bound to Louisburgh. That spoke with is said to have informed our Informer, that ten Sail came out of England together, all bound to Louisburgh....

[August 6, 1747]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entered ...

----- Adventure, John Gardner, from Louisburgh....

Philadelphia, August 6.

... By the Brigt. Louisburgh, Captain Wright, from Jamaica, there is Advice, that Captain Renton, in a 70 Gun Ship was arrived there with a Fleet of Merchantmen from England, and had brought Order for Captain Dent to take upon him the Command of His Majesty's Squadron on that Station, and to try Commodore Mitchell for his Behaviour before and since the Death of Admiral Davers. There is likewise Advice that Captain Martin, in a Boston Brigt. and loaded from this Place for Rattan, was taken off of the East End of Jamaica, where 'tis said, there are eleven of the Enemy's Privateers cruizing...

New York, August 10

..... Just now arrived an Express from Boston, with a Packet to his Excellency, 'tis said, by Way of Louisburgh.

Boston, August 31

Extract of a letter from Bristol, in England,
July 6, 1747.

We were yesterday informed that Capt. Duke, in the sloop Dolphin privateer of this port, had informed Admiral Warren, of 30 sail of vessels laden with naval stores in a port in the bay of Biscay, bound to Ferrol; that the Admiral dispatched some ships of his squadron, brought out 4, and burnt 26. This we believe may be depended on.

Some other advices say, they burnt one Man of War, and took another in the same port of 64 Guns.

Extract of a letter from Louisbourg, Aug. 10, 1747.

"Admiral Warren, I hear, is appointed governor of this place, and Lieutenant Col. Hopson Lieutenant Governor, whose commission is on board the Warwick. Several other promotions are made in the several regiments."

Boston, August 17.

Yesterday arrived here, under a Flag of Truce, a large Ship from Quebec, in Canada, with 171 English Prisoners, Men, Women and Children. They had been out three Weeks, and inform us, that another Vessel with about 90 Prisoners, mostly Seamen and Soldiers, taken at different Times, was to sail for Louisburgh a few Days after they came out: That there would then be left in Canada about 20 of our People, most of them sick in the Hospitals; and that about 70 of the English have died since they have been in Captivity. They also inform, that 8 or 9 of the Vessels under the Convoy of the marquis de la Jonquire, which escaped from Admiral Anson, were arrived at Quebec, the People of which called Admiral Warren a Devil, and said he had ruined their whole Fleet. It was upon Advice of that Disaster, that the Governor of Canada sent away our People, and said he did it by an Order from France.

Besides the Squadron under Admiral Warren, Commodore Coats is said to be out on the Cruize with another of 11 sail of Men of War.

'Tis said that Admiral Warren writes, that he had the Pleasure to meet with most of the French Officers taken at Louisbourgh, who had now embark'd in a second Expedition against Annapolis Royal.

We have Advice from very good Hands, that the Charge of the Expedition against cape breton will certainly be paid; that the Bills drawn on Account of the Canada Expedition were readily accepted for Payment; and that the American Colonies were highly in his Majesty's Favour.

Philadelphia

Extract of a Letter from Boston, August 24. 1747.

"This Morning arrived here Capt. Stevenson, in nine Weeks from Plymouth, who informs us, that he came out with some Vessels bound for Newfoundland, Louisburgh, and this Port, under Convoy of the Warwick and Lark Men of War, the former for Louisburgh, the latter for St. John's. The Captain says the Parliament was dissolved, and Writs issued for a new One, which is something extraordinary, as it wanted a Year of the Seven they are authorized to sit; and 'tis said to be done at the Request of the House of Commons, which is still more surprizing. This Fleet, about six Weeks ago, fell in with a Spanish 74 Gun Ship, that had lost her Bowsprit in her Passage from La Vera Cruz to Cadiz, vastly rich: The Warwick engaged her very warmly several Hours, but was obliged to leave her, having lost her Foremast, and her Rigging and Sails being shot to Pieces. Mr. Warren's falling in with the St. Domingo Fleet is firmly believed here, the Reporters seeing the Prizes, which they offer to swear to." ...

[August 27, 1747]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entered ...
Outwards.

... Brigt. Louisburgh, Hugh Wright, for Louisburgh.
Sloop Adventure, John Gardner, for Louisburgh. ...

Cleared.... 

Brigt. Louisburgh, Hugh Wright, to cape breton. ...

[September 3, 1747]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Entered ...

Cleared.... ----- Adventure, Nat. Mountsort, to Louisburgh. ...

Boston

Extract of a letter from an officer on board the schooner 
Spry, at Louisbourg, Sept. 8, 1747.

We arrived here the 2d instant, from a cruize, in company with his majesty's ship Hind, capt. Hughes, in the Bay of Vert. On the first instant we met with a gale of wind at S.S.E. with thick weather, and being not above two leagues from the shore, were obliged to carry sail to keep us off the land, the wind blowing right on' and about 11 o'clock the night following, an exceeding hard squall took us, in which we could not carry one yard of canvas; and in that squall we have great reason to believe the Hind sloop overset, by our not discovering her in the morning, and seeing her boat, chests, gratings, and many other things floating near us.

The Comet Bomb was in the said squall, bound to Annapolis Royal, in which she lost her top-masts, and was obliged to throw all her guns over board.

Yesterday Capt. Brown arrived here in a snow from Philadelphia. He was bound to Cape Fear, but unfortunately taken on his passage thither by a small Spanish Privateer schooner from St. Augustine, who took seven of his men from him, leaving him only his merchant, mate and two boys, and having put six Spaniards on board, with order to steer for St. Augustine, five days after Brown happily found means to secure the Spaniards, without bloodshed, to whom he gave his boat to carry them ashore, and we have since heard of their arrival in North Carolina.

We have a report in town, that the brave Capt. Fisherman of Pennicook, and another man were lately waylaid and killed by the Indians, as they were returning from their work in the woods.

We hear from the eastward, that on the 19th instant, the Indians kill'd three men at sheepscut, viz. father, son, and son-in-law, as they were crossing the river in a canoe.

Philadelphia, October 1, 1747.

IF any of the deserters from Albany, will come and enlist with Captain JOHN HOUSTON, at the King's arms in Second street, for cape breton, they shall receive the same bounty as other recruits, for that garrison; and said Houston will make applications to the trustees on their behalf, to pay them their arrears for past services.

Philadelphia, October 15.

.... We have a Confirmation from cape breton of the Hynd Sloop of War being lost; and that Capt. Crookshanks, of the Lark, was to be sent home.

Sunday last arrived here the Ship Two Brothers, Capt. Arnot, from Holland, with Palatines.

[October 15, 1747]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Enter'd in.... ------ Louisburgh, Hugh Wright, from Louisburgh. ...

[October 29, 1747]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Enter'd ...
Outwards.

Brigt. Louisburgh, Hugh Wright, for Jamaica. ....

[November 12, 1747]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Enter'd in.... 

----- Joseph And Mary, Nat. Ambler, from Louisburgh. ...

Philadelphia, November 19, 1747.

Whereas several persons, duly listed into his Majesty's service, in Sir William Pepperrell's regiment, have deserted the same: These are to assure them, that is they will peaceably return to their duty in said regiment, within 10 days from the date hereof, they shall have an indemnity for their past misbehaviour, and the commanding officer of said regiment shall be certified of the same by N. Whiting.

N.B. Said deserters will find N. Whiting at the George, in Second street, Philadelphia; who will inlist any of the deserters from Albany for cape breton, and will give them the same bounty money as he does other recruits for that garrison; and will make application to the trustees on their behalf, to pay them their arrears for past services.

[November 24, 1747]

A MESSAGE from the PRESIDENT and COUNCIL to the ASSEMBLY.

GENTLEMEN,

YOU are called together at this Time in Pursuance of certain Instructions from his Cruize the Duke of Newcastle, dated the 30th of May last, signifying, 'That it was his Majesty's Pleasure, that Governor Shirley should immediately appoint a Meeting with Commodore Knowles, at such Place as should be agreed upon, and consider with him the present State of Nova Scotia and Louisburgh, and take the proper Measures for the Defence of those Places. And as it is his majesty's Intention that the Americans shou'd be immediately discharged, except only such few as are mentioned: And that when Governor Shirley and Mr. Knowles shall have met, and fully considered the Service to be undertaken in the Manner directed, and shall have agreed what number of Americans it will be necessary to keep in Pay for that Purpose, it is his Majesty's Pleasure, that he should procure an Account of the whole Expence on Account of the American Troops, from the Time of their being levied to the Time of their Discharge; and when the same shall be adjusted and liquidated, to transmit it to his Grace, with the proper Vouchers from the several Governors, that it may be laid before Parliament, to the End that Provision may be made for the Payment: And in the mean time, in order to prevent any Complaint amongst the Men that have been inlisted (as well those that shall be discharged, as those that shall continue in Service) for Want of immediate Pay, to recommend it to the Governors of the Provinces where these Levies have been made, to procure Credit from the respective Assemblies for that Purpose, which his Majesty hopes may be done without Difficulty.'

In Obedience to his Majesty's Commands we do therefore most earnestly recommend it to you, that you wou'd immediately provide Money or Credit for the Payment of such Sums as shall remain due to the Forces rais'd in this Government at the Time of their Discharge, an Estimate whereof sent us by Governor Clinton, we have ordered to be laid before you, together with the several Letters and Papers we have received from Governor Shirley, Admiral Knowles, and Governor Clinton, on this Subject.

You will perceive, Gentlemen, by the above Instructions, that an Account must be prepared of the whole Expence of the Pennsylvania Companies, from the Time of their being levied to the Time of their Discharge: You will therefore furnish us with the Votes and Minutes of your House, and such other Materials in your Power as shall be necessary, and that with all the Dispatch possible, so that they may be transmitted to his Majesty time enough to be laid before the Parliament at their next Session.

As his Majesty hopes what is demanded will be done without Difficulty, you will, no doubt, consider of the most effectual Ways to answer his majesty's Expectations.

ANTHONY PALMER, Presid.
Novemb. 24, 1747.

[November 26, 1747]

Custom House, Philadelphia, Enter'd in.

Snow Louisburgh, Perkins Ingerson, from Boston....

Outwards.... Snow Louisburgh, Perkins Ingerson, for Ireland. ...

Cleared.... ------ Louisburgh, Hugh Wright, to Jamaica. ...

New York, Dec. 14, 1747.

By Captain Britain, who arrived here last Friday, in six Weeks from cape breton, we hear that some French inhabitants who liv'd at a Village call'd Santi Esprite, about 12 Leagues from Louisburgh, consisting of about 30 Houses and a Church, have abandon'd it, and gone off 'tis suppos'd, either to Canada or Menis.
December 21. Saturday last the Wife of John Cosine, of this City, Carter, being sized, as 'tis suppos'd, with a convulsive Fit, unhappily fell into the Fire, and ho Help being near, as burnt to Death.

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