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

1755

January 6, 1755

January 6, 1755

Sur le Brigantin l'Entreprenante de Louisbourg, Capitaine Dominique Langa désarmé a Bayonne les 6 janvier 1755 venant de la Martinique et Louisbourg 

François Solignac de Louisbourg négociant

PASSAGERS VENUS DES COLONIES (Colonies, F5B30. Colonies, Passagers débarqués en France. -1749 - 1830) 

Charles Town, South Carolina, ...

Jan. 7. 

We hear that some Dispatches arrived here a few Days ago, from Boston in New England; where, it is said, some Intelligence of an extraordinary Nature has been lately received from cape breton. ...

New York, February 3

We learn from Louisbourg, in Cape Breton, that there were in December last, near forty Sail of French Merchantmen in that Port, mostly Sloops and Schooner, and but a few Topsail Vessels among them: (So that the Report of a French Squadron of Men of War either arriving or being there, is entirely groundless.) That Provisions in general were extremely scarce: That their Fortifications throughout lay entirely neglected: And, That the Inhabitants seemingly, pretended to be greatly dissatisfied at the Indifference of the Court of France with regard to the present Situation of their Government Affairs; and other ways ironically expressed themselves touching their Dependency on the Gallic Crown. (These several Intelligences from Cape Breton seem more then probable to be true, since beyond Dispute the People there are as charitably disposed to supply and relieve their Friends and Acquaintances up the River St. Lawrence, and those lately settled down that of Ohio, with Bread, flour, &c. as some good nature Christians among the English are in supplying the Cape Bretoners with the like, and many other useful Commodities. And their several Pretences of
being dissatisfied with the Behaviour of their Mother Country, render it as probable that the Whole is alone calculated the better to us into the Negligence or Security, in order to wound us the deeper"on the Back ...

 

[http://www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/virtual/easson/archives.asp?ID=41 Transcript © Province of Nova Scotia, all rights reserved. Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage Nova Scotia Archives and Records Management -Letter, B. Hallowell, Boston, to Dyson & Easson Preparing for a new season of trade, but "we have an embargo that no vessel shall sail before the 15th of next month." 25 February 1755. 2 pages : 19 x 24 cm. MG 1 vol. 3478 A/40]

New York

Extract of a Letter, dated London, February 10, 1755.

"CHARLES HARDY, Esquire, is appointed Governor of New York, and will leave England some Time next Month. His Baggage his to be put on board Captain Miller, if in Time; but as Things are circumstanced, it is not known when Miller or any of the other Vessels in your Trade will leave London, as no Work can be done, and no Lighters to be had for Want of Men. Insurance for these Parts is risen to Four per Cent."

By an Act passed the last Sessions of Assembly in Boston, the Inhabitants of that Province, are forbid holding any Correspondence with the people of Louisbourg, &c. for four Months, commenced the first Day of March last; and all Masters that are known to trade there, contrary to the Intent of said Act, is to have one of his Ears cut off, be publickly whipped 39 Lashes, renderin capable of ever holding any Place of Hour or Profit in that Government for the future, his Vessel and Cargo to be forfeited, and the Owner or Owners thereof, to forfeit £ 500, and be also disabled from holding any Place of Honour or Profits in that Government.

February 19, 1755

An ACT to restrain the sending of provisions to Cape-Breton, or any other French port or settlement, on the Continent of North America, or Islands night or adjacent thereto.

 WHEREAS the General Assembly have been well informed, that there is, and for some Tine past has been, a very pernicious Trade carried on from hence, and some other of the Northern Colonies, to Louisbourg, on the Island of Cape-Breton, and other French Ports and Settlements on the Continent of North-America, and Islands adjacent thereto. By Means whereof the French there have been supplyed with great Quantities of Flour, and other Provisions, and thereby enabled to furnish and provide Canada, and their Forces at Crown-Point,, and on the River Ohio, with the same ; which greatly assists and puts them in a better Condition to pursue, carry on, and support themselves in their Encroachments on his Majesty's Territories: Which, unless timely prevented, may prove to be of very fatal and dangerous Consequence to this and all other his Majesty's Northern Colonies in America, and at this Time loudly calls for Redress. Wherefore,

Be it Enabled by his Honour the Lieutenant Governor, the Council, and the General Assembly, and it if hereby Enacted by the Authority of the same, That for discouraging, regaining, and detecting such dangerous and pernicious Trade as far as possible, in this Time of imminent Danger, His Honour the Lieutenant Governor, or the Commander in Chief for the Time being, by and with the Advice and Consent of his Majesty's Council, shall be, and is hereby fully impowered and authorized, by Proclamation or other publick Authority, to forbid, restrain, and as much as may be, prevent Each dangerous and pernicious Trade and Commerce with the French ; by laying such reasonable Penalties, Fines and Restrictions on the Owners, Factors, Freighters, and Masters of Vessels using such Trade, or otherwise offending in the Premises, as shall be thought just, reasonable and expedient, and as the Nature and Circumstances of the Case may require: And also to discover, deter, and bring to Justice, the Offender or Offenders, and to commit to Prison, any Master or Commander, of any Ship or Vessel, Owner, Factor, Freighter, Mariner, or any other Person or Persons, who upon reasonable Command or Request, shall refuse or neglect to appear, swear and give Testimony concerning the same, until he, she or they, shall swear and give such Testimony. All which Penalties shall and may be sued for, and recovered in any Court of Record within this Colony, by the Informer or Informer s, who may sue and prosecute for the same, for their own use, as as Encouragement to give such Information.

This ACT to continue for the space of Four Months after the Publication thereof, and no longer.

[New York: Printed by James Parker, 1755 - New York Act]

 

Boston, February 24.

... We have a Report in Town, that several of our Northern Vessels are detained in the Harbour of Louisburgh.

February 24, 1755

That a Bill be prepared and brought in, To prevent the Exportation of Bread, Flour, Victuals, and Warlike Stores to Cape-Breton, or the Islands adjacent thereto, Canada, or any of the French Garrisons, Forts, or Settlements, on the River Ohio: Ordered, That the Committee of Laws do prepare and bring in a Bill accordingly ...

http://aomol.net/megafile/msa/speccol/sc2900/sc2908/000001/000052/html/am52--69.html

[Proceedings and Acts of the General Assembly of Maryland, Lower House, Assembly Proceedings, February 22-March 26, 1755, Volume 52, p. 69]

[March 18, 1755]

... The General Assembly of New Jersey, were adjourned on the 3d Instant, to the 16th of April next; after the Governor had given his Assent to An Act to prevent the Exportation of Provisions, Naval or Warlike Stores, from the Colony of New Jersey to cape breton, or to any other the Dominions settled by the Subjects of the French King: And to another, intituled, An Act for making Provision for the Subsistence of his Majesty
Forces during their March through this Colony, and for providing Carriages for transporting their Baggage. ...

[April 10, 1755]

Philadelphia.

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. ...

Boston

Extract of a private Letter, by one of the last Ships from
London, dated the 14th of April, 1755.

... By a Vessel that arrived here in 11 Days from Halifax, on Saturday last, we have Advice, that just before she left that Place, a Vessel came in from Louisburg, the Master of which informed, that no Forces had arrived there from France this Year: That they were in want of Provisions, and wonder greatly why no English Vessels had been there for a long Time: That they had no Advice of the Loss of their Schooner laden with provisions, &c. bound to St. John, as mentioned in this Paper some Weeks ago, about which they were under great Concern: And that it was plain, that 21 Days ago they had no Advice of our Armaments against their Countrymen in Nova Scotia ...

Williamsburg

May 2. 

Yesterday the General Assembly of this Colony met, when his Honour the Governor was pleased to open the Session with the following Speech ...

It was reported, that 6 French Men of War, with Transports, were arrived at Louisbourg: If it be so, that Reinforcement, added to the Forces and Militia at Canada, may prove too numerous for our present Force; and therefore, in Prudence, we ought to be provided for all Events, and, with Spirit and Resolution, raise Men and Money to reinforce and support our present Forces.

The Operations of this Year, will, doubtless, be attended with considerable Expence; and without an adequate Aid from the Colonies, I dread the Consequences! Let me therefore intreat you (as it is now in your Power, if you properly exert yourselves, to render the French Schemes abortive) that you would grant with Promptitude, such a sufficient Supply, as appears to be necessary at this critical Juncture; by which Means you will, in all Likelihood, prevent the Occasion of much greater Expences hereafter, which must unavoidably arise from a Neglect at present.

Many of the other Colonies have shewn a good Spirit, and a just Regard to his Majesty Orders at this Time: The Supplies granted by them, I shall cause to be laid before you; and I hope their Conduct will raise in you, Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses, a laudable Emulation; and that you will approve your Gratitude for his Majesty distinguished Care, by rendering it effectual for his gracious Purposes, your Preservation and Prosperity.

Expresses will be necessary from the Camp to Williamsburgh. Pennsylvania, and Maryland, have laid Horses from Winchester to their Colonies. The General send his Letters to Winchester, and I hope you will provide that Horses may be held in Readiness at proper Stages, for Dispatches from thence to this Place.

The Ordinaries are very extravagant; the Subaltern Officers and Soldiers cannot pay as other transient Travellers, and I hope you will make a suitable Regulation in that Behalf.

The poor Men who suffered at the Meadows with Colonel Washington, I recommend to your Favour, as they were disabled in the Service of their Country.

I have received an Instruction from his Majesty, relating to an Act of Assembly, in regard to Executions and Relief of insolvent Debtors; I am ordered to recommend it to you, to pass an Act of the like Nature, with some Amendments, which I now do, and shall cause the Instruction to be laid before you.

Your last Vote of Supply was very agreeably received at home, and you were accordingly truly recommended for your dutiful Obedience to his Majesty Commands; continue thus to distinguish yourselves the Sons of Britons, and convince the World, that the heroic martial Spirit of your Progenitors (famed over the Universe) still animates their Children in the remotest Regions.

Gentlemen of the Council, Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses,

I am so intimately acquainted with your impending Danger, and so earnestly desirous that it may be averted, that I cannot conclude without exhorting you to consider, with the most serious Attention, the great and important Affairs which I have now laid before you, and the absolute Necessity there is at present of the most vigorous and effectual Resolutions, for the Preservation of your Lives! Your Liberties! Your Properties! Your Religion! all that is held dear and sacred among Mankind.

New Haven.

New London, April 28.

A Gentleman lately arrived here in 12 Days from cape Breton (where he has been [all] the last Winter)
informs us, that no Ships of Force have arrived there during his Stay, and that there are not, nor have not been any in the Bay of Vert: That in Louisburg (except the Island Battery) none of the Fortifications are in tolerable Order; in the grand Battery many of the Cannon are dismounted, and lie on the Platform: That the People there seem not to have had the least Intimation of Hostilities with us; that they seem wholly attentive to their private Affairs, and many of them had given large Credit to some of our Traders ...

On Wednesday last, his Excellency Governor Shirley arrived in Town, where he stay but a few Hours, and then proceeded on his Return to Boston.

Boston, May 12.

... By a Vessel from Halifax, we are informed, That Capt. Cobb, in a Sloop in the Government Service, had taken a French Schooner going from Louisburgh to St. John, with 1100 Barrels of Flour, a Number of Cannon, and other Warlike Stores on board, all which were condemned at Halifax. Also, that Capt.
Cobb had taken a Vessel belonging to (our) Plymouth, laden with Provisions, which was going to trade with the French; but as both Vessel and Cargo have been condemned and sold, thought the Owner will make but an indifferent Voyage on. May all such Traders meet with the same Fate.

Boston ...

May 19

Saturday last Capt. Trout arrived here from London, but has brought no later News than we had by Captain Kirkwood. He has brought several hundred Barrels of Gun powder, and a Gentleman is come Passenger with him, who is Paymaster General of the Forces now on Foot in America, who has brought Fourteen Thousand Pounds Sterling in Cash for their use.

The same Day the Master of a Vessel arriving Town from Louisburg, and gives the following Account, viz. That having met with bad Weather at Sea, in which he lost his Mast, and suffered much other damage, he put into Louisburg to refit, and that while he was there a 36 Gun Ship came in from France, and upon her Arrival, 500 men were immediately set to Work on their Fortifications, which were in a ruinous Condition, except the Island Battery. That there was not one English Vessel in the Harbour, or had there been any for a considerable Time, which the French much wondered at, and lamented the want of, they being greatly strained for Provisions ...

(At Sea, May 23, 1755)

Sir:

This Accompanys a letter from Sr. Thomas Robinson, one of his Majesty's principal Secretarys of State, which will perfectly inform you with the Nature of my Orders, and the reasons for ordering me with a Squadron of his Majesty's Ships under my Command on this Coast.

I have for the present fixed my Cruizeing Station of Cape Breton, but shall always keep a Small Cruizer at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, ready to Sail upon any intelligence you may have to Communicate (page 323) to me, and flatter my Self your Zeal for His Majesty's Service will prompt you to give me the most early information of the Transactions of the French, either by Sea or Land, and beg leave to asure you, that I shall be very ready to give the Collony wherein you Command, all the Assistance in my Power.

I am, Sir,


Your most Obedient
Humble Servant,
Ed. Boscawen.

His Majesty's Ship Torbay,
at Sea, May 23d, 1755.

Indorsed

Adml Boscawen, with Letter from Secry Ribinson, and Informing me that He should Cruize off Louisburg, but should Station a frigate at Halifax. Rec'd from Virginia, Sept 1st, 1755. Read in Council, 2d 7ber, 1755.

[Source: Admiral E. Boscawen to Gov. Morris Boscawen, Ed., Admiral in: Pennsylvania Archives, first series, Vol. II, pp. 322-323. pp. 322, 323. (page 322)]

http://www.gbl.indiana.edu/archives/miamis11/M53-58_43a.html

 

... 25th [1755]: SW : 13 leagues - On the 25th, Monsieur de la Motte signalled the fleet to come to a stop. Having reached the Great Bank, it was now time to open the orders from the King to see what the various ships destinations were. Representatives from each ship came aboard the Entreprenant where the orders were held. While the soldiers and sailors looked out over the water, and saw many icebergs and birds through the fog, delaMotte read the orders which stated that 6 ships: The Bizarre, the Esperance, the Dauphin Royal, the Defenseur, the Acquillon and the Commette would hence be under the command of M. de Salvert and continue with the battalions of Artois and Bourgogne to Louisbourg, in Acadia. The rest of the fleet would continue to Quebec. A strong wind came upon the ships during the meeting, and several men were almost lost in trying to return to their own ships ...

[Source: Journals of the Monsieur de Vaudreuil (New York Colonial Document, v10), and Jean Guillaume Charles de Plantevit de Margon, Chevalier de la Pause (Rapport de la Province de Quebec, 1931- 1932) as quoted in: http://web.syr.edu/~laroux/docs/doc5.html ]

New York, June 9.

By Letters from London, (via Boston) dated the 26th of April, we learn, that Admiral Boscawen was sailed from England, for Halifax, in Nova Scotia, with 7 Ships of the Line; and that there was the greatest Reason to believe War was unavoidable.

We hear that Captain James Kennier is appointed Aid de Camp to major General Shirley, whose Regiment is soon expected here from Boston ...

Last Saturday Sir WILLIAM PEPPERRELL, Baronet, who commanded the Forces at the Reduction of Louisbourg, received a Commission as Major General in his Majesty;s Army; and we doubt not will again distinguish himself in the intended Attack upon the French Encroachments on our Frontiers; his Regiment being almost 700 strong, all picked Men, great Part of them already on Duty. And said that a Detachment from that Regiment, now encamped at Nutten Island, will embark for Albany this Week.

We hear the New Jersey Forces are embarking ...

Fort Cumberland, June 18, 1755

I HAVE now the Pleasure to congratulate you upon the Surrender of the French Fort, which we have named as above. I have not the Time to write you the Particulars. The Forts at Bay Verte and Gaspereau have surrender upon Terms, and Col. Winslow is gone there this Morning to take Possession; we have lost but one of our New England Troops, killed in opening the Trenches, and about a Dozen wounded, who are like to do well: We began to Fire some small Shells the 13th, some larger Ones the 14th, the 15th with a few of 13 Inch, and the 16th they desired to capitulate; the Terms being agreed upon, Col. Scot, who commanded in the Trenches, marched in the same Evening, took Possession, and struck the Colours Yesterday, the memorable 17th of June, the same Day that Louisbourg surrendered to us. The English Flag was hoisted, and saluted by all the Guns in the Fort. We found 24 Cannon, the largest 12 Pounders, and one 10 Inch Mortar, plenty of Ammunition, and Provisions enough to have held out a long Siege. I heartily wish our Army at the Southward, may meet with the same Success as we have. I doubt not but our Acquisition will give them great Spirits, as well as give you all in Boston a sensible Pleasure. I believe there never was so considerable a Conquest with so little Loss. We had not a Man hurt by all their Cannon and Shells, and I suppose at a moderate Computation they fired 500 Shot, and 60 or 80 Shells ...

Extract of a Letter from an Officer in our Army in Nova
Scotia. From the Camp before Beausejour, June 11, 1755.

WE had a very pleasant Passage of four Days from Boston to Annapolis, where we all arrive  safe on Monday the 26th of May; we remain there to Sunday the first of June, when we all sail and got up here the same Night, but did not land till Monday. We were not a little pleased to learn on our Arrival, that the French had received no Reinforcement from Louisbourg, as we heard at Boston, nor were they apprized of our Design, till we got here. The Troops were quarter the Night we arriv upon the Settlers and Inhabitants, and Tuesday encamped near our Fort, which Day was employed in preparing to March to the French Side on the next Day:

Accordingly on the 4th of June, (being the Prince of Wales Birth Day) at Break of Day, the Troops were under Arms, and joined by all the Regulars of our Garrison, both Officers and Soldiers, except Capt. Hamilton, who was left to command Fort Lawrence, with whom we left Capt. Brintnal, and about 80 New England Troops. At 7 o'Clock, the whole Army, being about 2450 Men, marched with four Field Pieces in the Front: As soon as they arrived at the Carrying Place, where was a Log House, with some Swivel Guns, and a Detachment of French Troops, they fired upon us, which was soon returned, and they driven from their Post, which they set Fire to, as they did in their Retreat to all the Houses between them and the French Fort; and before Night, almost every House at Beausejour, together with their large new Mass House, the Priest House, Hospital, Barns, &c. to the Number of about 60, were burnt down to the Ground. This Step they took that we might not be sheltered by them in our Approach, or benefited thereby, in Case they were obliged to surrender, as they undoubtedly expected they must. We had only one Man kill, ( a Serjeant of our Garrison) and eleven wounded, one of which is since dead; the French had five or six kill, and we suppose more, how many wounded, we cantell. Our Troops traversed the Ground on their Side, and reconnoiter the Fort pretty near, without being fired on; their People were employed in strengthening their Fort, by a Glacis and covered Way, as if they did not intend to surrender without a Dispute, but turned their Defence chiefly against an Assault, Sword in Hand, expecting we should storm the Garrison, as they did not apprehend we had any Artillery, except our Field Pieces, and some Cohorns. They have since taken off the Roofs from their Houses, and pulled down the Chimnies, to prevent the ill Consequences of our Cannonading, as they are now satisfied we have Battering Cannon, and 13 Inch Shells.

We have landed our Cannon and Mortars, and the Troops have been employed in clearing a Road for transporting them to the Place where we design to open our Battery (which we hope will be effected this Night) within 300 Yards of their Ramparts. We had reconnoitering Parties frequently out within Half Musket Shot of the Fort, which they frequently fire at, but have not as yet hurt us a Man. They have in the Fort about 150 Regulars, and as many of the Inhabitants, the Remainder, with the Women and Children are gone off to the Bay Verte, and other distant Places. We have not lost one of the Men we brought from New England, either by the Enemy or Sickness; and have only three slightly wounded. An Officer of our Garrison, was surprized by a party of Indians, who were lurking in a Copse of Wood on our Side, and taken Prisoners, as he was returning (alone) from our Garrison to the Camp, early in the Morning a few Days ago. A Flag of Truce was sent to Col. Monckton from the French Commandant, the same Day with Letters from the Officer to acquaint the Colonel of his Misfortune, and that he was well dealt by. The same Day we took one of their Garrison Prisoner, by whom we learnt, that they expect a Reinforcement from St. John, and Louisbourg; but I am in Hopes they will arrive too late. Our Men are in Health, and high Spirits, and perform their Fatigues (which are not a few) with great Chearfulness.

June 13, 1755

GOVERNOR DINWIDDIE TO GOVERNOR DOBBS

Sir:

Y'r favo. of 27th May I rec'd a few Days ago. It gave me much Pleasure to hear of Y'r Health after Y'r continued Fatigues for Y'r People and Gov't. I do not hear of any Squadron arrived at Lewisburg. 2,000 People from N. Eng'd embark'd for Nova Scotia in Aprill, y't I believe after they had join'd the Regulars they w'd attack Chegnuto and St. John's, and I am in hopes soon to hear of their Success ...

[Robert Dinwiddie, The official records of Robert Dinwiddie: Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony of Virginia, 1751-1758, Volume 4 (Published by The Society, 1884), p. 60]

 

June 16, 1755

... 1st. The commandant, officers, staff and others employed for the King and garrison of Beausejour, shall go out with arms and baggage, drums beating. 2nd. The garrison shall be sent to Louisbourg at the expense of the King of Great Britain. 3rd. The Governor shall have provisions sufficient to last them until they get to Louisbourg. 4th. As to the Acadians, as they were forced to bear arms under pain of death, they shall be pardoned. 5th. The garrison shall not bear arms in America for the space of six months. 6th. The foregoing are granted on condition that the garrison shall surrender to the troops of Great Britain by 7 p.m. this afternoon. Signed, Robert Monckton. At the camp before Beausejour, 16th June, 1755 ...

[ http://emotionalliteracyeducation.com/classic_books_online/chgnt10.htm  ]

... Halifax, in Nova Scotia, June 21.

By the Master of a Fishing Schooner who arrived here last Wednesday, we are informed, That on Monday last being about 16 Leagues to the Westward of Louisbourg, he discovered three large Ships which he bore down for, and hoisted his Jack, which they immediately answered by hoisting blue Ensigns, and upon his coming near enough they hail him, asking who he was, and where bound, which he inform them, and then asking them where they were bound, they answered him, they would tell him by and by, and ordered him to speak with the windward most Ship (a fourth Ship which he did not a first discover) which was then at a Distance, and which he took to be the Commodore; upon which he fell astern of them, and crowding all the Sail he could, made the best of his Way from them, which they perceiving, fir a Volley of Small Arms, and after that a Cannon Shot at him, to bring him to, but as they were laying to with their Heads to the Southward, he soon go out of their Reach. He says that the three that he spoke with he took to be French Men of War of 60 Guns each, as he saw a great Number of Men on board in white Coats with blue Lapells, and with white Cockades in their Hats; but cannot tell what Force the windward most ship was of.

... Yesterday Captain Jones arrived here Express from Halifax, by whom we have the following short Article from a publick Print, viz.

Halifax, June 21. 

Yesterday arrived Captain Spry, in his MajestyShip Fougeux, who brought in with him here, the
Alcide, a French Ship of war of 64 Guns, taken by Admiral Boscawen Squadron cruizing of Louisbourg: The English Fleet have also taken the Lye, French 74 Gun Ship, with eight Companies of French Troops on board, several Officers and Engineers, and the Military Chest. It is hoped this Time the Admiral has fallen in with the rest of that Squadron.

Captain Spry also brought in with him a French Brigantine and a Schooner.

Besides the above Account, we are inform by Letters and Passengers, that the French were design for Louisbourg, there to refit, and put themselves in a Condition to come and attack Halifax, and reduce all Nova Scotia. That the Lys was hourly expected at Halifax, Captain Spry having left her but a few Hours before he came in. That the Lys had 1100 Men on board, and a General who was to command all the French Troops on the Ohio, and elsewhere in those Parts. That the French Fleet had a very large Train of Artillery on board, and 30 Engineers, the chief of whom was killby the first Broadside of our Ships.

That Admiral Boscawen had wrote to Governor Lawrence, that he should cruize between Cape Sable and the Gulph of St. Lawrence, and also keep 3 or 4 Ships close in with Louisbourg. That Admiral Boscawen has send Orders by Captain Jones, for Expresses to be sent to the Commanders of all his Majesty Ships in North America, to come forthwith and join him. That the Lys lost 70 Men in the Engagement, and the Ship that took her, 30. And, that Captain Taggert was arrived at Halifax from England, with Cannon and other Military Stores, and that another Store Ship was daily expected.

Our Readers must be content with these short and confused Hints, till we are able to procure a more particular Account, which probably will be by the next Vessel from Halifax.

Boston

Extract of a Letter from the Right Hon. Alexander Colvill,
on board the Northumberland, at Sea, off Louisbourg, to his
Friend in Boston, dated June 22, 1755.

"We met with nothing remarkable in our Voyage, until we came on the Banks of Newfoundland, where we found ourselves surrounded with Islands of Ice, which appeared in various Shapes like mountainous Land; and on the Eighth Instant we fell in with three Sail of the French Squadron from Brest, of which we took the Alcide of 64 Guns, and the Lys of the same Force, but fitted as a Transport for carrying Soldiers. The Dunkirk, being our best sailing Ship, came first up with the Alcide, at which Time the Admiral made the Signal to engage; then Capt. Howe poured in his Broadside, and had a pretty smart Return; but the other ships coming up, the Frenchman struck his Colours. The Defiance and Fougueux continued to chace the Lys, and at Sunset took her with little or no Resistance. The third Ship had greatly the Start of us, and got off. Admiral Holbourne, who joined us three Days since, with six Sail of the Line, and a Frigate, just going to Halifax, gives me this Opportunity of writing to you.

Yesterday we looked into the Harbour of Louisbourg, where there are only three Ships of the Line. All the rest must be gone to Quebec."

The following is a List of the Men of War now cruizing off here, and at Halifax.

Torbay, 74 Guns, Admiral Boscawen, Captain Colby. 
Monarque, 74 Guns, Admiral Mostyn, Captain North. 
Somerset, 64 Guns, Captain Geary. 
Northumberland, 70 Guns, Captain, Lord Colvill. 
Mars, 64 Guns, Captain Amhurst. 
Fougueux, 64 Guns, Captain Spry. 
Anson, 60 Guns, Captain Man. 
Defiance, 60 Guns, Captain Man. 
Dunkirk, 60 Guns, Captain Howe. 
Nottingham, 60 Guns, Captain Marshall. 
Litchfield, 50 Guns, Captain Barton. 
Terrible 74 Guns, Admiral Holbourne. 
Yarmouth, 64 Guns, Captain Norris. 
Chichester, 64 Guns, Captain Brett. 
Grafton, 64 Guns, Captain Holmes. 
Edinburgh, 64 Guns, Captain Stanhope. 
Augusta, 60 Guns, Captain Willet.

N.B. The six last joined us lately ...

'Tis said the Flag of Truce lately sent to Louisbourg with the Garrison of the Forts at Chinecto, &c. was returned, and reported, that the People at Louisbourg were in great want of Provisions; and that the St. JohnIndians had given the same Account of their Wants at Quebeck.

By Letters from Halifax, we are told, that Governor Lawrence had caused a great Number of Cattle to be taken from the French Inhabitants, an Hundred Head of which were arrived at Halifax, and more expected: These were all fatted and designed for the French Fleet on its Arrival ...

Boston, June 23.

... Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman at St. John, in Newfoundland,

... Thursday last Capt. Homer arrived here in three Days from Halifax, by whom we have Letters informing, that our Troops had all been landed safe at Annapolis Royal, and on the first instant sailed from thence for Chignecto. That a Flag of Truce from Louisbourg had been at Halifax, for the Men taken in the Schooner bound to St. John, as mentioned in this Paper some Time since; the Master of which reported, that six French Men of War had got to Louisbourg, one of which was a 64 Gun Ship. That the French at Louisbourg were in great Distress for Want of Provisions; and, that a Party of our Rangers had been at Pisguit, and disarmed 3 or 400 of the French Neutrals, as they are very improperly called.

We have this further Advice from Halifax, that Governor Lawrence was certainly informed, that 20 men of War and Transports with six Regiments on board, were expected at Louisbourg from France, under the Command of Admiral Macnamara.

Since our last, several Vessels have arrived here from different Parts of Newfoundland, and by them we are informed, that French Vessels have been in every Creek and Harbour in that island where any Trade is carried on by us, in order to pick up Provisions at any Rate, which plainly shews the mighty Advantage of the Acts of this and the other Governments, to prevent the French from being supplied with Provisions, and the Necessity there is for continuing them, and thought, that if those Acts were as strictly observed as they ought to be, we should have very little to fear from our Enemies without, and might keep our Swords in their Scabbards till they grow rusty.

By a fishing Schooner arrived at Marblehead from the Banks we have Advice, that on the 12th Instant they fell in with a French Fleet of 15 Sail of large Ships, supposed to be Men of War and Transports; that one of the Men of War of 70 Guns, brought the Schooner to, and order the Skipper on board, where he was told it was Peace, and ask how far they were from Louisbourg, how it bore, &c. and after some Time was dismissed.

And Captain Davis from St. John in Newfoundland, informs, that as he was coming out of that Harbour, he discovered ten large Ships at some Distance, with two Flags flying, which very much surprized him, and soon after 3 Barges came in, one of which came on board him, and told him, that the Ships in the Offing were English Men of War; that 3 of their Fleet were missing, that the Barges were sent to see if they had put into St. John; and that the English Squadron were within about 24 Hours sail of the French when Captain Davis parted with them.

This News is confirmed by Captain Lilly, who arrived here last Saturday from Newfoundland, and by a Vessel arrived at Newport from the same Place, the Master of which (said) was on board one of the British Ships.

Last Saturday arrived here a Snow from Bristol, and by her we learn, that there was a greater Prospect of War than ever, and that they were fitting out Privateers, both at London and Bristol.

Philadelphia, June 26.

... Tuesday last His Majesty Snow of War the Jamaica, Captain Hood, arrivhere from Virginia.

The same Day Captain Condy arrivin Ten Days from Halifax, and advises, that the New England Forces were got safe to the Bay of Fundi [Fundy], and had disarm the Neutral French: And that the Day before he sail, a Flag of Truce arrive there from cape breton, to demand the Schooner, seize lately by Captain Cobb; the Master of which reported, that Six French Men of War had got to Louisburgh, one of which was a 64 Gun Ship.

[June 26, 1755]

Philadelphia.

An ACT to continue an ACT, 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."

BE IT ENACTED by the Honourable ROBERT HUNTER MORRIS, Esq; with the King Royal Approbation Lieutenant Governor, under the Honourable THOMAS PENN, and RICHARD PENN, Esquires, true and
absolute Proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania, and of the Counties of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex, upon Delaware, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Representatives of the Freemen of the said Province, in General Assembly met, and by the Authority of the same, That the Act, 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," passed in the Fourth Month, called April, of the present Year, and every Article, Clause, and Thing therein contained, shall be and continue in full Force for and during the Space of One Year, from and after the Publication of this Act, and from thence to the End of the next Sessions of Assembly.

Last Night an Express arrived here from Halifax (Via Boston) in Fourteen Days, and proceeded this Morning to General Braddock. By him we have the following important Intelligence, the immediate Publication of which we hope will be agreeable to our Readers.

Boston, June 30.

On Tuesday last arrived in Town Major Bourne, who left the  English Camp near Chignecto the 18th Instant, charged with Dispatches from the Hon. Col. Monckton to his Excellency Governor Shirley, and brings us the agreeable News, that on the first Day of this Instant, in the Evening, is Excellency Governor Shirley two New England Regiments arrived at Chignecto, in the Bay of Fundi, and on the 2d landed and joined his Majesty regular Forces there, near Fort Lawrence; that the English Troops march the 4th, and invested the French Fort of Beausejour (now called Fort Cumberland) in the Evening, and in there Way took Possession of Pont du Buott, where the French had a Battery of four small Pieces of Cannon and a Block house, and had posted 400 Men to oppose their Passage who soon retired when closely attacked, and left the Block house, and the sundry adjacent Houses in Flames. Our Forces began to bombard the French Fort from Batteries advanced within 500 Yards of it, on the 13th, which by a constant Fire obliged the French to surrender before our Gun batteries were finished, on the 16th Instant. The Fort is a regular built Pentagon, with 26 Pieces of Cannon mounted, was garrison with 150 regular Troops, and 400 Peasants, commanded by Monsieur Du Chambon, was plentifully furnished with Provisions, as well as all other Kinds of Stores. The regular Troops are to be transported to Louisbourg, and under a Prohibition of bearing Arms in North America for Six Months: The Fort the French had on the Side of the Bay Verte had accepted the same Terms of Capitulation, and Col. Winslow march with 500 Men, the same Morning that Major Bourne came away, in order to take Possession of it: And that the Forces were soon to sail for St. John River, where it was not doubted they would have the like Success.

... Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman in Boston, 
to his Friend in this City, dated June 30, 1755.

The Designs of the French were, to have attacked Halifax, and possessed themselves of all Nova Scotia, as well as reinforced all their Garrisons from Quebeck to the Ohio. Admiral Boscawen Orders were signed by the King, and two Privy Counsellors, to sink, burn and destroy all French Ships in such a Latitude and Longitude. Commodore Holburn is expected to join him daily with six Ships of the Line, and several Bomb Vessels, &c. This Action, no Doubt, will bring on a general War. It is reported Admiral Hawke is gone to the West Indies, with the same Orders from our good King. These French Men of War, after they had possessed Nova Scotia, were designed to convoy Monsieur Dupleix to France, who is to stop at Louisbourg in his Way from the East Indies with an immense Treasure.

Perhaps he may be convoyed to England as formerly ...

Philadelphia, July 7

To confirm the above Accounts, we have Permission to insert the following Extract of a Letter from Admiral Boscowen.

Torbay, June 17, 1755, off cape breton. ...

Boston, July 7.

Thursday last a Sloop arrived here in four Days from Annapolis Royal, and by her we have Advice, that on the 26th of June past, three of his Majesty Ships of War, the Success, the Mermaid, and Syrene, with some of the Transports with Soldiers, came down the Bay, and sailed for St. John River; and that the Vulture Sloop of War, with some other Vessels, having on board the French Garrison of Beausejour, had sailed for Louisbourg, to deliver them there, according to Capitulation ...

We have a report in Town, that a Fishing Schooner is arrived at Cape Anne from the Banks, the Master of which informs, that he saw in the Gut (some say the Harbour) of Canso 14 or 15 large French Ships, and that soon after falling in with 7 or 8 English Men of War, he informed them of what he had seen, upon which they immediately stood away for Canso.

... July 10. 

At a late Council of War, held at Niagara Fort, by the principal commanding Officers, it was determined, that
whatever should be the Success of any future Enterprize against the English, who are coming, armed at all Points, to drive us out of Canada, the Troops on the Ohio had at present nothing to do but to maintain the Ground they had already got, and by no Means venture beyond the Allegheny Mountains into the Province of Virginia, till repeated Success, or immediate Orders from Europe, should authorize them to vary their
Conduct in this Point. At the same time it was determined, that the Forces of Niagara had also nothing to do but maintain that important Pass; and that those on the Erie, at Crown Point, and Northward toward St. Lawrence Bay, being nearer the main Force at Quebec, and the neighbouring Places, and of Consequence more readily to be furnished with Supplies of every Kind, or favoured in case of a necessitous Retreat,
should push every material Advantage that they might happen to gain, in order, if possible, to secure the chief Part of Acadia, which, on account of the advantageous Situation of cape breton, might lay such a Foundation for our future Progress, as might not easily be in the Power of the English to root up.

New York, July 14.

.... Last Week Henry O'Brian, and Henry Huddle, the former taken with Colonel Washington, at the Great meadows, and the latter at Dartmouth, in Nova Scotia, four Years ago, arrived here in 20 Days from Canada: By them we are informed, That the French were not in the least apprised of the Designs of the English against
Crown Point, or Niagara, as the former was garrison with only 45 men, twenty Days ago, the greatest part of their Force having been dispatched to the Ohio; that they were sensible a War must soon ensue, as our Northern Men were prohibited from trading any more with cape breton; for which Reason, they would, if possible, impede their Indians from trading with  Albany; that they had waited with Impatience for the Fleet from Old France, with a large Reinforcement of Men, and warlike Stores; but imagined by their Delay, they were intercepted by some English Men of War; and it was reported, that immediately upon the Arrival of the Fleet, 400 Men would be dispatched to attack Albany, 400 more to attach Oswego, and a large Detachment sent to the Ohio, and that the Remainder of their Troops would be employed as the Situation of their Affairs
should then require. ...

[July 16, 1755]

To Sir Horace Mann. Strawberry Hill, July 16, 1755. 

Our correspondence will revive: the war is begun. I cannot refer you to the Gazette, for it is so prudent and so afraid that Europe should say we began first, (and unless the Gazette tell, how should Europe know?) that it tells nothing at all. The case was; Captain Howe and Captain Andrews lay in a great fog that lasted near fifty hours within speech of three French ships and within sight of nine more. The commandant asked if it was war or peace? Howe replied he must wait for his admiral's signal, but advised the Frenchman to prepare for war. Immediately Boscawen gave the signal, and Howe attacked. The French, who lost one hundred and thirty men to our thirteen, soon struck; we took one large ship, one inconsiderable, and seven thousand pounds: the third ship escaped in the fog. Boscawen detained the express ten days in hopes of more success; but the rest of our new enemies are all got safe into the river of Louisbourg. This is a great disappointment! We expect a declaration of war with the first fair wind. Make the most of your friendship with Count lorenzi, while you may.  ...

[Source: Horace Walpole, The Letters of Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford: Including Numerous Leters now first published from the Original Manuscripts in Four Volumes,  Volume 2, 1749-1759, London: Richard Bentley, 1846, July 16, 1755]

Boston

[July 14, 1755]

By Letters from Halifax, dated the 14th Instant, we are informed, that they had certain Advice there, that about 1300 of the French Troops, and four of their Ships, are got into Louisburg Harbour, where they are blocked up by our Fleet: The Remainder are either got into St. Lawrence River, or returned to France. That every Thing goes well at Chignecto: Col. Monckton is repairing and strengthening the two Forts at Beausejour and the River Gaspereau, both of which may be easily made very strong. He has ordered an exact Survey of the lands that have been cultivated both on the Isthmus and without it, which are said to be very rich and fertile. That it is the Governor fixed Resolution not to suffer the French Inhabitants to remain there longer than till the Forts are put into a proper State of Defence. That Vice Admiral Boscawen and Rear Admiral Moyston were come into Halifax to refit, that Admiral Holbourn was cruizing off Louisbourg. That every Body at Halifax, but especially the Governor, are full of the highest Encomiums on the Behaviour of the New England Troops under Col Monckton Command. He has represented their good Conduct in such a favourable and striking Light, as must certainly give the highest satisfaction to the Publick, but more especially to those who are more nearly connected with them. And, that live Stock is very much wanted at Halifax.

[July 17, 1755]

Just published, and to be sold at the New Printing Office, in Market street, (Price Six pence) the following LAWS, viz.

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.

An ACT to continue an ACT, 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.

An ACT for striking the Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds in Bills of Credit, to exchange such of those now by Law current, within this Province, as are torn and defaced.

Boston, July 21.

... We have Advice from Nova Scotia, That on the 17th of last march, Col. Winslow with 500 Men took Possession of Fort Gaspereau, situate on the Bay of Verte, about 15 Miles distant from the English Camp. That on the 19th he examined the Fort, and found it 180 Feet square, with four Block Houses, one on
each Angle, and in miserable Order, 8 Cannon and 2 Swivels, the Building very bad within, as well as the Water without: The Store consists of 700 lb, of Powder, a large Quantity of Cannon Shot, some Claret, 280 Barrels of Pork, and 8 Hogsheads of Melasses, but no Bread, nor Butter. In reconnoitring the Country thereabouts three Days, they found the Soil barren, and but little Fish in the Bay. At Bay Verte, is a Village of
about 25 Houses, a Chapel, and a Priest House well finished; and that the Inhabitants of the Village seemed to live in a better Form, and more after the English Manner than any in that Province, and have an open Communication with the Isle of St. John, and the Inhabitants of cape breton, whom they furnish with Lumber, Indian Goods, &c. from whom they receive all the Conveniences of Life in return. That they were
cleansing the Fort by the French People, and were about to repair it. ...

[July 24, 1755]

... We have Advice from Halifax, of the 24th of July last, That one of the Transports sent from Fort Beausejour to Louisburgh with the French Troops on board, had returned and put into that Port, the Capt. of which reported, That the French Garrison at Cape Breton was in great Distress for want of Provisions and other Necessaries. It is therefore hoped, that the excellent Laws passed by the several Legislatures on the Continent, prohibiting the Exportation of Provisions to that or any other the Dominions of the French King, or Places at present in Possession of any of his Subjects, may continue for several Months longer; it being not doubted but that we shall thereby do as much with the Sword of Famine as with the sword of Steel ...

Halifax, July 26.

We are informed that the French have now in Louisburgh an Admiral, with five Ships of the Line, and a Frigate; and that Admiral Holbourn, with the Squadron under his Command, often comes within Shot of the Island Battery, which makes MonsieurFingers itch to give them a Salute in a rough Manner, but that he remembers it is a Time of Peace.

We also hear that the French have sent home two Vessels with Dispatches, to inform their Master of the unpolite Behaviour of the English in taking and detaining two of his Ships, when only going to take, as it is thought, a peaceable Possession of the Metropolis of Nova Scotia, by which they could not possibly be thought to mean any Harm -- to themselves, and that they did not doubt their Master would resent it in a proper Manner, and make himself ample Amends for the Affront.

Halifax, August 9.

We make a most grand Appearance in our Harbour, such a Fleet was never before in America; there are Eleven Sail of the Line, with several small Ships. Admiral Holbourn, with six Ships, is cruizing off Louisbourg; and Captain Rous, with two 20 Gun Ships and a Sloop, sailed from hence a few Days ago, on a secret Expedition; it is thought to dispossess the French of a small Settlement in the Westermost part of Newfoundland, where we have heard some Vessels from the Continent have been so villainous as to carry Provisions, from when the French carry it to Louisbourg. Our Fleet has taken a Snow bound from France to Cape Breton, loaded with provisions; nor will it be possible for any of their Vessels to get in whilst our Fleet is upon the Coast; nor is it unlikely, in case there should be a War, that another Attempt would be made on Louisbourg. We are now upon a great and noble Scheme of sending the neutral French out of this Province, who have always been secret Enemies, and have encouraged our Savages to cut our Throats. 

If we effect their Expulsion, it will be one of the greatest Things that ever the English did in America; for by all the Accounts, that Part of the Country they possess, is as good Land as any in the World: I case therefore we could get some good English Farmers in their Room, this Province would abound
with all Kinds of Provisions ...

New York, August 11.

Tuesday last, his Majesty Snow of War the Baltimore, Captain Suckling, sailed from hence for Nova Scotia, in order to join his Britannick Majesty Fleet, now cruizing off that Place and Louisbourg  ...

[August 11, 1755]

                                                                                                              Halifax 11 August 1755

Instructions for Major Handfield, Commanding his Majesty's garrison of Annapolis Royale in relation to the transportation of the Inhabitants of the District of Annapolis River and other French Inhabitants out of the Province of Nova Scotia.

Sir,

Having in my Letter of the 31st of July last made you acquainted with the reasons which Induced His Majesty's Council to come to the Resolution of sending away the French Inhabitants and clearing the whole Country of such bad subjects, it only remains for me to give you the necessary orders for the putting in practice what has been so solemnly determined.

That the Inhabitants may not have it in their power to return to this Province nor to join in strengthening the French of Canada in Louisbourg; it is resolved that they shall be dispersed among his Majesty's Colonies upon the Continent of America.

For this purpose Transports are ordered to be sent from Boston to Annapolis to ship on board one thousand persons reckoning two persons to a ton, and for Chignecto, transports have been taken up here to carry off the Inhabitants of that place; and for those of the District around Mines Bason Transports are in from Boston. As Annapolis is the place where the last of the transports will depart from, any of the vessels that may not receive their full compliment up the Bay will be ordered there, and Colonel Winslow with his detachment will follow by land and bring up what stragglers he may meet with to ship on board at your place.

Upon the arrival of the vessels from Boston in the Bason of Annapolis as many of the Inhabitants of Annapolis District as can be collected by any means, particularly the heads of families and young men, are to be shipped on board of them at the above rate of two persons to a ton, or as near it as possible. The tonnage of the vessels to be ascertained by the charter partys, which the masters will furnish you with an amount of.

And to give you all the ease possible respecting the victualling of these transports, I have appointed Mr. George Sauls to act as agent Victualler upon this occasion and have given him particular instructions for that purpose with a copy of which he will furnish you upon his arrival at Annapolis Royale from Chignecto with the provisions for victualling the whole transports; but in case you should have shipped any of the Inhabitants before his arrival you will order five pounds of flour and one pound of pork to be delivered to each person so shipped to last for seven days and so until Mr. Saul's arrival, and it will be replaced by him into the stores from what he has on board the provision vessel for that purpose.

The destination of the Inhabitants of Annapolis River and of the transports ordered to Annapolis Bason:

To be sent to Philadelphia such a number of vessels as will transport three hundred persons.

To be sent to New York such a number of vessels as will transport two hundred persons.

To be sent to Connecticut such a number of vessels / whereof the Sloop Dove, Samuel Forbes, Master to be one / as will transport three hundred persons.

And To be sent to Boston such a number of vessels as will transport two hundred persons, or rather more in proportion to the province of Connecticut, should the number to be shipped off exceed one thousand persons.

When the people are embarked you will please to give the master of each vessel one of the letters of which you will receive a number signed by me of which you will address to the Governor of the Province or the Commander in Chief for the time being where they are to be put on shore and enclose therein the printed form of the Certificate to be granted to the Masters of the vessels to entitle them to their hire as agreed upon by Charter party; and with these you will give each of the Masters their sailing orders in writing to proceed according to the above destination, and upon their arrival immediately to wait upon the Governors or Commanders in Chief of the Provinces for which they are bound with the said Letters and to make all possible dispatch in debarking their passengers and obtain certificates thereof agreeable to the form aforesaid. And you will in these orders make it a particular injunction to the said Masters to be as careful and watchful as possible during the whole course of the passage to prevent the passengers making any attempt to seize upon the vessel by allowing only a small number to be upon the decks at a time and using all other necessary precautions to prevent the bad consequence of such attempts; and that they be particularly careful that the Inhabitants carry no arms nor other offensive weapons on board with them at their embarkation. As also that they see the provisions regularly issued to the people agreeable to the allowance proportioned in Mr. George Saul's instructions.

You will use all the means proper and necessary for collecting the people together so as to get them on board. If you find that fair means will not do with them, you must proceed by the most vigorous measures possible, not only in compelling them to embark, but in depriving those who shall escape of all means of shelter or support by burning their houses and destroying everything that may afford them the means of subsistence in the country, and if you have not force sufficient to perform this service, Colonel Winslow at Mines or the Commanding Officer there will upon your application send you a proper reinforcement.

You will see by the Charter partys of the vessels taken up at Boston that they are hired by the month; therefore I am to desire that you will use all possible dispatch to save expense to the public.

As soon as the people are shipped and the transports are ready you will acquaint the Commander of His Majesty's Ship therewith that he may take them under his convoy and put to sea without loss of time.

[Source: Charles Lawrence's orders to Captain John Handfield:          http://www.handfield.ca/documentsen/appendix3.htm ]

[August 14, 1755]

ABSENTED himself from his Majesty Service, on the tenth instant, James Kerly, born in Limrick, in Ireland, about 28 years of age, by trade a weaver, about 5 feet 5 inches high, of a brown complexion, pock mark, very talkative, and much given to liquor. He has been an old soldier at cape breton. Whoever takes up said James Kerly, and brings him to the Indian King, in Philadelphia, shall have a Guinea reward, and reasonable charges, paid by ADOLPH BENZEL, Recruiting Captain.

August 17 [Halifax]

 

... This Day sailed out of the Harbour three of his Majesty Ships of War, in order, it is thought, to join
Admiral Holbourn.

A Few Days since, three Frenchmen were taken up and imprisoned on Suspicion of having poisoned some of the Wells in this Neighbourhood. They are not tried as yet; and its imagined if they are convicted thereof, the will have but a few Hours to live after they are once condemned.

With the Blessings of God, we are at present plentifully stock with all Kinds of Provisions; whilst our Neighbors, the Cape Bretoners, have felt, in a most surprizing Degree, the Effects of the several prohibitions on the Continent, being now in a most deplorable Condition for want of the common Necessaries of Life, and afflicted with various Kinds of Diseases.

The two French Men of War seized and brought in here by Boscawen Squadron, in June last, have now English Pendants flying, and all their Guns mounted; and the Command of the Lys, of 74 Guns, is given to Captain Amhurst, who lately commanded the Mars; and that of the Alcide, supposed, will be given to the first Lieutenant of the Torbay ...

Boston, August 18.

... And by an Express Boat from Halifax, we have Advice, that our Men of War have taken a Snow from France, laden with Provisions for Louisburg, also a Ship from Canada, bound to France, with Dispatches for the Government, and sent them both into Halifax. That it being determined to remove the French Inhabitants, Seven Thousand of them are to be disposed of among the British Governments between Nova Scotia and Georgia; for which Purpose all the Vessels at Halifax fit for that Service, were taken up, and Orders are come to this Town to engage as many Vessels as will carry off two Thousand Persons.

We further hear, that on a Report that some French Ships had put into Newfoundland, a Number of our Ships of War were gone to look after them and also to prevent the pernicious Trade between Louisburg and St. Peters.

By a Vessel arrived at Cape Ann from Halifax, a Day or two ago, we are informed, that as she came out of the Harbour, one of his Majesty Ships of 64 Guns, was carrying in a French Snow of War, that was formerly taken from the English ...

Boston, August 25.

Most of the Transports which carried the Troops from hence to Nova Scotia, are returned, and have brought with them about 80 Invalids, and some others who have been discharged. The Soldiers yet remaining there were generally in good Health, but uneasy for want of some military Employment. 'Tis said they tell their Officers that they entered into the Service to fight, and not to lie unactive in a Camp. Such men will never be affrighted at the Faces or Yellings of their Enemies ...

By a Vessel arrived here Yesterday from Chignecto, we are informed, that some of our People posted near Bay Vert, observing a French Sloop and a Schooner taking in Cattle, got Boats or Canoes and took Possession of them, tho' the Frenchmen fired upon them with Swivel Guns, &c. The two Vessels had 29 Cattle on board, designed for Louisbourg, but our People saved them the Trouble, by carrying them to Chignecto.--- And further, that Colonel Winslow, with 500 Men, was picking up the French Inhabitants, in order for Transportation.

New York, August 25.

... We hear from Lime, in Connecticut, that Captain Mather arrived there on the 18 Instant, in ten Days from Halifax, and reported, that the Fleet under the Command of Admiral Boscawen was continually going out and in there, from their Cruize off of Louisbourg; and that a few Days before he sailed, Admiral Holbourn sent in a French Snow of 200 Tons, laden with Flour, Pork, Butter, &c. which he took going into the Harbour of Louisbourg, and on board of which they found several Packets of great Consequence; He likewise sent in a large French Schooner laden with Molasses; Rum, and Sugar, which the French ransomed for £. 1000 Ster. when they were permitted to proceed on their Voyage for Cape Breton. Capt. Mather further reported, that as he came out of Halifax, a Sloop was going
in, being nine Days from this Port ...

Last Thursday Morning arrived here in 14 Days from Halifax, Capt. Dwight, in a Sloop of this Port.

A Letter, dated Halifax, August 28, says,

"Three French Snows, one from Bourdeaux, laden with Wine, Brandy, &c. &c. and the other two from the West Indies, laden with Melasses, Indigo, and Provisions, and bound for Louisbourg, were sent in here the 24th past, by Admiral Holbourn Squadron: They were immediately condemned, their Cargoes to be sold this Day; and their Hulls to be disposed of at publick Vendue Tomorrow. The Baltimore Snow, Capt.
Suckling, arrived here Yesterday, from the Fleet off Louisbourg, and says, That Admiral Holbourn has taken four other large French Ships bound to cape breton, having on board 900 Tuns of Provisions. The Prizes brought in here some Time ago are all sold, except the Men of War, one of which is to go home to England, the other being too old is to winter here, in Company with six Sail more under Holbourn Command.

We are told that the above four French Ships were Part of a Fleet of 15 Sail bound to cape breton; and that when the Baltimore left the Fleet, the Admiral was extremely vigilant in diposing of his Men of War in such a Manner, as that nothing, if it was possible to prevent it, should escape their most exact Observations. ....

Halifax, in Nova Scotia, August 30. 

... Last Saturday Capt. Broom, of the Royal Train of Artillery, with a Detachment from the Troops under the Command of the Hon. Col. Monkton, arrived here from Pisguit, and has brought with him three French Priests, and eight other Frenchmen, Prisoners, who had been taken by our Troops since the Surrender of the French Forts at Beausejour, &c. and we hear they are now confined on board one of his Majesty Ships in this Harbour.

On Tuesday last his Majesty Ship the Port Mahone arrived here from the Squadron under the Command of the Hon. Rear Admiral Holbourn, now cruizing off Louisbourg; she brought in with her 3 French snows, Prizes, one of which was taken by his Majesty Sloop Baltimore, in her Passage from this Place to the Fleet, and the other two were taken by part of Admiral Holbourn Squadron, just as they were entering the Mouth of Louisbourg Harbour; one of them was a Pacquet from France, laden chiefly with Wine, one from Martineco with Rum and Melasses, and the other from St. Eustatia with Provisions ...

It is reported, that Admiral Holbourn has taken three other French Vessels since the fourth already arrived here; one of which being very old, and only in her Ballast, he sunk; another, having the Small Pox on board, he put on board her the Crew belonging to the other two, and sent them into Louisbourg; the third he saw fit to detain.

It is also reported, that Admiral Holbourn has taken 40 Sail of the French Fishing Shallops, 39 of which he destroyed, and having put all the Hands on board he sent her into Louisbourg, with Directions to inform the Governor, that if he wanted fresh Fish, he must send out his Men of War for them.

Remains still at Louisbourg, an Admiral with five Ships of the Line, and a Frigate, besides a considerable Number of other Vessels, who do not care to venture out.

We have now in our Harbour ten French Prizes, viz. Four Ships, five Snows, and a Brigantine, besides the Lys and Alcide, taken by the Hon. Vice Admiral Boscawen.

New York 

Extract of a Letter from Halifax, dated the 23d of
September, 1755.

'Tis privately talked of here, that Louisbourg will be in the Possession of the English between this and the First Day of December next, of which great Sums of Money are offered (by some of the Navy Gentlemen) to be laid. We have all the Symptoms imaginable for such an Enterprize.

The Fleet under the Command of Admiral Holbourn, that has been cruizing off Louisbourg for some Months past, is ordered in; four of which arrived Yesterday, supposed in order to hold a Council of War. Five Companies of Regulars, belonging to the three Regiments posted here, are ordered to hold themselves in Readiness at an Hour Warning. His Majesty Ships now riding in this Harbour are as follows; 18 Ships of the Line, 3 expected in Tomorrow (including the Alcide and Lys) 4 Ships of 20 Guns, and two Snows; which in the Whole you see makes 24 English Men of War ...

Some Indians in our Interest, having resolved to revenge the Death of the English, who have been killed and scalped within Halifax Province, by the Cape Breton or other Indians, thro' the Instigation of the French, from whom it is certainly known they have constantly received a large Reward for each Scalp; a Party of them lately set out from their Head Quarters for that Purpose, and proceeding along the Eastern Coast or that Province as far as Isle Madam, near Canso, having killed and scalped some of their men, the Pilot Schooner in coming from the Fleet, accidentally passing near that Place, took them on board, and carried them in there with the Scalps, And we hear there is a considerable Body of Indians in the Interest of the English, in that Province, who are determined to proceed in the same Manner, till they have effectually discouraged the French giving Rewards for the Scalps ...

Halifax, in Nova Scotia, Sept. 27. 

... Wednesday last arrived here the Hon. Rear Admiral Holbourne, in his Majesty Ship Edinburgh, also his Majesty Ships Centurion, Austria, and Norwich, from their Cruize off the Harbour of Louisbourg: On their Passage they met with three French Men of War, who had made their Escape from Louisbourg, to whom they gave Chace for some Time, but theirs being clean Ships, and ours considerably foul, they soon lost Sight of them. Yesterday arrived his Majesty Ship Dunkirk, who had been upon the Cruize with Admiral Holbourne.

There are now in this Harbour Thirty nine Ships and other Topsail Vessels., viz.

Twelve English Ships of War of 74 and 64 Guns.

Three of 20 Guns, and two Snows.

Two French Ships of War of 74 Guns, viz. the Alcide and Lys.

Fourteen French Merchant Ships and Snows -- lately sent in by our Fleets, now cruizing off Louisbourg, and the Mouth of St. Lawrence River. (And three more are hourly expected.)

Six English Merchant Snows and Brigantines, besides a great Number of Sloops and Schooners.

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~guedrylabinefamily/winter2009newsletter.pdf

Boston

Extract of a Letter from Halifax, Sept. 10, 1755.

"I have been here one Month; since which 13 Prizes have been brought in here, with Wines, Melasses, Rum, Sugars, Bread, Flour, Silks, Clothes, &c. &c. Some have been sold very cheap at Vendue. Admiral Holbourn, off Louisbourg, has taken three more Prizes, stripp one, and sent all the Men in her to Louisbourg; also upwards of 20 Shallops, and burnt all to one, and sent their Men into Louisbourg, to tell the Governor if he wanted fresh Fish, he may send the Men of War out to catch them.---This you may depend on.--- 

P.S. There is in and out upwards of 20 Sail of Men of War; but every Thing very plenty at present ...

October 1, 1755

Governor Dinwiddie to the Earl of Halifax

At Nova Scotia the Squadron had taken several Ships with Provis's, and y't they were in a very starv'g Con- dit'n at Lewisburg ; y't I hope the Sword of Famine will do as much Service as the Sword of Steel.

[Robert Dinwiddie, The official records of Robert Dinwiddie: Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony of Virginia, 1751-1758,Volume 4 (Published by The Society, 1884), p. 227]

Boston, October 6.

... We hear from Salem and Marblehead, That some Fishermen there from Halifax inform, That two of Admiral Boscawen Fleet had taken a French Man of War of 74 Guns.

Our last Accounts from Halifax, bro by Capt. Hall who arrived here Yesterday in 9 Days, are --- That Capt. Rous had taken 5 or 6 Prizes near Newfoundland, and a Dogger off Louisbourg, with a considerable Sum of Money on Board, and carried them into Halifax: That a 20 Gun Ship and a Snow, were cruizing off Louisbourg, to observe the Motions of the French: And that the French Men of War in that Harbour had got out, and were seen standing to the Eastward with all the Sail they could croud.

New York, Sept. 29.

... By the Eastern Post we have an Account, that a Whaleman was arrived at Rhode Island, who reported, that about Three Weeks ago, he fell in with a French Man of War of 60 Guns, to the Eastward of Newfoundland, who brought him to, and ordered him on board, where he was detained six or eight Hours (in which Time he saw three large Ships more, full of Men) and was asked several Questions, what News, &c. he told them he knew of none besides Chignecto being taken; and by what he could learn, he thought they had the News before. He ask them were bound, and received no Answer; but thinks to Louisbourg or Canada, and cannot tell which ...

Boston, October 13.

... By a Letter from Halifax, dated the first Instant, we learn, that Admiral Boscawen, considering that the Season of the Year was so far advanced as it was not proper to continue such a Number of his Majesty Ships in those Seas, had ordered them all into the Harbour of Halifax, except two, which were left on the Cruize, and by the Advice of a Council of War, determined to sail in a Fortnight with the largest Ships for England, leaving a Squadron under the Command of Capt. Spry, for the Protection of that and the neighbouring Colonies. Among the Vessels that were taken during their Cruize off Louisbourg, 16 of them were laden with Provisions.

We also learn by another Letter, that on board the Vessels that were taken by Capt. Rous, there were 3870 Barrels of Flour, 1170 Firkins of Butter, 750 Barrels of Pork and Beef, 1200 Casks of Brandy and Wine, besides Cases of Cordials, &c ...

We learn by a Letter from Halifax, that the Prizes taken at Newfoundland, and sent in there by Capt. Rous (as mentioned in our last) were condemned at a Court of Admiralty, agreeable to an Act made at Utrecht, prohibiting the French making Fish in that Part of North America ...

[October 21, 1755, Boston]

By Letters from Halifax, dated October 21, we are informed, that the Night before the Fleet sailed for England, a most horrid Scheme was discovered, that had been laid by some of the principal French Officers, with a Plan of the Town and Batteries, and was done on exceeding thin Paper, and extreme fine Writing, and was folded and pressed as close as possible, and put up in the Middle of a Wash ball, to go to Canada by the Way of Louisbourg. It was to take Halifax this Winter, with a Number of Canadians, Indians and Regulars, and when they had taken the Town, they were to fire the Batteries upon the Ships; the Inhabitants all to be shut up in the Church, and Fire put to it, and the Troops were all to be put to the Sword without Quarter. The Admiral put it to the chief Person concerned (viz. the Captain of the Alcide) who flatly denied it; upon which the Admiral shewed it to him in his own Hand Writing, to his horrible Confusion.

[November 10, 1755]

FORTY DOLLARS REWARD

And all reasonable charges shall be paid to any Person that secures and brings to William Kelly, of the City of New York, merchant a Negro man named Norton Minors, who ran away from his masters Messrs. Bodkin and Ferrall of the Island of St. Croix, on the 1st day of July last; is by trade a Caulker and ship-carpenter; has lived at Newbury, in New-England; was the property of Mr. Mark Quane, who sold him to Mr. Craddock of Nevis, from whom the above gentlemen bought him about three years ago; is about 5 feet 8 inches high; age about 37 years; SPEAKS GOOD ENGLISH, CAN READ AND WRITE; AND IS A VERY SENSIBLE FELLOW: And his masters suspect he came off in the sloop Boscawen, Andrew Ford, Master, who sailed from the above Island the very day this fellow eloped, bound for Louisbourg.

[November 16, 1755]

To Sir Horace Mann. 
Arlington Street, Nov. 16, 1755. 

I have received a letter from you of Oct. 25th, full of expectation of the invasion I announced to you-but we have got two new parties erected, and if you imagine that the invasion is attended to, any more than as it is played off by both those parties, you know little of England ...

I don't at all understand my Lady Orford's politics; but that is no wonder, when I am sure she does not understand ours. Nobody knows what to make of the French inactivity: if they intend some great stroke, the very delay and forbearance tells us to prepare for it, and a surprise prepared for loses much of its value. For my own part, I have not prophetic sagacity enough to foresee what will be even the probable event either of our warlike or domestic politics. I desired your brother to write you an account of General Johnson's victory; the only great circumstance in our favour that has happened yet. The greatest mystery of all is the conduct of Admiral Boscawen: since he left England, though they write private letters to their friends, he and all his officers have not sent a single line to the Admiralty; after great pain and uncertainty about him, a notion prevailed yesterday, how well-founded I know not, that without any orders he is gone to attack Louisbourgh-considering all I have mentioned, he ought to be very sure of success. Adieu! my dear Sir, I have told you the heads of all I know, and have not time to be more particular. P. S. I am glad to be able to contradict an untruth, before I send it away -. Admiral Boscawen and his fleet are arrived, and have brought along with them a French man-of-war of seventy-four guns.

[Source: Horace Walpole, The Letters of Horace Walpole, Earl of Orford: Including Numerous Leters now first published from the Original Manuscripts in Four Volumes,  Volume 2, 1749-1759, London: Richard Bentley, 1846, November 16, 1755]

Boston, November 17.

Last Night Capt. Metcalf arrived here in three Days from Halifax, who informs, that just after he came out, he met a large French Prize bound in, taken by the Otter Sloop of War; she is of about 700 Tons, bound for Louisbourg from France, laden with Provisions.

Boston, December 8.

... About a Fortnight ago, we had Advice, by Letters from St. Peter, in Newfoundland, that a French Fleet, consisting of 17 men of War, and Transports, was arrived at Spanish River, in Cape Breton, where they were landing their Men, &c. Little or no Credit was given to this Advice; but last Saturday, a Vessel arrived here from Newfoundland, the Master of which says, that on his Passage from this Town to Placentia, some Time ago, he met with a French Bomb Ship standing into Louisbourg, which is supposed to be one of the said Fleet; and if so, it is probable they have a Design upon Nova Scotia. And as we have Letters from Halifax of the 27th ult. informing, that Colonel Winslow was arrived there with 50 of our New England Troops, and was immediately to be followed by 1200 more; this seems to increase that Suspicion. ...

Return/retour