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Index of Subjects
This is a work in progress....
For those who may have an interest in more details of NL
historical events I have 'cut and paste' portions of a transcribed
document posted at
http://ngb.chebucto.org/Articles/colville-1762.shtml
added [ilghr notes in square brackets], capitalized some SURNAMES
and inserted websites which have additional information about the
family history of some of the characters.
I would be delighted to hear from anyone concerning the NL surname
spelling variations for any of the surnames recorded in this
document.
Cheers, Lloyd
************************************************************
Related websites:
http://fortress.uccb.ns.ca/Search/CO194_26.html
Place Names:
Isle of Bic
...http://www3.telus.net/charlotte_taylor/Folder1/Quebec_1759.htm
Bic
http://www3.bc.sympatico.ca/public/dgarneau/indian9a.htm
NL Surnames:
BLAKE/BLAKEY
"Captain Blake's Sloop [L'Epreuve] "
http://www2.volstate.edu/cbucy/History%202030/Documents/Timberlake%20and%20Ostenaco-5.htm
***************************************************************
*******************************************************************
http://ngb.chebucto.org/Articles/colville-1762.shtml
MARITIME MUSEUM OF CANADA
OCCASIONAL PAPERS
Number Six
The Recapture of
Saint John’s, Newfoundland
Dispatches of Rear-Admiral, Lord Colville
1761-1762
[Lord of COLCROSS/CULCROSS
The City of Colville website is designed to keep citizens informed
of local government on a daily basis. ... In 1825, Fort Colville,
named for Lord Andrew Colville, a London governor of Hudson's Bay
Company, was built ... Kettle Falls, a few miles west of Colville.
The fort functioned as ...]
edited by
Instructor Commander
C. H. LITTLE, R.C.N. (Ret’d)
Halifax, Nova Scotia, December 1959
Coville Colville diary Cover
Editors Foreword1
Occasional Paper Number Four concluded with an extract from a
letter by Lord Colville dated 10th April 1761. This paper resumes
with selections from the Commander-m-Chief's despatches during
1761 and 1762.
In addition to the general interest which the naval dispositions
and operations of the period afford, there are in these despatches
three areas of particular value to students of history; the report
of the proceedings of an 18th century Court of Admiralty with all
its astonishing financial details;
the official naval account of the recapture of St. John's,
Newfoundland, from the French (surely one of the most inexplicable
ventures of the Seven Years' War), and the sentences of
Courts-martial which have to be looked at in detail before they
can be believed.
A valuable additional source of information about the St. John's
campaign is the Journal of the officer commanding the army
detachment—Lt. Col. William AMHERST (Major-General Jeffrey
Amherst's brother)—which was published in 1931 under the
editorship of Dr. J. C. Webster.
Lord Colville came back to Halifax as Commander-in-Chief in 1763.
It is hoped to publish his despatches for that period in a future
paper. The following brief sketch of his life between the summer
of 1757 and his death in 1770, much of it based on previous
Occasional Papers, shows how closely connected he was with Canada.
He came to Canada during the summer of 1757 with the rank of
Captain R.N., in command of the 70 gun NORTHUMBERLAND, which
formed part of Vice-Admiral Holburne's
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vice-Admiral_Francis_Holburne
fleet ordered to attack Louisbourg. The attack was called off due
to the strength of the French fleet, and because the British
squadron had been caught and scattered by a September hurricane.
[1757]...On 14th November, 1757, Colville assumed command at
Halifax with the rank of Commodore as instructed by Holburne. He
remained in Halifax over the winter flying his broad pendant in
the NORTHUMBERLAND (Capt. Henry MARTIN, R.N.).
[1758]On 19th March, 1758, Rear-Admiral Sir Charles HARDY arrived
at Halifax from England and took over the squadron with
instructions from Vice-Admiral BOSCAWEN
http://www.blupete.com/Hist/BiosNS/1700-63/Boscawen.htm
to blockade Louisbourg. Colville reverted to Captain and reassumed
command of the NORTHUMBERLAND in which he served under Boscawen at
the successful siege of Louisbourg. He returned to England with
Boscawen, spent the winter there, and came out to Louisbourg again
in the spring of 1759, arriving on 14th May still in command of
the NORTHUMBERLAND.
[1759] He served at the siege of Quebec as part of Rear-Admiral
[Philip]DURELL’s
http://www.cichw.net/pmdurell.html
force of great ships which patrolled the Gulf of St. Lawrence
during the campaign. On 16th October,1759, Colville was appointed
by Vice-Admiral Saunders, Commander-in-Chief in North America to
the rank of Commodore.
http://www.aboutnelson.co.uk/jervis.htm
He spent the -winter at Halifax, flying his broad pendant in the
NORTHUMBERLAND, (Capt. W. Adams). In April, 1760, he led his
squadron to Quebec to find that a small force under Captain
Swanton in the VANGUARD had relieved the British garrison which
was under attack by 11,000 French troops commanded by General
Lévis. Colville remained in the St. Lawrence until early October
when, observing that Vaudreuil had surrendered Canada to General
Amherst, he dispersed the ships and returned to Halifax, sailing
from the Island of Orléans on 13th October and arriving in Halifax
24th October. The following day the GREYHOUND arrived with
Admiralty instructions for Swanton to relieve Colville as
Commander-in-Chief, with the rank of Commodore. Swanton had been
instructed by Colville to escort the transports to England as soon
as the French prisoners were on board—a date estimated to be 20th
October.
The GREYHOUND was therefore sent back to the St. Lawrence to look
for the VANGUARD with instructions to return to England if the
latter had sailed. Colville reported that he would carry on as
Commanderin-Chief until relieved. Swanton was not found and
Colville spent his third winter in command at Halifax, still a
Commodore and still in the NORTHUMBERLAND.
[AUGUST 1762]...He remained as Commander-in-Chief over the winter
of 1761-62 also, and went to the relief of St. John's Newfoundland
in August 1762. Finally he got back to England in the autumn of
that year and was promoted Rear-Admiral of the White on 21st
October, 1762.
After less than a year in the United Kingdom Colville was again
appointed to the North America Station. He sailed in the "ROMNEY"
on 31st August 1763 and arrived in Halifax on 13th October. He
remained there for the next three years thus establishing a record
for command of the station. Little of importance occurred during
these years and the Admiral’s despatches report that his main
concerns were smuggling and desertion.
[1766] Lord Colville was succeeded by Vice-Admiral of the Blue,
Philip DURELL, but the latter died on 26th August 1766 just four
days after his arrival at Halifax. However, this melancholy event
did not delay Colville in his departure. He sailed for England on
5th September leaving instructions for Captain Joseph DEANE of the
MERMAID to take command until the arrival of a new
Commander-in-Chief.
[1770...ALEXANDER]Colville apparently held no other command and
received no further promotion. He died in Scotland 21st May, 1770.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viscount_Colville_of_Culross
To save space most of the salutations and signatures of Colville's
despatches have been omitted. The spelling and grammar are those
of the original letters.
I acknowledge with many thanks the invaluable assistance of the
Naval Historian, Lieutenant Commander E. C. RUSSELL and of the
Naval Historical Section at Naval Headquarters.
The Recapture of Saint Johns, Newfoundland
An Account of the Disposition of his Majesty's Squadron in North
America, under the command of the Right Hon'ble the Lord Colvill,
August 18th. 1761.
"Rochester"................ Stationed at the Isle of Bic, as a
Guardship for the River St. Lawrence, but as there will very soon
be no Ships here to answer any emergency that may arise; and as
all apprehensions from the Enemy in the Gulph and River St.
Lawrence seems now to be at an end, I have directed Captain
BURNETT
http://raims.com/historian/burials.html
to return to Halifax.
"Diana".....................
Porcupine Belcher, an armed sloop hired for this service.
Stationed in the Gulph of St. Lawrence. To be attentive to the
Bays of Miramichi, Chaleurs, and Gaspey, least any of the
discontented Inhabitants should attempt to fit out Chaloupes
against our Trade.
"Devonshire"................
Norwich Greyhound In Halifax Harbour; but directed to proceed to
New York, in order to Convoy the Troops that are to Sail from
thence in the beginning of September.
"Penzance".................. Cruizing on the Coast of Virginia,
but ordered to join the above Convoy at New York.
"Dublin".................... Arrived here from Antigua the 31st.
of last Month; to be new sheathed refitted and to return back to
her Station, without loss of time.
Northumberland.......... In Halifax Harbour.
Note in Clevland’s writing—Nov. 24, Own receipt and approve of
what he has done.
Duplicate
Northumberland at Halifax, 26th Nov. 1761
(Received Feby 1762)
Sir
On the 8th of last August I had the honour of transmitting to you
an account of the Proceedings and Disposition of the Squadron
under my command; particularly with relation to the Ships which I
had appointed to Convoy the Troops destined for an Expedition
against Martinica2. And I have the pleasure to find that the
Orders I gave to Captain Darby, who commands these Ships ,and of
which I sent you a Copy, are perfectly consistent with those sent
by their Lordships in the "Alcide". Captain Darby's command now
consists of the "Devonshire",
"Alcide",
"Norwich" and
"Penzance",
with the Fleet of Transports, and I judge by his and General
Amherst’s Letters, they must all have sailed from New York before
the middle of this Month.
The "Greyhound" was dispatched before, to acquaint Sir James
Douglas3, Governor Dalrymple, and Lord Rollo, with the Orders Sir
Jeffery Amherst had received from England, and the forwardness
that things were in at New York.
The "Intrepid" arrived here on the 19th Instant, in a shattered
condition, and is now at the Wharf refitting. Captain HALE
delivered me their Lordships Order to send "Zephyr" Sloop from
Carolina to England, and I dispatched Orders to Captain
GREEN-WOOD, accordingly, by way of Boston, as there is no prospect
of a conveyance by Sea from this Place.
I have received their Lordships Order to enquire into a Complaint
made by the Master at Arms of the "Nightingale" against is
Captain; but believe I shall have no opportunity of taking
cognizance, either of this, or the other complaint made against
Captain Campbell by the Master, because he is now employed in
convoying four Companies of the 17th and 22nd Regiments from South
Carolina to Dominique.
On the 16th of September I directed Captain Perceval of the
"Dover", which had just arrived from Quebec, to cruize between New
York and Cape Hatteras, and to be back at this Place by the 20th
November.
Captain BOYD in the "Penzance" had been employed on that Station,
but was then ordered to join Captain Darby at New York; and
I had received Intelligence from Sir James Douglas that a
Brigantine and two Sloop Privateers, had sailed from Martinica
[MARTINIQUE]in order to cruize on the Coasts of North America.
However, I have great reason to believe, that no Enemy has been
seen, nor any Capture made within a hundred Leagues of these
Coasts.
On the 23d of last Month I received a Letter from Governour SHARPE
of Maryland dated 8th September, inclosing a Petition addressed to
me from the Owners, Agents and Masters of Ships employed in the
Tobacco Trade of that Province, and signed by twenty two Names,
desiring a Convoy for such of their Ships as could not be got
ready to proceed with Captain NORTON of the "Assistance" on the
20th of that Month.
I therefore ordered Captain Adams of the "Diana" to perform this
Service; but if the Trade in question should be sailed before his
arrival in Maryland, he is to cruize in such Stations, as from
Intelligence, or otherways, he may judge most proper for securing
the Commerce of our North American Colonies, and to return to this
Place as early as possible in next March.
As I was directed by their Lordships last Year,
to send a Ship to Newfoundland, in order to Convoy the Trade from
thence to England,
I expected that the same service would be required of me this
Year, and intended that the "Rochester" which came too late from
the River St. Lawrence to be employed on the expedition, should
perform it; but as I have received no Orders for that purpose, she
remains here, in readiness for any Duty that may be necessary.
The "Porcupine" is the only Sloop with me, and she also is kept in
readiness for any service that may require immediate dispatch.
[1759-1760] The Accadian Inhabitants of the Bays of
Vert,
Miramichi,
Chaleurs and
Gaspey,
in the Gulph of St. Lawrence, which were so troublesome with their
Privateers during the Summer of 1759 and 1760, have now, almost
all, delivered themselves up to the Government of this Province;
and as every Vessel belonging to them of any consequence is
destroyed, there is not the least appearance of any further
annoyance to our Trade from that quarter.
During the past Summer I have employed myself in carrying on the
Works, necessary to compleat the
Careening Yard at this Place;
http://www.blupete.com/Hist/NovaScotiaBk1/Part7/Ch11fn.htm
and have given a particular account of my Labours to the
Commissioners of the Navy, as it was at their Desire I undertook
it.
Note in Clevland’s Writing — Own receipt and let him know that I
very much approve of what he has done.
Northumberland at Halifax 1st Dec'r. 1761
(Received 24 Mar. 1762)
Sir
Since my last of the 26th past, I have been acquainted by Sir
Jeffery Amherst, that there are several victualling Vessels which
cannot be got ready time enough to proceed from New York with the
Convoy under Captain DARBY's command; and as it is highly
necessary that these Vessels should follow as soon as possible,
and be well escorted; I have directed Captain BURNETT in the
"Rochester" to perform this Service.
The "Dover", which I had appointed to cruize on the Coasts of
Virginia and New York, put into Sandy Hook in a hard gale of wind,
just at the time when a Ship was wanted to proceed to South
Carolina, to Convoy the remainder of the Troops, under the command
of Lieutenant Colonel GRANT, from thence to Dominica; and Captain
Darby ordered Captain PERCEVAL on that Duty, so that all the Ships
under my command are now disposed of, except the "Northumberland",
"Intrepid" and "Porcupine" Sloop.
In my last I acquainted you that Captain CAMPBELL in the
"Nightingale", was directed to convoy four Companies, which made
the first Embarkation from Carolina, to Dominica; and when the
"Zephyr" returns to England there will be no Stationed Ship on
that Coast unless sent out lately by their Lordships; for Captain
Campbell at the request of the Governour and Merchants of
Carolina, joined the Scarborough to the Success, both which Ships
sailed from Charles Town on the 31st of last May with Forty Sail
under Convoy; and the "Dolphin" with Twenty sail more about the
end of June. But, that no necessary step may be omitted, I write
by the "Rochester", to the Commander in Chief of the King's Ships
at Barbados and the Leeward Islands,
http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/wcpa/ow/090d087c7cb853cb.html
http://etext.library.adelaide.edu.au/c/cook/james/c77j/life.html
acquainting him that there is not a single stationed Ship now left
on the Northamerican Coast, in hopes that out of the great number
collected under his command, a Frigate or two, and a sloop may be
spared for the Service of these Colonies.
I send you inclosed, the State of the Hospital at this Place; upon
which I have to observe, that near half the Patients are reported
to me by the Surgeon, to be unserviceable; and I shall take care
to send all that are really so to England, by the first proper
opportunity.
Hospital (Weekly Account of Sick and Wounded Seamen, etc.)
Nova Scotia
29th November 1761
Whereof Since last Account The most Reigning Distempers at
this Time
in the Discharged
Classes of people Number of each class Hospital Quarters Very Ill
Not dangerously ill On Recovery Cured Not Cured Dead Run Received
Quarters Unfilled
"Fevers & Scurvy
Chs. White, Surgeon"
Seamen 81 81 “ 9 31 38 2 " " " 13 "
Marines 16 16 " 5 6 6 1 " " " 2 "
French
Prisoners 7 7 " " " 7 " " " " " "
Duplicate
Northumberland at Halifax 7th January 1762
Received 28 April 1762
Sir
I had the honour of writing to you on the 26th of November and
1stst of December last; in which Letters I gave you an Account of
every Service the Ships under my command were employed on. Captain
Darby in the Devonshire with seventy sail, left Sandy Hook on the
19th of November and had the prospect of a good passage, as the
Wind and Weather continued fair for several Days. Captain Burnett
in the Rochester sailed from this Place on the 4th of last Month,
and I dare say is now well on his passage from New York to
Barbados, with the Victuallers.
Before the "Devonshire" sailed Sir Jeffery Amherst sent on-board
£57,000 for the use of the Army, with a Letter to Captain Darby
requesting him to take charge of it, and to issue it out in such
manner, and to such Persons as General MONCKTON should direct.
Captain DARBY, received the Money, and desired to have one per
cent as Freight, but Sir Jeffery Amherst would not agree to give
any more than a half per cent, which Captain Darby declined
taking, because the Money was to go a cross the Ocean, which is
the same as a Foreign Voyage, where one per cent is allowed.
Besides he did not think himself at Liberty to follow his own
Inclination, as a Precedent of this kind might hereafter prove
injurious to The Corps, and he apprehended it would not meet with
my approbation, who am entituled to a third of the Freight.
I hope their Lordships will pardon me for giving them this
Trouble; and admit of my further Apology for expressing my Wish,
that they would settle this Affair with the Treasury.
Money is an Article in Which I have dealt very little; and my
being long in a Station without pecuniary Emolument, may have
induced me to think more of a Trifle than 'tis worth. I am etc.
Note in Clevland’s Writing.
28 April—Has the original been rec'd and Answ’d No Sir (crossed
out)
Yes Sir.
Northumberland at Halifax 17th January 1762
Sir
Captain FRANCIS of the "Greyhound", whom I had appointed to cruize
on the Coasts of New York last Summer, brought with him to this
Place, a Brigantine and a Schooner, which he had detained on
account of carrying on a clandestine or illicit Trade.
And Captain BURNETT of the "Rochester", at the Isle of Bic, took
possession of a SNOW from Guernsey for Quebec, which he also
brought to this Place. All three were tried in the Court of
Admiralty; and I inclose Copies of their Condemnation, as given me
by Mr. Collier, the Judge of that Court.
It has been customary in North-America, for the Courts of
Admiralty to divide the Produce arising for these sort of
Captures, into three equal Parts, and to adjudge
one to the King,
one to the Captor, &
one to the Governour or Commander in Chief where the Trial is
held.
The King's Share has been claimed, some-times by the Collector of
the Customs, sometimes by the Governour, and in 1755 Admiral
Boscawen received Part of the Produce of some Vessels seized by
Captains ROUS and HANKERSON at Newfoundland, when Captain Dorril
was Governour of that Island.
In the present Case, the King's Share of the Brigantine taken by
Captain Francis was paid in Deposit only, besides his own Third,
to Mr. Belcher, Chief Justice and Commander in Chief of the
Province; but the King's Third of the other two, at my request
remains in custody of the Court.
I believe my Reasons for making this Adress will be sufficiently
obvious, without mentioning them. I humbly beg the Favour of their
Lordships to recommend me to his Majesty, for his Share of these
three Captures. The Bounty will be most thankfully received, and
my Obligation to their Lordships ever gratefully remembered.
Nova Scotia
Court of
Vice Admiralty
In the Name of God Amen
We John COLLINS, Esq. Judge of his Majesty's
Court of Vice Admiralty for the Province of
Nova Scotia aforesaid, and the Maritime parts
thereunto belonging
Having heard, seen and Maturely Considered the Merits and
Circumstances of a certain Libel exhibited to this Court, by
William NESBETT Esq. his Majesty's Advocate General in the said
Court in the Name of Henry NEWTON Esq. Collector of his Majesty's
Customs for the Province aforesaid; for and on the behalf of his
said Majesty, and of Thomas BURNETT Esq. Commander of his
Majesty's ship "Rochester", against a certain Snow called the Two
Brothers Nicholas Le Masurer Master and her Cargo seized in the
Port of Halifax in the Province aforesaid, by the said Thomas
Burnett, Esq. for clandestine and Illicit Trade; having Imported
(as is therein alledged) at the Isle of Bic in the River St.
Lawrence, a place now in his Majesty's Possession and with in the
Jurisdiction of this Court, a Quantity of Wine and other Goods and
Merchandize of the Growth, Produce or Manufacture of Europe, not
having been Ship'd in England, Principality of Wales or Town of
Berwick upon Tweed, contrary to the statute m that Case made and
Provided, and all partys Concern'd having been by due process
informed of the said Libel and Cited to appear in the said Court
at a day for that Purpose appointed,, then and there to assert
their rights to the said SNOW and her Cargo; James MAJOR
Super-Cargo of the said SNOW "two Brothers" and her Cargo in his
own proper person appeared in the said Court, and for and on the
behalf of
James Le Ray Merchant, Native and Inhabitant of the Island of
Guernsey Claimed all and every part of the Cargo laden'd on board
said Snow, except thirty one hogsheads of White Wine, One Case of
Capers, one Case of Olives, four bales of Almonds, Five hogsheads
of Red Wine, one Box of hungaryWater4, six small Barrells of
March5, three Butts of Cyder, fifty dozen pair of Hose and four
hogsheads more of Red Wine, which the said James MAJOR did Claim
as his own private property, with a reservation also of Claim for
private Adventure, and the said Nicholas Le Masurer the Master of
the said Snow two Brothers in his own proper person appear'd in
the said Court and for, and on the behalf of James Le Ray and John
Le Ray of the Island of Guernsey Merchants claimed the said Snow
Two Brothers with all her Guns, Rigging, Tackle, Apparel and
Furniture as Libel’d; as the Property of the said James and John
Le Ray, with a reservation of Claim of private adventure as by the
said Several Claims now on File may appear; and Sundry papers
having been Produced and Exhibited, and several Witnesses having
been Sworn and Examined in open Court, as well in Support of the
said Libel as by the said Claimants in Support of their Several
Claims: it appear'd thereby to us that there had been imported in
the said Snow Two Brothers
at the Isle of Bic in the River St. Lawrence, a place being in the
possession of his Majesty,
a Quantity of Wines and other Goods, the Growth, produce or
Manufacture of Europe, not having been Ship'd in England,
Principality of Wales or Town of Berwick on Tweed, as by Law is
required; but in the Island of Guernsey aforesaid, in open and
Manifest Violation of the Statute in that Case made and provided;
and all matters and things requisite for a fair and Impartial
hearing and Tryall of the Premises having been duly attended to—
We do Pronounce this our Sentence and decree thereon as follows,
We do adjudge and decree the said SNOW "Two Brothers", together
with all her Guns, Tackle, Ammunition, Apparel and Furniture, as
allso all and Singular the Goods, Wares and Merchandize of the
Growth, Produce or Manufacture of Europe: the Cargo thereof to be
forfieted, and do Condemn the same as forfeited accordingly; and
we do further order that the said Snow Two Brothers together with
her Guns, Tackle, Apparel, Ammunition and Furniture, as also all
the Several Goods and Merchandize, her Cargo by us Comdemn'd as
aforesaid, be sold by the Marshall of this Court or his Dupty at
Publick Auction; the said Snow and her appertenances as allso the
several Goods, and Merchandize, her Cargo, being first appraised
on Oath by three persons to be by us appointed, and the Monies
arising by the Sales thereof, to be paid into the hands of the
Register of the said Court, to be by him paid and distributed in
manner following, (that is to say Court and Incident Charges first
deducted) one third to the use of his Majesty, his Heirs and
Successors, one other third part thereof to the Honourable
Jonathan Belcher Esq. Commander in chief of this Province, and the
Remaining third part thereof to the said
Thomas Burnett Esq. Commander of his Majesty's Ship Rochester
aforesaid, the Informer against said Snow and her Cargo.
Given under our hand and the Seal of the said Court this 23d day
of September, in the first year of his Majesty's Reign, and in the
year of our Lord 1761.
(Sign'd) Jn. COLLIER.
£ s d
The Amount of Sales of the Snow Two Brothers. . £400 0 0
Marshalls Commiss'n 2 Pr Cnt 8 0 0
392 0 0
Charges to be Deducted
Condemnation Fees .............. £20 0 0
Poundage 5 Pr Cnt ................ 19 12 0
Ballance Mariners Wages.......... 58 4 11
To the Register, Settling and adjusting the Acc't of Wages, whole
Amount being £93........... 2 6 6
Warrant of appraizment........... 0 9 0
3 Appraizers 20/ea......... 3 0 0
To Mr. James Major for Pilotage...... 13 17 10
Marsh'lls bill Custody, wharfage, Labour, etc. ............... 16
7 4
Waiters bill Custody from 3d Sept. to lst Oct. at 5/per
day.............. 7 5 0
Light money.............. 2 10 0 143 12 7
£248 7 5
Settlement and Distribution
1/3 To his Majesty .................. £82 15 9
1/3 To the Governor or Commander in Chief ............. 82 15 9
1/3 To the Prosecutor thereof ....... 82 15 9
£248 7 4
Allow'd
(Signed) John Collier
J:A
A true Copy examined
(Signed) Chas. MORRIS jun’r. D. Reg’r.
£ s d
The Amount of Sales of the Cargo of the Snow Two Brothers .......
£2960 2 2
Marshalls Commiss'n 2 Pr. Ct. ...... 59 4 0
£2900 18 0
Charges to be Deducted
Condemnation fees 5 Pr. Ct. ........ £148 0 1
Poundage 5 Pr. Ct. ............ 145 0 10
Warrent of Appraizment ............. 0 9 0
Appraizers 8 days each ............... 12 0 0
Mr. Gerrishe's bill Truckage ....... 2 6 5
Mr. Creighton's bill Do. .............. 6 10 9
Mr. McCulloch's bill Do. ............ 1 6 7
Mr. MacNamarra's bill Do. ......... 4 1 4
Mr. GRAY's bill Storage ................ 9 16 5
Mr. FRANKLIN's Do. ....................... 4 0 0
Mr. Hefferman's bill for Cooperage 5 4 0
Mr. ENGLAND's bill for Do. ........... 2 14 10
Mr. PIERCE's bill for Gauging ...... 5 5 8
Cash paid by the Marshall for Labourers ........................
28 18 0
Collectors bill ................. 20 0 0
Copying sundry papers for the use use of the Prosecutors ....... 3
6 8
Advocates fees 1 Pr. Cent .......... 29 10 0
James BRENTON PROCTOR his bill ... 20 0 0 448 10 7
£2452 7 7
Settlement and Distribution
1/3 To his Majesty ................ £817 9 2½
1/3 To the Governor or Commander in Chief ......... 817 9 2½
1/3 To the Prosecutor Thereof ........ 817 9 2½ £2452 7 7
Allowed
(Signed) John Collier
J:A
These are true Copies
COLVILLE
Northumberland at Halifax 17th April 1762
Rec'd 20th June
Sir
The "Chesterfield" arrived at this Place from Virginia on the 4th
Instant, and Captain Scaife delivered to me their Lordships Order
of the 26th of December, to commence Hostilities against Spain6,
also twenty Copies of the Declaration of War against that Kingdom,
and as many Orders for publishing the same: These I immediately
delivered to the Captains here, together with the Packets directed
to them, and shall return the Packets directed to the Captain of
such Ships as I know are gone home.
By the same Conveyance I received a general printed Order of the
26th of last October, directing various Observations to be made
for the Improvement of Navigation. And I also received their
Lordships Order of the 15th of December, directing me not to take
the Arundel from her Station on the Coasts of Virginia and
Maryland, except some other more important Service shall occasion
an unavoidable Necessity for so doing.
I acquainted their Lordships in some of my Letters, with the care
I took to guard the Commerce of these Colonies, but none of the
Captains employed on this Service had any reason to suspect that
the Enemies Privateers came within the Limits of their Station on
the Coasts; however 'tis probable that our Trade may now be
molested, by Privateers from St. Augustine.
In my Letter of the 26th of November I acquainted their Lordships
with my having sent Captain ADAMS in the "Diana" to Maryland, to
Convoy the Trade from thence to England, in consequence of an
application made to me, by the Governour and Merchants of that
Province; but before he could reach Maryland, they were all sailed
under Convoy of the Assistance and Postillion; and Captain Adams
would have followed his Orders as in that case directed, but was
prevented by the Governour of Virginia, who requested of him to
proceed to England with the Trade of his Province, as there was a
sufficient number of Ships to require a Convoy, and to authorise
him (Captain Adams) in taking such a step.
Nothwithstanding this assurance he was kept there idle the
greatest part of the Winter, and at length sailed with only four
Ships, being thereby prevented from doing more essential Service,
as a Cruizer, to the Colony of Virginia.
By the Chesterfield I also received their Lordships Order of 15th
of December to administer the Test and Oaths appointed by Act of
Parliament7 the Master Shipwright, Master Attendant, and Naval
Storekeeper at this Place; which I have accordingly done, and
shall Send you their subscription together with all other papers
which 'tis my Duty to transmit to you, by the first opportunity of
a Kings ship going home: Agreeable to your Letter I delivered
their Warrants to them, and mentioned the Fees, which they do
choose to pay by their Agents in London and have promised to so
accordingly.
On the 14th Instant, by a Vessel sent Express from Boston, I
received a Packet from Sir Jeffery Amherst at New York, with
Letters from him dated the 1st and 3d Instant, acquainting me that
he had received Duplicates of Orders from the King, relating to
the Employment of a Body of Troops, ordered on a particular
Service, by the "Enterprize", which arrived at New York on the
first day of this Month, and that the Originals were not then come
to hand.
This Packet also contained a Copy of your Letter to Sir Jeffery
Amherst of the 13th January, with Copies of his Orders from their
Lordships of the same date, one directing the Commander of any of
his Majesty's Ships or Vessels on the Coast of North America, to
whom it may be delivered, to repair immediately to New York, where
he will find Orders for his further Proceedings: The other directs
me to send a Ship of the Line and two Frigates to New York, with
the utmost Dispatch, there to obey such Orders as they may receive
from their Lordships.
I acquainted their Lordships in my letter of the 1st of last
December with my having disposed of all the Ships under my command
except the Northumberland, Intrepid and Porcupine: since which
time I have not been joined by any except the Chesterfield, which
came here for a new Mainmast, Foreyard and other Repairs; and I
had directed Captain Scaife to pursue his Orders from their
Lordships, as Convoy for the Virginia Trade, to be ready in the
Month of June; but on the Receipt of these last Orders I put the
Chesterfield together with the Porcupine under the Command of
Captain Hale of the Intrepid, who will sail tomorrow if the Wind
permits; and I herewith enclose a Copy of his Orders from me.
I wish I may have it in my Power to provide a Convoy for the
Virginia Trade. It would be very lucky if any Ship should arrive
at New York, that might take the Chesterfield's Place, and Captain
Scaife be directed to pursue his former Orders. This I shall
mention to Sir Jeffery Amherst and Captain HALE.
When these Ships are sailed I shall have with me the
"Northumberland" only, which I shall keep in constant readiness
for immediate Service, and purpose.
When the Season shall be a little more advanced, to drop down
below George's Island, and place her in the most proper Birth for
protecting the Town of Halifax, in case any Squadron of the Enemy
would attempt a descent.
Northumberland at Halifax 12th May 1762.
Sir
On the 4th Instant Captain John Cleland arrived here in the
Squirrel, being dispatched from Gibraltar by Sir Charles Saunders,
with an Order from their Lordships dated the 21st of last
November, directing me to commence Hostilities against Spain.
The "Squirrel" being short of Provisions and Water, was obliged to
put into Virginia for a Supply before she could reach this place:
she is in great want of Stores and other repairs; but as soon as
she can be got ready for Sea, will return to Sir Charles Saunders
agreeable to his Orders to Captain Cleland.
Their Lordships will see by my last Letters that I have not yet
been able to supply the Zephyr's Place on the Carolina Station,
which gives me the more uneasiness, as our Trade in these Parts
may now be liable to interruption from Privateers of St.
Augustine.
I was in hopes of being joined by Captain BLAKE in the "Epreuve",
and to have employed him on the Coast of Carolina, but am now
apprehensive of being disappointed, as he was at Virginia when
Captain Cleland left that Place, and has not communicated his
Orders or wrote to me.
I have expected some Marine Cloathing by every Storeship that has
arrived at this place; but as none has been sent out, I am under
the necessity of acquainting their Lordships, that 'tis almost
three Years since the Marines on board the Northumberland were
cloathed.
Northumberland at Halifax 19th May 1762.
Sir
The Northumberland has never had a general Repair since she was
launched in November 1749. In her last fittings at Portsmouth and
Plymouth above three Years since, it appeared from Pieces taken
out of the Wails8 and Spirkettings9, that her Timbers were
perishing and she had suffered much for want of good caulking. For
some time past there has been a visible decay over all her upper
Works, therefore I directed the Master Shipwright and Carpenter to
survey them as narrowly as they could without opening the Plank,
and herewith send their Report.
The Bottom is light and the Frame very strong, of which we had
proof in heaving down, when the Keel remained remarkably straight.
The Dublin's in the same operation appeared bent like a Bow, and
of course the whole Body of the Ship warped from the original
sheer.
Pursuant to an Order from the Right Hon'ble
the Lord Colvill Commodore and Commander in
Chief of his Majesty's Ships and Vessels in
North America, to us directed.
We whose Names are hereunto Subscribed have been on board his
Majesty's Ship "Northumberland",
http://www.worldcatlibraries.org/wcpa/ow/090d087c7cb853cb.html
taken a strict and carefull Survey of her Hull, which we find to
be as follows.
The Top Sides Fore and Aft worn three Quarters of an Inch; by
cutting pieces to make light find it decayed to the Timbers, and
several of the Timbers rotten;
That the Decks are much worn, in particular, as far out as the
Trains of the Guns, and wants a general Shift.
The Standard against the Stern Post on the Gun Deck is sprung.
Three Beams of the Upper Deck, and one hanging knee sprung.
Spirketting of the Gun-deck will not stand Caulk, the inside edge
being rotten.
All the Gun-deck ports, and stops Fore and Aft much worn.
The quick work of the Upper and Quarter Decks want a general
Shift.
In cutting out several pieces to make light for Careening found it
rotten to the Timbers. Timbers in the same condition.
And the Iron Work in the Ports for the Breechings and Tacklcs so
much reduced, Shifted several of them.
Larboard Cathead much worn;
Starboard Do. Clamped.
The After Timber heads supposed to be broke or decayed, rising up
in bracing up the Main Yard.
Gunwaills and Plank Shears Fore and Aft are very bad.
Sheathing on the Bottom we found to be Nail sick, made perfect for
the present.
NOTE in Clevland's writing: Read—no Answer this ship being
expected home.
That the Iron Work in general is very much decayed; and we do give
it as our Opinions to the best of our knowledge and the
Observations we have made, that it will tend much to the good of
the Service, that every Article herein enumerated may be complied
with soon as the nature of things will Admit.
Given under our Hands on board this Majesty's Ship Northumberland
in Halifax Harbour 15th May 1762.
(Signed) ABRAM CONSTABLE. M.
JAMES HOOPER, Carp'r.
of the Northumberland.
A true copy COLVILLE.
Northumberland at Halifax 26th June 1762
(3 Mar. 1763 ord. to be laid by)
Yesterday I received a Letter from Governour MURRAY of Quebec
dated the 8th past, inclosing a Memorial
Subscribed by the Names of twenty three Persons, who call
themselves the British Merchants residing in Quebec,
and say they are suffering very considerably by their Vessels
being taken, or the heavy Premium of Insurance they are obliged to
pay;
therefore request his Application to me for a Convoy to be ready
at Louisbourg about the beginning of November, to conduct their
Trade from thence to England.
Their Lordships know the Disposition I have made of every Ship
under my command except the "Northumberland"; and I have
acquainted Governour MURRAY that 'tis not in my power to comply
with his request, but that I would make it known to the Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty, and did not doubt of occasional
Convoys being appointed for the Trade of Quebec, as for the other
Colonies.
Northumberland at Halifax 2d July 1762
(3rd mar 1763 ord'd to be laid by)
Sir
Yesterday Captain Charles DOUGLAS of the "Syren" arrived from
Newfoundland, and gave me the inclosed Intelligence, which was
sent him by the commanding Officer at St. John's, whilst he lay
with the Syren at Aquafort, so that he could not inform me of any
other Circumstances than what are mentioned in the Affidavit.
However, I intended to sail tomorrow with the Northumberland for
Newfoundland, and acquainted the Lieutenant Governour with my
Resolution, but am prevented by a public application from him and
the Council, requesting me to continue at this place for their
Protection on account of the defenceless condition of the
Province.
Therefore I directed Captain [James??] DOUGLAS
http://www.heritage.nf.ca/govhouse/governors/g13b.html
to return immediately to his Station at Newfoundland, and to give
such further Intelligence as he might think necessary for his
Majesty's Service I should know, that thereby I may be enabled to
judge if the Exigency be so great as to require me to proceed
directly to Newfoundland, notwithstanding the Remonstrance of the
Government of this Province.
Before Captain Douglas left Aquaforte, he sent all his Marines
with their Officer to St. John's to reinforce that Garrison; and
likewise dispatched a small Vessel to the Banks, to look out for
Captain Graves of the Antelope and give him the Intelligence he
had received.
Affidavit of William WOOD. St. John's Newfoundland.
22 June 1762.
Appeared before me Michael GILL Esq’r. one of his Majesty's
Justices of the Peace for the District of St. John's in
Newfoundland,
William WOOD Master of the Schooner "Squid", and made Oath, that
yesterday, the 21st Instant, being then in Latitude 47° 20"
distance about Eight Leagues from the Land they saw three sail of
Men of War, which they suppose to be Spanish one of which was very
near them, and ordered the Deponent to haul their Sails down; they
hauled their Jib partly dawn; the Flying Jib, Topmast staysail,
and Mainstaysail they hauled down being then within a few yards of
one of the Men of War's stern, when the Deponent ordered the
People to hoist their Sails again which they did, and made Sail in
for the Land, the Man of War putting about at the same time, but
night coming on they soon lost sight of the Man of War, and
arrived in this Harbour at six this morning; they also saw two
other Sail to Leeward about three Leagues, and a small Vessel in
company with the Man of War, which was very near them, which Men
of War fired more than a Hundred small shot at them.
A True Copy of the Oath taken before me this Day.
Michael Gill. Commissary Etc.
A true Copy, Given under my hand on board his
Majesty's Ship Syren at Sea June 30 1762.
Chas. Douglas.
A true Copy COLVILLE
July 2d 1762
Northumberland at MAUGER's Beach near Halifax
July 24th 1762.
(Rec'd 1 Sept.)
Sir
A small Vessel going directly to England gives me an opportunity
of transmitting to you the Duplicate of my Letter of the 2d
Instant, which i sent to New England to go by the Launceston: and
at the same time of acquainting you,
that several Vessels have since come in from Newfoundland by which
we learn that on the 24th past two French Ships of the Line and
two Frigates anchored in the Bay of Bulls, and landed a Number of
Troops without any Resistance; that the Enemy was joined by a
fifth Ship, and marched thirteen hundred Men in a very bad Road of
twenty four Miles through the Woods to St. John's, Which Place
surrendered on the 27th at the first Summons, without coming to
Action or obtaining a Capitulation.
I would have sailed for Newfoundland immediately on receiving this
Intelligence but was again prevented by a second Remonstrance from
the Governour and Council, intreating me in the strongest Terms to
continue with them.
I have a Letter from Captain MOUAT of the "Gramont" Sloop, dated
the 26th of June in St. John's Harbour. He says he got in there
the Day before, with the Trade from Ireland, and with his People
was to stay in the Place for its Defence.
We are informed that the "Gramont" fell into the Hands of the
Enemy. Most of her Convoy escaped by getting out in time. I sent
the above Account to Sir Jeffery Amherst without loss of time, and
desired him to communicate it to the Commander in Chief of the
Fleet in the West Indies, as I did not know how to direct to him.
We are informed from several Hands, that some large Ships were
seen standing towards Placentia, and that afterwards the noise of
great Guns was heard in that Quarter, for two Days together; from
which 'tis conjectured that another Division of the Enemy's Ships
has attacked Placentia.
I am doing every thing in my Power for the Security and Defence of
this Place.
Northumberland at Mauger's Beach
near Halifax 30 July 1762.
(rec’d 17 Sept.)
Sir
Since my last of the 24th Instant, a Snow arrived from St. John's
in Newfoundland, which escaped from thence on the 5th under the
Cover of a dark Night.
The Master says, that the french Ships sailed from the Bay of
Bulls, and got into the Harbour of St. John's on the 2d Instant;
that he believes their whole number of Troops does not exceed nine
hundred: that they had mounted the Gramon’s Guns onshore, and were
very busy in throwing up Entrenchments, and making Lines of
Picquets.
He has not heard of any Attack being made upon Placentia, and I am
apt to think that Report was without foundation.
Another small Vessel going directly to London affords me this
Conveyance.
Northumberland at Mauger's Beach near Halifax
August 6th, 1762.
(Rec'd 17 Sept.)
Sir
The Vessel mentioned in my last not sailing for England at the
time appointed, gives me an opportunity of writing to you again.
Captain JERVIS of the "Gosport" having seen his Convoy safe to
Virginia, proceeded to New York with the public money he had
aboard, and
the first imperfect Intelligence of the french squadron at
Newfoundland being communicated to him by Sir Jeffery Amherst, he
made the best of his way to this Place, where he arrived the 2d.
instant.
I would have sent for the Launceston from New England, but
dispaired of my Orders reaching Piscataqua in time, as Captain
AFFLECK had before acquainted me that he hoped to sail for England
on or about the 10th of last Month, and we had no certain Account
of the Enemy at Newfoundland untill the 7th.
There are in this Province and Louisbourg about fifteen hundred
Regulars and Provincials, and I have proposed to Lieutenant
Governor Belcher and Colonel Forster Commander of the Troops, to
employ them immediately in
endeavouring to remove the French from St. John's in Newfoundland,
as it cannot be effected by Ships alone; but Colonel FORSTER
acquaints me that he can do nothing without Orders from Sir
Jeffery Amherst, neither can Lieutenant Colonel TULLIKEN,
Commanding Officer at Louisbourg, leave that Place without the
same Authority.
Lieutenant Governor BELCHER is of opinion that great care ought to
be taken of this Province, not only to secure it from without, but
also from its internal Enemies, the Indians and Accadians.
The former are said to be fifteen hundred Men, Women and Children,
dispersed in the different Parts of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton,
all belonging to one Tribe called MICKMACS, but divided into a
number of distinct Bodies, each having its peculiar Chief.
These Indians have lately assembled in greater numbers than usual,
and been very troublesome to the Infant Settlements of this
Province.
[1756]...They are continually spurred on to mischief by the
Accadians, who have been elated by the rumour of an Enemy's
Squadron being on the Coast, but measures are now taking to remove
them from this Province in the same manner that many of them were
in 1756.
There are 915 Accadians in all now at Halifax, and about three
hundred more in the Country.
I am in hopes that Colonel Forster will very soon receive Orders
from Sir Jeffery Amherst; and I beg leave to assure their
Lordships that nothing shall be wanting on my part, to restore our
Affairs at Newfoundland. We cannot as yet judge of the Enemies
Designs; how long they intend to stay at St. John s, or what
number they will leave behind in Garrison; but I shall loose no
opportunity of communicating to you, such Intelligence as I may
receive.
P.S. A Vessel is just arrived from Louisbourg by which we have the
following Intelligence.
A Cartel Brigantine with one hundred and forty Prisoners sailed
from St. John's for England on the 18th, past; but finding
themselves badly provided with Water and Provisions, bore away for
Louisbourg to get a supply.
By this means we learn that the Enemy's Squadron under the
Chevalier de Ternay consisted of
the Robuste of 74 Guns,
L’Eveille 64.
Le Garonne 28.
L’Unicorne 26.
And according to the best intelligence that could be got, there
were about fifteen hundred Troops under the Command of the Count
D'haussonville. We are likewise informed that the Antelope was
spoke with on the 18th. past near Trepassy, and that Captain
Graves had received Intelligence of the French being in possession
of St. John’s.
Northumberland at Mauger's Beach near
Halifax 9th August 1762.
Duplicate.
Sir
In my last of the 6th. Instant I mentioned my Expectations of
carrying with me the Troops from this Province and Louisburg to
endeavour to remove the Enemy from Newfoundland; but having
received a Letter last Night from Sir Jeffery Amherst of the 29th.
past, and finding he has not given any directions on this head I
shall sail tomorrow with the Northumberland and Gosport, and am in
hopes of being joined by the Antelope and Syren on the Coast of
Newfoundland.
The "King George" of twenty Guns, belonging to the Province of
Massachusetts Bay brought the Dispatches from Sir Jeffery Amherst
last Night; I intend to carry her with me, and to send her back to
New England and as soon as she can be spared from the present
Service.
I propose to cruize off St. John's to cut off the Enemy's
Supplies, and to annoy them every way that may be in my power. I
shall be sure to omitt no opportunity of sending you an account of
my proceedings.
(Rec'd 19 Nov. and read)
Northumberland in St. John's Harbour
20th. Sept. 1762.
Sir
I had the Honour of sending you an account of my Proceedings until
the 18th of August, by a vessel which sailed from Placentia for
England at that time; and on the 22d.
I sailed with his Majesty's Ships the
Northumberland,
Antelope,
Gosport and
Syren, and the
King George
belonging to the Province of Massachusetts Bay. On the 25th. we
chaced a Schooner off St. John's, and took her close to the
Harbour's Mouth. She had been an English Privateer, taken by the
Enemy, had eight carriage Guns mounted, and was manned with thirty
Frenchmen commanded by an Ensign de Vaisseau.
The enemy has sent away great Part of the Inhabitants of St.
John's, Men and Women and Children, by giving them Vessels and
Provisions, to carry them where they pleased.
Two of these, a Sloop and a Schooner, we met with on the Coast,
and took twenty three Irishmen that were single Men out of them,
to replace in part the Marines of the Squadron, that were left in
Garrison at Placentia and the Isle of Boys.
These Irishmen said that if I would go into Bay of Bulls, numbers
of their Countrymen would resort to me, and enter aboard the
Squadron, but during two Days which I staid in that Bay, not a Man
joined me.
The few Inhabitants that remained there quietly prevented any
others at St. John's from coming.
Mr. GARLAND and Mr. DAVIS, two of the principal Inhabitants of
Harbour Grace and Carbonera, in Conception Bay. having acquainted
me that a number of Men in their Neighbourhood were willing to
serve in the Squadron, during the present Exigency, I sent the
Armed Schooner for them, and she returned with fifty Men, which I
distributed among the Ships.
And the same Gentlemen, representing that the Enemy sometimes
sends small Parties by land to Portugal Cove, which have
threatened to molest them in Shallops from that Place, desired in
behalf of themselves and all their Neighbours, that the Schooner
might be stationed in Conception Bay, for their Protection and
Defence; which Request I complied with.
The Island of Carbonera, in Conception Bay, has had no other
Garrison for many years, but a few old men of the Artillery, to
take care of the Guns and Ordnance Stores.
Had some of the Inhabitants of the Adjacent Coast taken Post here,
they might easily have defended it against any Force, as the
Island is inaccessible on all Sides, except one narrow landing
Place, and no safe road in the Neighbourhood for great Ships.
But the Enemy landed in Boats and destroyed the whole without
Resistance.
And the Isle of Boys near Ferryland, would probably have shared
the same Fate, had it not been possessed in due time, by the
Syren's Marines.
In frequently passing the Harbour's Mouth of St. John's, we could
plainly see, that the Fort which fronts the Entrance, was
fortified all round with new Works; and that a Redoubt or
something like one was raised at the little Harbour of Kitty
Witty10.
The old Battery at the south Side of the Harbour's Mouth was
repaired with additional Works, and a new one erected on the same
side nearer the Entrance. All these were to be seen from the Sea,
and I could not learn that the Enemy intended any thing more than
the finishing these Works.
On the 8th of September I received, by a Sloop express from
Halifax, Letters from Sir Jeffery Amherst at New York, acquainting
me that he had come to a Resolution to muster up all the Troops he
could, from New York, Halifax and Louisburg,11 in order to
dislodge the Enemy as soon as possible from St. John's, and that
Lieutenant Colonel Amherst was to command these Troops.
The same conveyance brought me Letters from Colonel Amherst,
acquainting me with his arrival at Halifax on the 26th. of August,
his departure from thence on the 1st. of September, and with his
Intention to call at Louisburg for the Troops there, and then
proceed round Cape Race to join me on this Coast.
Upon receipt of these Letters I sent the Sloop which brought them,
to look out for Colonel Amherst and the Transports off Cape Race;
and in order to join them the sooner, to concert measures for the
ensuing Operations, before the Enemy could have notice of their
arrival,
I dropt down with the squadron to Cape Broyle; but Mr. GILL of St.
John's who had been sent out of the Town in a
cartel Schooner
two days before, sending off advice from Ferriland, that he was
sure the Enemy intended to sail in a very little time, I returned
with the Squadron to our Station off St. John's.
On the 11th. we were joined by Colonel Amherst with the Troops in
ten Transport Vessels; and I proposed Torbay as the properest
Place to land at: 'tis to the Northward of St. John's,12 about
seven Miles by land, and the Road pretty good, but the Bay is not
reckoned safe anchorage, being open to the Easterly Winds which
usually begin to prevail at this Season.
By one of the Transports from New York I received a Duplicate, the
original not yet come to hand, of their Lordships Order of the
7th. of June, directing me to repair myself, or send a sufficient
Force, to enable Captain Graves of the Antelope to defeat the
designs of the Squadron commanded by Monsieur de Ternay.
On the 12th. we proceeded to Torbay.
I sent Captain DOUGLAS in the "Syren"
http://pages.quicksilver.net.nz/jcr/newf1762
to anchor with the Transports, accompanied by the Boats of the
Squadron, and a number of Shallops, or fishing Boats which I had
collected from different Parts of the King's Service. With the
rest of the Ships, I returned to my Station close to St. John's
Harbour. Next morning Colonel Amherst landed with the Troops, in
the head of the Bay, having only four Men wounded from a distant
Bush firing of the Enemy.
He marched directly to Kitty Vitty, and made himself Master of
that important Post in the Evening, without having a Man killed
and only two or three wounded. Everything belonging to the Army
was carried from Torbay to Kitty-Vitty in Shallops, escorted by
Boats from the Squadron, and this Service was conducted with
Diligence and Care by Mr. DUGDALE my first Lieutenant, Captain
Douglas having joined the Squadron again. The Enemy's Fleet was to
have sailed, the Morning I past the Harbour with the Transports,
and three hundred Men only were to be left in St. John's for the
Winter, but upon seeing us, they landed the Grenadiers again.
The 15th. it blew strong from the East to ESE with thick rainy
Weather. In the Evening the Wind shifted to the Westward, light
Breezes and thick fog. At 6 next morning, it being calm with a
great Swell, we saw from the Masthead, but could bring them down
no lower than halfway the Topmast Shrouds, four Sail bearing SSE,
distant 7 Leagues.
The mouth of St. John's Harbour at the same time bore West 4
Leagues. We lost sight of them about 7. tho' very clear; and some
time after a small Breeze springing up in the SW Quarter I stood
in towards Torbay in order to cover the Shallops that might be
going from thence to Kitty-Vitty.
In the afternoon I received a Note from Colonel Amherst,
acquainting me that the French Fleet got out last Night. Thus,
after being blocked up in St. John's Harbour for three Weeks, by a
Squadron of equal Number, but smaller Ships with fewer Guns and
Men did
Monsieur Ternay make his Escape in the Night by a shamefull
Flight.
I beg leave to observe, that not a Man in the Squadron, imagined
the four sail, when we saw them, were the Enemy, and the Pilots
were of opinion, that they must have had the Wind much stronger
than with us, to overcome the easterly Swell in the Harbour's
Mouth.
I sent the "King George" round Cape Race, as far as Trepassy to
bring me Intelligence if the Enemy should steer towards Placentia.
And I directed Captain Douglas of the Syren, to get the
Transports moved from Torbay as a very unsafe Road, to the Bay of
Bulls.
A Bomb Battery was opened against the Fort in the Night of the
17th. and next Day it capitulated, before any other Batteries had
begun to play, and I herewith enclose a Copy of the Capitulation.
The Squadron got into the Harbour yesterday Morning, and in the
Evening I received their Lordships Order of the 3d. of August,
sent me by Captain Pallisser of the "Shrewsbury" who with the
"Superb", "Bedford" and "Minerva" had just arrived on the Coast.
I have directed Captain Pallisser with the other Ships to come
into the Harbour as soon as a convenient opportunity offers for so
doing. I have not yet received the Order of the 31th of July to
which I am referred, but it gives me the highest pleasure to think
that I have already executed the purport of it; and I shall be
particularly carefull to obey their Lordships Directions with
regard to the Disposition of the Ships.13
We have about eight hundred
Prisoners,
Grenadiers,
Picquets and some
Marines,
being a very fine Body of Men, and nearly equal in number of the
Regulars of our Army. I am now preparing Transports to carry them
to Brest; and as soon as they are sailed, I sall send our own
Troops to the Places of their Destination, agreeable to such
Disposition as shall be made by Colonel Amherst.
The Enemy did not intend to leave so great a part of their Force
here. Their Grenadiers were ready for embarking; but Monsieur de
Ternay seemed determined at all Events, to grasp an opportunity,
which if once lost might never be regained, therefore, in the
utmost Confusion,
he left behind, his Grenadiers, Anchors, and turned his Boats a
drift when they had towed him out.
The Fog was so thick, that Lieutenant Colonel TULLIKEN, who was
posted on an Eminence in the narrowest part of the Harbour's
Mouth, could hear the Noise but could not discern any of their
Ships.
The Fog even altered the direction of Sound, which seemed to come
from another Part of the Harbour, whilst they must have been
directly under him.
There is a considerable Quantity of Provisions, and other Goods at
this Place; collected and tumbled promiscously (sic) into
different Storehouses by the Enemy.
Many of the Irish Servants have also been robbing and plundering
their Masters.
To ascertain property, in order to make Restitution as far as can
be, and to restore regularity to a Country so long distracted by
being in the Enemy's possession, will be the particular care of
Governour Graves; who in my opinion is well qualified for such an
Office: and as he will stay here with the Antelope, longer than
the other Ships, in order to collect his Convoy for Lisbon, I am
in hopes he will be able, in a great measure to restore the
Affairs of this Country.
Two hundred of our Troops, will be sent immediately to New York,
under the care of Captain JERVIS of the "Gospor"t, who will
proceed from thence without loss of time to Virginia, in order to
take under Convoy, the Trade for England agreeable to his Orders
from their Lordships.
I cannot as yet give their Lordships any further Account of Things
here, but imagine I shall be able to do all my Business in less
than three Weeks, and then to make the best of my way for
Spithead.
Captain Douglas of the Syren, has behaved with Spirit and
Activity, and exerted every Talent of a good Officer during this
expedition; and (without adding any more Officer to the Corps) I
am happy in the opportunity of sending him to wait on the
Lordships.14
COLVILLE.
The Ships from England are come into the Harbour this afternoon
and also all the Transports.
Demandes de la Garnison de St. Jean et en general des Troupes qui
y sont.
Agreed to .............. Les Troupes Fran'coises se rendront
Prisonieres de Guerre.
Agreed to ............. Les Officers et Bas Officiers conserveront
leurs Armes, pour la Police de leurs Troupes.
Agreed to. Lord Colvill will of course embark them as soon as he
possibly can. Il sera donné de bons Batimens pour conduire les
Officiers, Grenadiers, - Sôldats, Blessé et non blessé, en France,
dans l’espace d'un Mois, sur les Costes de Bretagne.
His Britannick Majesty's Troops never Pillage. Les Effets des
Officiers, et Soldats seront conservés.
The Gate will be taken possession of this Afternoon
and the Garrison will lay down their Arms.
This is to be signed by Lord Colvill
but it will remain at present, as
Afterwards, in full Force.
COLVILL15
LE C'TE. D'HAUSSONVILLE
WM. AMHERST
A true Copy COLVILLE
Camp before St. John's Septem'r 18th 1762.
Northumberland in Placentia Road August 17th 1762.
(Rec'd 8th Sept by Lieut Neal)
Sir
On the 10th. Instant I sailed from Halifax with the
Northumberland, Gosport and King George, and next Day spoke with a
Sloop dispatched by Captain Graves from Placentia with Letters for
Sir Jeffery Amherst, Colonel Forster and myself, urging the
necessity of a Reinforcement of Troops, with a Supply of Stores,
and Materials for building Barracks, at Placentia. I seconded
Captain Grave's Application by a Letter to Colonel Forster, and
sent the Sloop directly to Halifax, from Whence the Supplies must
come.
who arrived on the 22d. (On the 14th, I anchored here, where I
found the Antelope and Syren. Captain Graves, Governour of
Newfoundland, has been employed in repairing the ruined July
Fortifications of this Place, and putting every thing in a posture
of Defence, with all possible diligence, and I Have joined with
him in his Work.) Before my arrival he had taken a Bilander16 into
the Service, to carry home an account of his Proceedings, which
gives me an opportunity of sending you this Letter (together with
Copies of those, I already write on the same Subject). As you will
receive from Captain Graves a full and circumstantial Account, of
the Situation of Placentia, with all he has done for its security,
'tis unnecessary for me to trouble you with a repetition of these
Matters. Four of the Gosport’s lower Deck Guns are added to the
Fort, and Sixty eight Marines, including two Officers, are to be
landed, as soon as a Place can be provided for their
Accommodation, or sooner if the Wind comes fair, from the
Northumberland, Antelope and Gosport, to reinforce its Garrison.
As we have now done every thing for the security of Placentia,
which our time and Circumstances will admit of, and as I am
impatient to get off St. John's, I shall sail with all the Ships
as soon as the Antelope and Syren can be got out of the inner
Harbour, but if that cannot be in a few Days, I shall not wait for
them.
In my Letter of the 2d. past I mentioned Captain Douglas's having
sent his Marines with a view to reinforce the Garrison of St.
John's. But in their way having heard of the surrender of that
Place, they landed at the Isle of Boys near Ferryland Head; and
Captain Graves having sent twenty four of his Marines; and 6
Gunners from Placentia, with a Supply of Ammunition and Stores to
the same Place, 'tis thought very defensible; especially as it is
exceeding strong from its natural Situation, and has three
Batteries of 18 and 24 Pounders, in all 16 Guns.
I send you inclosed the latest Intelligence we have from St.
John's. August 18th. 10 A.M. The Antelope and Syren are just come
out of the inner Harbour.
Seven of the French Soldiers made their Escape from St. Johns on
the third of this Instant August, and delivered themselves up to
the Officer at the Isle of Boys, who sent them round in a Chaloupe
which arrived at Placentia on the 15th. They have been examined
separately and agree pretty well in the following Intelligence.
The Squadron commanded by the Chevalier De Ternay sailed from
Brest on the 8th of last May, and consisted of the following
Ships—The Robuste of 74 Guns, Eveille 64, Garron 36, and L’Acorn
28. They were badly manned with regard to Seamen but ther land
Forces were choice Men composed of Six Companies of Grenadiers of
45 Men each, Six Picquets of 50 each, and three hundred Marines
properly belonging to the Ships: In all 870 Men.
The Grenadiers are all to return to France, and were to embark the
15th of this Month, leaving only the Picquets to Garrison St.
John's, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Belcombe.
Some thought the Ships were to sail very soon; while others
imagined they would stay untill the Works at St. John's were
compleated, which might take them up untill the middle of next
Month at farthest, as every Body worked without ceasing, Seamen,
Soldiers and Inhabitants.
Three hundred Irishmen enlisted with them at the Bay of Bulls and
St. John's. With these they have entirely manned the "Garron"
Frigate, Commanded by an Irishman, whose Name is SUTTON.
They have fitted out the Gramont for Sea.
The Troops were very healthy, but the Seamen sickly and to
appearance but few of them, not above 500 in the "Robuste" and 400
in the "Eveille".
They had twelve Months Provisions in the Garrison for the Number
to be left behind; and did not expect any Supply this Fall, but
that Monsieur De Ternay engaged to send them out some in the
Spring, and that rather than fail he would come out himself.
They had no fresh Previsions at all, and but little Flour. The
Inhabitants were all sent away to the Continent of America, or to
England, except a few of the principal People, and those that
would take the Oaths to the French.
They had taken down all the old Palisades and placed new in their
room, and likewise were surrounding the Place with a good Ditch,
Covertway and a second Row of Palisadoes. They had advanced a Work
before the Gate of the Fort, upon the Brow of the Hill going down
to the Town; at which Place in its former Situation a Body of Men
might have marched up under cover, without molestation from the
Fort, within Pistol shot of the Gate.
Had the Place not surrendered immediately, they intended to have
stormed it the same Night, for they could with ease have marched
over the Ditch and the Ramparts, and Pulled down the Palisadoes
with their Hands. It does not seem very probable that the Enemy
will leave only three hundred Men to Garrison St. John's, when
they may as well leave double that number; nor does there appear
any Necessity for embarking the Grenadiers untill a Day or two
before they intend to sail. Especially if they are in so great
haste to get away, as to make every Body work without ceasing.
If I may venture to give my opinion, I should think the French
will remain at St. John's with all their Force, untill they know
whether any Endeavour is to be made to retake the Place before
Winter.
Northumberland in Placentia Road
16th. August 1762.
Villars Street, 4th, Octr. 176217.
Sir
I have received their Lordships Order directing me to hoist my
Flag on board the Neptune, and proceed to the Mediterranean. And
as I have received my Wages, shall set out for Portsmouth, to
morrow morning.
I have also received your Letter acquainting me that the
Commissions and Warrants, given to me whilst I commanded the
King's Ships in North America, will be confirmed as I desire. I
beg leave on this occasion, to offer my most particular Thanks to
their Lordships, and to express the disinterested Pleasure I feel
at having been the Means of Good to Others.
COLVILLE.
Philip Stephens Esq.
Northumberland at Sea 10th October 1762.
Sir
Herewith I inclose you the Sentences of nineteen Courts Martial as
follow.
1. Louis DeBouix, alais Deboissieur, Corporal of Marines
belonging to the Prince of Orange, tried on board the Vanguard at
Quebec, by Captain Swanton on the 1st. of October 1760 for
Desertion, acquitted.
2. Henry Frith Seaman belonging to the Sutherland, tried on
board the Vanguard at Quebec by Captain Swanton on the 2d. of
October 1760 for Desertion, acquitted.
3. Joseph Snipe Marine belonging to the Falkland, tried on
board the said Ship at Halifax by Captain Legge on the 14th of
November 1760 for Robbing the Pursers Steward Room of some Rum,
Acquitted.
4. Mr. George VAUGHAN Purser of the Porcupine, tried on board
the Falkland at Halifax, by Captain Legge on the 14th of November
1760, for Drunkenness, disrespect to his superior Officers,
neglect of Duty and disobedience, Broke.
5. John Lee Seaman belonging to the Falkland, tried on board
the said Ship at Halifax by Captain Legge on the 15th of November
1760, for neglect of Duty and contempt to his Officers, sentenced
to receive two hundred and fifty Lashes.
6. William Read Seaman belonging to the Devonshire, tried on
board her at Halifax by Captain Legge on the 15th of November
1760, for Desertion. Sentenced to receive four hundred Lashes.
7. John Harris alias Harrison Marine belonging to the
Devonshire tried on board her at Halifax by Captain Legge on the
1st. of December 1760, for selling stolen Goods, etc. Sentenced to
receive four hundred Lashes.
8. Robert Smyth Seaman belonging to the Penzance, tried on
board the Devonshire at Halifax by Captain Legge on the 17th. of
December 1760, for selling stolen Goods, etc., Sentenced to
receive three hundred Lashes.
9. William Williams Seaman of the Pcnzance tried on board the
Devonshire at Halifax by Captain Legge on the 17th of December
1760, for secreting stolen Money knowing it to be so, Sentenced to
receive two hundred Lashes.
10. Nicholas Goodinson and Robert Cock Marines belonging to the
Falkland tried on board the Devonshire at Halifax by Captain Legge
on the 23d. of Jan'ry, for secreting stolen Slops, the first
acquitted and the latter Sentenced to receive Fifty Lashes.
11. Nicholas Goodinson Marine, and Charles Goosta Seaman,
belonging to the Falkland tried on board her at Halifax by Captain
Legge on the 7th of February 1761, for selling Slop Cloaths, the
first Sentenced to receive three hundred, and the latter fifty
Lashes.
12. Nathaniel Nanster Marine of the Penzance tried on board the
Devonshire at Halifax by Captain Legge on the 27th of February
1761, for Theft, Sentenced to receive five hundred Lashes.
13. Nathaniel Levi alias George Cooper belonging to the
Devonshire tried on board her at Halifax by Captain Legge on the
27th of February 1761, for Theft, Sentenced to be hanged untill he
is Dead.
14. Edward Lovely Seaman of the Northumberland tried on board
the Devonshire at Halifax by Captain Legge on the 30th of March
1761, for leaving his Duty on Shore, to receive three hundred
Lashes.
15. Vincent Dunnevan Seaman belonging to the Norwich, tried on
board the Northumberland at Halifax by Captain Darby on the 6th of
August 1761, for Desertion, Sentenced to receive five hundred
Lashes.
16. Edward Lovely Seaman belonging to the Northumberland tried
on board her at Halifax by Captain Darby on the 6th of August
1761, for absenting himself from his Duty etc., Sentenced to
receive six hundred Lashes.
17. Thomas Elmore and Thomas Wheeler Seamen belonging to the
Bedford, tried on board her in St. John's Harbour by Captain
Pallisser on the 28th of September 1762, for Mutinous Behaviour,
Sentenced to receive two hundred and fifty Lashes each.
18. Matthew Hay Seaman of the Minerva tried on board the
Shrewsbury in St. John's Harbour by Captain Pallisser on the 30th
of September 1762, for Desertion, Sentenced to receive six hundred
Lashes.
19. Thomas Lewin Seaman of the Superb tried on board the
Shrewsbury in St. John's Harbour by Captain Pallisser on the 30th
of September 1762, for Desertion, Sentenced to be Hanged untill he
be Dead.
All these Sentences were executed, except No. 18 on Matthew Hay
belonging to the Minerva, and the one Transmitted to you on the
10th July 1760.
I had ordered Captain Rowley of the Superb to cause Hay's Sentence
to be executed, in two successive Mornings but after the first
Punishment, he represented to me by Letter, inclosing a
Certificate from his Chirurgeon, that his Prisoner could not
undergo the remaining half of his Punishment as directed, without
imminent danger of his Life; and the Minerva being then getting
under way, as Convoy to some of the Transports, I ordered the
Prisoner to be sent on board his proper Ship, and to be reprieved
from the rest of his Punishment, untill further Orders.
The other Sentence was on three Men belonging to the Vanguard
condemned to be hanged for Desertion, one only of which was
executed; and I then gave you my Reasons at large, for this
Proceeding.
These are all the Courts Martial which have been held by my Orders
since the 12th of September 1760, at which time I transmitted to
you one Sentence on the 26th of August the same year, three, on
the 10th of July, one, on the 26th of May, nine, and on the 24th
of the same Month, one, the whole making thirty-four.
Northumberland at Sea 10th October 1762.
Sir
Herewith I send you the Subscription to the Test, by the Officers
of Halifax Dockyard, which I administered to them by their
Lordships directions. I also send the Subscription of all the
Officers appointed or moved by me, whilst Commander in Chief of
the King's Ships in North America and beg leave to recommend them
to their Lordships for Confirmation.
Note in Clevland's writing: Nov 4 own Receipt and let his Lordship
know that the Commissions and Warrants were confirmed.
I Abraham Constable,
I Richard Hamilton,
I Joseph Gerrish,
Do swear from my Heart, that I abhor, detest, and abjure as
impious and heretical the damnable Doctrine and Position, that
Princes excommunicated, or deprived by the Pope or any authority
of the See of Rome may be deposed or murthered by their Subjects,
or any other whatsoever; And I do declare that no foreign Prince,
Prelate, State or Potentate, hath or ought to have any
Jurisdiction, Power, Superiority, Preheminence, or Authority,
Ecclesiastical, or Spiritual with his Realm, So Help Me God.
I do also truly and sincerely acknowledge, profess, testify and
declare in my Conscience before God and the World, that our
Sovereign Lord King George the Third is Lawfull and Rightfull King
of this Realm, and all other his Majesty's Dominions and Countries
thereto belonging. And I do solemnly and sincerely declare in my
Conscience, that the Person pretended to be the Prince of Wales
during the life of the late King James, and since his Decease
pretended to be and taking upon himself the Style and Title of
King of England by the Names of James the third, of Scotland by
the Names of James the Eight, or the Stile or Title of King of
Great Britain, hath not any Right, or Title whatsoever to the
Crown of this Realm, or any other the Dominions thereto belonging;
And I do renounce, refuse and abjure any Allegiance to him; and do
swear that I will bear Faith and true Allegiance to his Majesty
King George the Third, and him will defend, to the utmost of my
Power, against all traiterous Conspiracies and Attempts
whatsoever, which shall be made against his Person, Crown or
Dignity. And I will do my utmost Endeavour to disclose and make
known to his Majesty, and his Successors, all Treasons and
traitorous Conspiracies, which I shall know to be against him or
any of them. And I do faithfully promise to the utmost of my
Power, to support, maintain and defend the Succession of the Crown
against him and the said James, and all other persons whatsoever,
which Succession by an Act intitled an Act, for the further
Limitation of the Crown and better securing the Rights and Liberty
of the Subjects, and stands limited to the Princess Sophia,
Electress and Duchess Dowager of Hanover, and the Heirs of her
Body being Protestants. And all these things, I do plainly and
sincerely Acknowledge and swear, according to the express words by
me Spoken, and according to the plain commonsense and
understanding of the same Words, without any Equivocation, mental
Evasion or secret Reservation Whatsoever; And I do make this
Recognition, acknowledgement, Abjuration Renunciation and Promise
heartily, willingly and truly, upon the true Faith of a Christian.
So Help me God.
I do also declare that I believe that there is not any
Transubstantiation in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, in the
Elements of Bread and Wine, or after the Consecration thereof by
any Person whatsoever.
Name Quality Time when---
Jos. Gerrish Store keep’r April 6th, 1762
R. Hamilton Ma’r. Attend’t April 6th, 1762
Abram Constable Ma’r Shipw’t April 6th, 1762
I do hereby certify that Abraham Constable Master Shipwright,
Richard Hamilton Master Attendant, and Joseph Gerrish Naval Store
keeper, at Halifax, have taken the above Oaths, and that they were
administered to them by me.
COLVILLE.
Northumberland at Spithead 25th October 1762.
Sir
On the 23d. of last Month, Captain Douglas in the Syren, sailed
for England from St. John's Harbour, with an Account of the
Recovery of that Place from the Enemy, and of the Proceedings of
the Squadron untill that time. Two Days after the Syren, the
french Troops that were made Prisoners of War, sailed for Brest,
in the two largest Transports that came from New York with Colonel
Amherst: I inclose an Account of them as made out by the Count
D'haussonville, their commanding Officer, and also a Copy of the
Orders I gave to the Masters of the Transports that carried them;
both which I also send to the Commissioners for Sick and hurt
Seamen.
Captain Jervis of the Gosport took all the wounded Men amounting
to nineteen, and one hundred of our Troops into his own Ship, and
with about as many more in a Transport, sailed for New York on the
25th of September, where he was to make no stay, but prosecute his
Orders from their Lordships, as mentioned in my last Letter.
Captain Hallowell of the King George, took on board his own Ship
and a Transport Schooner, about one hundred and sixty of the
Troops, and sailed for Louisbourg on the 26th of September, where
they were to be landed, and one hundred Provincials taken aboard
and carried to Halifax, from whence they had been lent to supply
the place of the Louisbourg Troops, that went on the Expedition.
From Halifax the King George was to return to Boston.
All the rest of the Troops to be sent from St. John's were put on
board eight Transport Vessels, except about forty, which Captain
PEYTON of the Minerva
http://fortress.uccb.ns.ca/Search/LsbgEvents_1762.html
took into his own Ship, and as Convoy to the whole sailed on the
1st of October for Halifax; where all the Troops except about
twenty, and four of the Transports, were to be left;
Captain PEYTON with the other four, containing Military Stores,
was to proceed to New York, the place of their Destination. From
New York he was to proceed to Spithead; and if Sir Jeffery Amherst
should think it necessary to send any Transports to England in
order to their being discharged, he was to take them under his
Care.
On the 25th of September Captain HOULTON in the "Enterprize"
anchored in St. John's Harbour.
http://pages.quicksilver.net.nz/jcr/newf1762
He had convoyed a number of Transports with Sick and wounded
Soldiers from the Havannah to New York, and joined me from thence.
He sailed again under my Orders the 2d. of October, with Colonel
Amherst for New York; and was afterwards to join Captain Spry at
Halifax, unless upon consultation with Sir Jeffery Amherst it
should be thought necessary to employ the Enterprize upon some
other Duty, more essential for his Majesty's Service.
Colonel Amherst saw all his Troops disposed of before he left St.
John's. Two hundred and fifty remained in Garrison under the
command of Captain Gualley of the 45th Regiment, and a Subaltern
with twenty eight Men relieved the Marines on the Isle of Boys.
The Marines at Placentia were sent for, on the first notice I had
of the Army's approach, that sixty eight Men might be added to it;
but they did not arrive untill after the Gosport sailed, and I
divided her Marines being twenty four in all, between the Minerva
and Shrewsbury. Seventeen, the number of the Syren's Marines, did
not arrive from the Isle of Boys, untill after Captain Douglas had
sailed; they are now on board the Northumberland.
All the rest of the Marines are returned to their proper Ships.
The Syren's and Gosport’s were discharged from their's when they
sailed from St. John's.
There are six Guns, twenty four and eighteen Pounders, on the
south Battery, which defends the Mouth of St. Johns Harbour, these
were spiked up by the Enemy, and the Commanding Officer of the
Artillery, reported to Colonel Amherst that they could not be made
serviceable at present for want of proper drilling Tools,
therefore I directed Captain Houlton of the Enterprize to land six
of his lower Deck Guns, being eighteen Pounders, to supply their
Place. However, the Armourer of the Superb, a Foreigner accustomed
to such Work, afterwards undertook the Task and performed it, so
that the Guns are again as fit for Service as ever.
I have mentioned in another Letter that the Fortifications on the
Island of Carbonera, were entirely destroyed by the Enemy. Colonel
Amherst sent thither Mr. Desbarres an Engineer, who surveyed the
Island and drew a Plan for fortifying it with new Works; when
these are finished, the Enterprize's six Guns will be ready to
mount on them. But I believe nothing will be under taken this
Year, as the Season is so far advanced, and no kind of Materials
on the spot for building Barracks or Sheds to cover the Men,
should any be sent there.
Mr. [James] COOK, Master of the Northumberland, accompanied Mr.
Desbarres.
He has made a Draught of Harbour Grace, and the Bay of Carbonera;
both which are in a great measure commanded by the Island, which
lies off a Point of Land between them.
Hitherto we have had a very imperfect Knowledge of these Places,
but Mr. Cook who was particularly carefull in sounding them has
discovered that Ships of any size may lay in safety both in
Harbour Grace and the Bay of Carbonera.
I was informed by Captain PALLISSER, that the "Senegal" and
another Sloop had sailed from England a little before him; and
that it was supposed they had Orders to join me in North America.
I naturally concluded that the Captain of one of the Sloops, was
charged with my Orders from their Lordships of the 31st of July,
and not finding me at Halifax, would agreeable to the Rendezvous I
left with Lieutenant Governor Belcher,
follow me to Newfoundland; therefore I directed Captain Graves of
the "Antelope", to employ conditionally, any Sloop that might
arrive at St. Johns after my Departure, as a Convoy, if any
Vessels should be bound to England, to make the same necessary and
I inclose a Copy of my Orders to Captain Graves.
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