USA > Rhode Island > Records of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, in New England. Printed by order of the General Assembly, Vol. V > Part 12
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53
Governor Shirley to Governor Wanton.
Boston, June 6, 1745.
Sir :- Notwithstanding I have but five days ago applied to you for the assistance of your government in manning the Vigilant prize, for His Majesty's service, at Cape Breton, I find it necessary to trouble you with a second letter upon that af- fair ; for although the General Assembly of this Province has granted a bounty of £3, in bills of the new tenor, to each volunteer that shall enlist ; and I have besides issued my warrants for impressing seamen for this service, I find my endeavors will be to little purpose, whilst all mariners subject to be impressed here into His Maj- esty's service, fly to Rhode Island to avoid it, (as indeed has been long the prae- tice,) and are there sheltered and encouraged, where (I am credibly informed,) there are at this time many hundreds of foreign seamen daily walking the streets of Newport, whilst scaree one is to be found in Boston ; from whence I am assured in particular, that upwards of twenty have seeretly fled towards your colony from my impress warrants, within these last two or three days.
This being the case, sir, I think it necessary to inform you of it; and as I have the honor of receiving (among other instructions from His Majesty, upon this oc- casion,) his express commands to supply Commodore Warren with what men and shipping he shall want for the protection of His Majesty's subjeets in his northern colonies, and the annoyance of his enemies, and their settlements in these parts ; and Mr. Warren has applied to me to furnish him with seamen, to man the Vigilant, for Ilis Majesty's service, at Cape Breton, I hope you will excuse me if I repeat my application to your government for that purpose ; and that particularly at so critical a conjuncture for Ilis Majesty's service, and the general interest of all his northern colonies, (in which your own has a very considerable share,) as the present emergency plainly is, you will exert yourselves in the most effectual manner, for furnishing Mr. Warren with seamen, which, I am satisfied, it is in the power of your government to do, either by offering the same bounty to volunteers as this government has done, or by impressing; and that you will not permit your colony to be an assylum to all mariners coming into New England, for screening them- selves from His Majesty's service ; especially, when Mr. Warren has offered all volunteers the advantageous terms of entering into pay from the time of their en- listment ; and being discharged, if they desire it, at the end of the expedition, or his sooner return to Boston ; which makes their declining to serve their king and country, upon this occasion, wholly inexeusable.
I am, sir, Your Honor's obedient humble servant,
W. SHIRLEY.
To the Ilon'ble Gideon Wanton, Esq.
137
AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
1745.]
Commodore Sir Peter Warren to Governor Wanton.
Superbe, in Louisbourg Harbor, the 24th June, 1745.
Sir :-
I have now the pleasure to acquaint you, that we are in quiet possession of the towu and garrison of Louisbourg, and the territories thereunto belonging ; and that it is my duty, pursuant to the orders I have received, to apply to you, and the different governors upon the continent, for such provision and men as I may want; and I never had more occasion for your assistance than at present, in order to keep pos- session of a garrison that is a key to all the French settlements upon the continent, and of which possession every colony will feel the good effect ; therefore hope you will send with all speed, your quota of men, armed and vietualed for at least seven or eight months, to remain here for the support of this garrison, till His Majesty's pleasure is known ; till which time I shall continue here.
You will please to advertise, all His Majesty's subjects that are willing to come to this port, to trade with the garrison and inhabitants, shall have free liberty, without any duty or imposition, whatsoever ; and that none of their people shall be molested or impressed into His Majesty's ships of service ; and there are several prizes here, which will be condemned and disposed of, and many more will no doubt fall in daily, by our cruisers.
I make this application to all your neighboring governors, and have begged them to recommend the consideration of this my request, to their different legislatures, who can't in any manner, give greater proofs of their loyalty to His Majesty, their love to their country, and their care of posterity, than by assisting me with the means of keeping possession till His Majesty can make provision for it of a garrison and a colony, that in its consequence will be the means of extirpating so dangerous an enemy as the French are, out of the continent ; and of uniting such nations of Indians to us, and to one another, as will greatly inerease our fur and fish trade ; and secure us, and our posterity, in the quiet possession of our civil and religious rites. I am, sir, your most obedient and humble servant, P. WARREN.
To the Governor or Commander-in-chief of Rhode Island.
Governor Shirley to Governor Wanton.
Boston, June 24, 1745.
Sir :- The siege of Louisbourg having quite exhausted all our magazines of pow- der, except a necessary store for Castle William, and it being uncertain what fur- ther demand of powder there may be, for His Majesty's service at that place, and when any further supplies of it may be brought in here ; I must desire Your Honor to lay an embargo upon all the powder now lying in your stores or magazines, (as I have done for several months past, in this Province,) so as to secure it for some time for the service of the present expedition against Cape Breton, at the market price, in case it should be wanted.
I am, sir, Your Honor's most obedient humble servant,
W. SHIRLEY.
To His Honor, Governor Wanton.
VOL. V. 18
138
RECORDS OF THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND
[1745.
Governor Shirley to Governor Wanton.
Boston, July 3d, 1745.
Sir :- I have now the pleasure to send Your Honor, by express, the news of the reduction of Louisbourg to the obedience of His Majesty, and the surrrender of it accordingly. But to maintain our conquest there, which is of the utmost impor- tance, will require the assistance of all His Majesty's colonies and provinces in North America, for furnishing men, ammunitions and provisions, for garrisoning and provisioning the place till llis Majesty shall order troops from Great Britain, or otherwise signify his pleasure in this affair ; and I apprehend this to be the most critical juneture for seeuring it from the attempts of the enemy to recover it; for it cannot be doubted but that the French king will soon send a strong force, both of ships and troops to reduce it before we can be well secured in the possession of it ; and you may reasonably judge that this Province is already drained of men, provi- sions and ammunitions.
However, we are still so heartily engaged in this service, that we have lately sent four hundred troops, who I suppose arrived at Louisbourg since the surrender of it, besides upwards of sixty seamen for manning of His Majesty's ship Vigilant ; and have about two hundred soldiers more embarked, and ready to embark, whom I shall get away with all possible despatch ; and I cannot but hope Your Honor and the Gen- eral Assembly of Rhode Island, will, in duty to His Majesty, and in regard to the common interest of all his subjects in North America, make provision for the rais- ing of a number of soldiers immediately for this service, and have them transported without delay ; and likewise give orders for the taking up and purchasing all the gunpowder and provisions that can be got for the garrison at Louisbourg, and the ships employed there ; of both which they are in want, as the general and commo- dore inform me; as also provisions for the French prisoners to be sent home to France ; and as this will require a vast quantity, (of provisions especially,) it is my opinion that no provisions ought to be allowed to be shipped off from the plantations where they are raised, to the West Indies, or any foreign parts whatsoever, till this want be supplied.
It will also be requisite that all the gunpowder that can be found in your colony except what may be absolutely necessary for your own defence, should be secured for His Majesty's service.
And I should think if Your Honor will employ some merchants in your place for the purchasing of the powder, who will be able to find it out better than your own officers, it will be the most likely of being furnished with a good quantity of it, of which this Province is almost entirely exhausted ; having sent off for the expedition against Louisbourg about twelve hundred barrels ; and I hope that you will eon- sider that both the garrison and ships will want a considerable supply.
I am, sir, Your Honor's most obedient humble servant,
W. SHIRLEY.
To the Ilon. Gideon Wanton, Esq.
Capt. Wiekham arrived here some days ago, with seventy-four sailors, raised in your colony, by your government, for the Vigilant ; sixty-one of whom, are em- barked on board the Snow -, Capt. Griffith ; and I hope you will procure the
139
AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
1745.]
whole two hundred voted by your Assembly ; and some more landsmen, if possible ; for there is certainly great danger of Louisbourg's being instantly snatched from us, or at least attempted to be so, before His Majesty shall garrison it, and the fortifica- tions be repaired.
And I must particularly press Your Honour to procure all the powder you possi- bly can for this service, the want of which must prove fatal to us, notwithstand- ing our strong naval force. W. S.
Sir Peter Warren to Governor Wanton.
Louisbourg, July 25, 1745.
Sir :- I have the pleasure to tell you, that two of my squadron have taken a rich East India ship, and that we proposed to sell her cargo here, if the merchants will come from the colony to purchase it.
Herewith I enclose you an advertisement, which I desire you will get printed, and distributed about your government, in order to the people's being here in time, as the season is now far advanced.
I am in daily expectation of the provisions and men, that I wrote to you for, for the protection of this important garrison.
I am, with great regard, sir,
Your most obdient humble servant, P. WARREN.
Honorable Gideon Wanton, Esq., Governor of Rhode Island.
Governor Wanton to Commodore Sir Peter Warren.
Newport, August 23, 1745.
Sir :- Sinee my last to you, I have had the opportunity of laying before the Gen- eral Assembly of this colony, your letters, with a copy of His Majesty's orders, sig- nified by His Grace, the Duke of Newcastle, to the respective Governors of the colonies in North America, to assist you with men, provisions and shipping, for the relief of any of His Majesty's settlements, or for making any attempts upon those of the enemy.
And I am directed by them, to assure you, that none of His Majesty's subjects more sincerely rejoice at the glorious success of His Majesty's arms in the reduction of a place of such vast importance to his obedience, than this colony ; and that none of His Majesty's provinees or colonies, will be more ready than this to give you their utmost assistance in making any attempts against His Majesty's enemies, or in the securing and defending this most important acquisition ; but as this colony is very small, and by its situation very much exposed to the attacks of the enemy by sea, and great numbers of our men employed on board our privateers to distress the enemy in their trade and navigation, and as they have already been at a very great expense in keeping their only vessel of war at Cape Breton, ever since the begin- ning of this expedition, and in sending and victualling three companies of soldiers to assist in defending Louisbourg ; and also in allowing a large bounty to a number of seamen to enlist and serve in the squadron of Ilis Majesty's ships under your command ; they hope these will be looked upon as their full quota, and as sufficient demonstrations of their duty and loyalty to His Majesty.
140
RECORDS OF THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND
[1745.
I am, sir, further directed to assure you, that if His Majesty's service should re- quire our three companies of soldiers to remain in garrison at Louisbourg, all winter, in the pay of this colony, that all dne care will be taken by the government to send them, in season, provisions, and all other necessaries, for their subsistence.
The General Assembly thank you for the favor and respect you have shown to Capt. Fones, the commander of our colony's sloop Tartar ; and they hope you'll be so good as to discharge her as soon as the nature of His Majesty's service will admit of it, she being the only vessel of war that we have for the protection of the trade and navigation of this colony.
Your known generosity leaves us no room to doubt but that you will do justice to this colony, in letting His Majesty know what assistance we have given in this ex- pedition ; and we the rather request this favor of you, sir, because we have reason to believe that some of our neighbors have no great inclination to represent our conduct in the best light.
We heartily congratulate you, sir, upon the success of His Majesty's ships under your command, in taking so many rich and valuable prizes. May zeal and fidelity in His Majesty's service be always thus rewarded, and may success attend you in all your attempts, until your name become a terror to a haughty and insolent enemy.
I heartily wish you health, and am, with best regards,
in behalf of the General Assembly, sir, yours, GIDEON WANTON. To the Honorable Commodore Warren.
P. S. Sir :- As the General Assembly have ordered the brigantine, which transported our soldiers to Louisbourg, to return home immediately, unless any di- rections should be come from His Majesty to dismiss our soldiers in a short time, they have directed me to desire you'd be pleased to give her a pass to depart.
Capt. Fones to Governor Wanton.
Sloop Tartar, in Louisbourg harbor, July 18, 1745.
Honored Sir :- I heartily congratulate you on your accession to the gov- ernment.
Your letter per Capt. Champlain, I received yesterday, (but you forgot to date it,) wherein you inform me that you would have me wait the commo- dore's pleasure ; he will by no means give me my dismission, and I am entirely out of stores of every kind ; and am obliged to take up provisions for present subsist- ence here, and draw home, which will be very expensive.
I wrote home several times, which I hope were delivered safe, but received no letter from Your Honor before yesterday ; I arrived here the evening before last, from the Bay of Vert, and have the pleasure of walking Louisbourg strects, which is the strongest place I ever saw ; for news, it is impossible to give you an account, in a letter, but refer you to the prints; my people are all alive, and most of them well.
I am, honored sir, your humble servant, to command, DANIEL FONES.
To the Hon. Gideon Wanton.
P. S. The forces from Rhode Island arrived safe, the day before yesterday.
.
141
AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
1745.]
General Sir Wm. Pepperell, to Governor Wanton.
Sir :- I received your favor of 29th June, per Capt. Mumford, and take this op- portunity, per Capt. Griffith, to congratulate you and the gentlemen of Rhode Is- land colony upon the happy success of His Majesty's arms, in the reduction of this place and territories adjacent, to his obedience ; the account of which, I am sensible, has reached you some time since, and am persuaded was received with that pleasure which must fill the breast of all His Majesty's loyal subjects, and of every well wisher to the prosperity of the colonies, upon the acquisition of so strong a fortress and of so much consequence to trade and security of all His Majesty's subjects in North America ; the good effects of whiel, I trust, will be as lasting as extensive.
The three companies raised in your colony for our assistance, with commission from you, (whose advancement to the chair of government I beg leave to congratu- late you on,) arrived here last week, and you may be assured shall have my favor and countenance in every thing in my power.
I have transmitted to the Duke of Neweastle an account of our success, and the present condition of this place, and am persuaded speedy measures will be taken for the support and defence of it ; but till His Majesty's pleasure is known, it will be ab- solutely necessary to keep a large body of troops here ; and as many of those who first came, have been detained beyond what they expected, they will be impatient to return to their families, which will render a supply of fresh troops necessary, as it is something doubtful whether any can be sent from Europe this year.
A great stoek of provisions and warlike stores to be laid in here, before the fall advances too far, is also of necessity. I think there ought to be at least twelve or fifteen months' provisions, for three or four thousand men ; and I flatter myself that those governments who have been ready to join their assistance for the reduction of this place, will not be backward in affording their aid in what may be necessary for keeping it from ever falling into the hands of the French again.
I have nothing remarkable to communicate to you, more than you will be made acquainted with by way of Boston ; except the taking a ship off this harbor, two days since, which proved a very rich East Indiaman ; and am,
Sir, your most humble servant, W. P.
Louisbourg, July 25th, 1845.
Sir :- The above is copy of my last ; since which, have nothing remarkable to inform you of, but the capture of another Indiaman, and a vastly rich South Sea- man. I hope your government will not omit to do their proportionable part for the maintenance of this garrison, until His Majesty's pleasure is known.
I am, sir, your most humble servant,
WM. PEPPERELL.
August 13th, 1745.
The Hon'ble Governor Wanton, &c., &c., &c.
Capt. Fones, to Governor Wanton.
Sloop Tartar, in Louisbourg harbor, July 30th, 1745.
Honored Sir :- Since my last, we have had the good fortune of taking two India merchant ships ; I had the pleasure of seeing them both taken ; I have buried three of my people, and have several others sick.
142
RECORDS OF THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND
[1745.
As you have ordered me to wait the commodore's pleasure, I am obliged to buy provisions at an extravagant rate ; and am this day stripping my rigging, which proves very defective ; so that you must think my bills on the government will be many and great ; and when we shall be released, I know not ; for the commodore likes the sloop so well, that he will by no means part with her, unless Your Honor sends express orders to the contrary.
For my own part, I wait your and the commodore's orders with the greatest of pleasure,
And am, honored sir, your most humble servant, DANIEL FONES.
To the Hon. Gideon Wanton.
Governor Phipps to Governor Wanton.
Boston, August 14, 1745.
Sir :- At the desire of His Majesty's council of this Province, I am now to ac- quaint Your Honor with the present state of the garrison at Louisbourg, (as it is represented by a letter from Lieut. General Pepperell, directed to Governor Shir- jey, dated the 6th instant, this day received,) which garrison consists principally of the inhabitants of this Province.
In the proclamation issued by Ilis Excellency, Governor Shirley, to encourage the raising of levies for this expedition, the men that should enlist were promised to be discharged at the end of the expedition ; the greatest part of the soldiers, as well as officers, are substantial men, and many of them masters of families ; and a considerable number were drawn off from the frontiers, where their families are every day liable to be murdered by the Indians. These circumstances, as well as the extreme toils and labors of the siege, the ill state of their health, consequent thereupon, and the wearing out of their apparel in this service, gives a general dis- content to the soldiers, upon the prospects of a longer detention therein.
And as this Province is exhausted of men, provisions, clothing, ammunition and other things, necessary for the support of the garrison, at Louisbourg, it His Majes- ty's other provinces and colonies will not do something more than they have done, for the maintaining of this conquest, we apprehend great danger that the place will fall into the enemy's hands again ; for it is not to be doubtel but that the French will make a vigorous attempt for regaining it.
I must therefore pray Your Honor to make a full representation of the state of this afl'air, and how ill it must be resented by His Majesty, if after this Province (with the assistance of Connecticut and New Hampshire, ) has been at the charge of above £200,000 for the reducing this place, besides the great loss and damage by taking off so many of the substantial inhabitants of this Province from their busi- ness, and the general stagnation of trade here, occasioned by this expedition ; I say, if after this place has been gained at so vast an expense, and so unspeakable a loss in other respects, to this Province, the other provinces (saving Connecticut and New Hampshire, as abovementioned,) should apprehend they have done their duty, by being at the charge of a few thousand pounds ; and if this place should be finally recovered by the French, for want of a sufficient strength to defend it, the blame must lie upon those colonies that refuse to bear their part in the charge and dangers of this important enterprise.
Your Honor having from the beginning manifested so hearty a disposition to
143
AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
1745.]
promote this great affair, leaves us no room to doubt but you will do every thing in your power to bring your Assembly into such measures as are necessary for the preservation of Louisbourg to His Majesty ; and more especially, for raising of re- cruits for the garrison there, and taking up provisions and ammunition necessary for their supply.
By the express boat now arrived from Louisbourg, we have certain intelligence, that besides the first Indiaman taken by Commodore Warren's squadron, (of which we were advised the last week,) they have taken another Indiaman, richly laden and a South Seaman, with £400,000 in money, besides a valuable cargo of mer- chandise ; all which were taken in sight of the garrison ; so that it is judged that the value of the captures made on that coast, by His Majesty's ships, is near £1,000,000, (if not more), which it is probable would never have fallen into our hands if this expedition had not been attempted.
I am, sir, Your Honor's most obedient humble servant, The Hon. Gideon Wanton, Esq.
PHIPPS.
Sir William Pepperell to Governor Wanton.
Sir :- I received with pleasure, your letter congratulatory, in the name of your colony, upon the success of His Majesty's arms and my command here ; and as you express the full sense your colony has of the consequences of this acquisition to the trade and security of the plantations, &c., and your readiness to support the troops lately sent here by your government, if His Majesty shall judge it necessary, I take this opportunity to say to you, that it's uncertain when His Majesty's pleasure will be known ; but it's my opinion that the continuance of your troops here, and your support of them till that time, will be acceptable to the King, and that therefore you make the speediest provision for them during the approaching winter, of provi_ sions of various kinds, of good bedding and serviceable and warm clothing, fit for soldiers, in the most inclement climate.
There is a deficiency of twenty-eight men in the companies you sent, occasioned as per the enclosed note, a memorandum given me in, per Capt. Smith. I hope you will not fail to supply that vacancy as soon as possible ; and especially since there is a squadron of French men-of-war on or near this coast, who may make some sudden and bold push, to our disadvantage, if the garrison be not well manned ; or should they return, and not attempt it this fall, we may the more reasonably expect the strongest efforts of that kind the next spring, even before recruits may arrive here from New England. I am, with great regard, honorable sir,
Your most humble servant, WM. PEPPERELL.
Louisbourg, Sept. 13th, 1745.
The man [who] deserted out of Capt. Champling's company, is one Joseph Story, whom I hope you will secure, and send here ; otherwise, it may be a great encouragement for others to desert.
I am this day informed, that one John Wood, who deserted from Boston, out of Capt. Chaplin's company, and sent here by Capt. Thomas Burden, never was landed here, but carried off by said Burden. I hope you will call him to account for this, otherwise, this place may be lost by such vile actions. W. P.
The Hon. Gideon Wanton, Esq.
144
RECORDS OF THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND
[1745.
Admiral Warren to Governor Wanton.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.