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 13
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Louisbourg, September 13, 1745.
Sir :- I have the honor of your favor of the 23d August, informing me of your having laid before the Assembly of your colony, my letters, with the copy of His Majesty's order, by His Grace, the Duke of Newcastle, to the respective governors of the colonies in North America, to assist me 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's.
Human prudenee could not have formed a more advantageous expedition, for the good of the British colonies in particular, nor for our country's interest in general, than this ; the great merit of which, I must in justice attribute to the indefatigable pains taken by Governor Shirley, who concerted and carried this great design into a thorough and most successful execution, with the assistance of a very few of the colonies, and a squadron of His Majesty's ships, which must be by latest pos- terity thought of with the highest gratitude and honor, of those who contrived, as- sisted and executed so glorious an expedition ; upon the success of which, the case and happiness of us and our descendants does in a very great measure depend.
You see, sir, I speak here, as an American, and a well wisher to the colonies ; and am therefore really sorry, the particular one I mean, New York, to which I am nearest related, has not had a greater share in this great acquisition ; for it's a mis- taken notion in any of the colonies, if they think they are not greatly interested, even the remotest of them, in the reduction and support of this conquest, which will quiet them all in their religious and civil rights and liberties, to latest times, against a designing, encroaching, and powerful enemy, and increase our trade in the fish, fur, and many other valuable branches, to such an advantageous degree to the colo- nies, and our mother country, as must ever induce them to be extremely grateful to those who have opened so fair a channel for the increase of wealth and power,
I have now tired your patience with my inaccurate manner of letting yon into the importance of this acquisition to His Majesty's dominion, which will no doubt be on the other hand looked upon by our enemies, as the greatest loss they could have sustained ; and there is, therefore, the greatest room to believe they will use all their efforts to regain it, and that as soon as possible ; and may be before His Majesty can, under the many difficulties he labors at home in, [in] a war against two powerful nations, and especially so late in the season, take the protection of it upon himself.
It will therefore be of the highest consequence, and will greatly endear all his American subjects concerned in this affair to His Majesty, if animated with the same zeal with which they gloriously undertook to reduce this conquest to his obe- dience, they support it till his royal pleasure shall be known ; when, I make no doubt, the heavy expense that has attended the colonies upon this occasion, will, to a shilling, be reimbursed. These are all circumstances, that in my weak ap- prehension, are worthy of your, and your legislature's most serious attention.
As to the number of your troops, that you imagine will be necessary, as your quota for the support of this garrison, I beg leave to refer that to Governor Shirley, as the better judge, who informs me he will write to you on that head.
I hope you will do me the honor to return my hearty thanks to your Assembly for
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their kind expressions, and good opinion of me, and assure them nothing shall be wanting that may ever be within the compass of my power, or poor capacity for their service, and that of the colonies in general, but in particular those most con- cerned in the reduction of this strong fortress, which must plainly convince His Majesty, and all the people of Great Britain, of their love and loyalty.
That you and your legislature may ever act consistently with the general interest of our mother country, and that of your own, and all her colonies, which I look upon as inseparable, is the sincerest wish of, Hon'ble Sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
To the Hon. Gideon Wanton, Esq.
P. WARREN.
As I expect to leave these seas ere long, you'll please to address for the return of Capt. Fones, and on any future service, to the commanding offieer of this garrison. Its greatest danger, I apprehend, will be from the latter end of February, till May or June ; and to be sure till that time, or till sueeors arrive from England, the colonies should not keep less than four or five thousand men to support it.
I am yours, as before, P. WARREN.
Governor Wanton, to the Agent of Rhode Island, in London.
Newport, on Rhode Island, Xber 20th, 1745.
Sir :- The conduct of this colony relating to the Cape Breton expedition, having been, as your letters advise, very unjustly misrepresented at home, with a view to prejudice the ministry against us, the General Assembly have directed that a true account thereof should be transmitted to you, which we doubt not, will enable you fully to vindicate our colony, which hath always distinguished itself by joining with readiness and zeal in all expeditions ordered by the erown.
The reduction of Louisbourg, we always thought would be of very great impor- tance, as well to the trade and commerce of Great Britain, as of the northern plan- tations, and therefore expected and hoped it would be undertaken at home in the course of the war ; but we judged the attempt to reduce that prodigiously strong town, regularly fortified, and furnished with a garrison of regular forces, to be much too hazardous, as well as too expensive for New England, as not having one offieer of experience, or even an engineer; and the people being entirely ignorant in the art of eneamping and besieging towns, and were therefore greatly surprised at hearing that the Province of the Massachusetts had voted to make said attempt.
At first, while it was supposed that Governor Shirley had secret instructions to raise men, and an assurance of a sufficient addition of sea and land forees from Great Britain, our people were zealous in the affair ; but when it was known that he had no orders at all, not so much as a discretionary power to stop some of His Majesty's ships then at Boston, a thing of the last importanee to the blocking up the harbor of Louisbourg, no assurance that the ministry would approve of the under- taking, or make any provision to support it, or that the state of affairs in Europe would permit the sending such a foree from Great Britain, as seemed necessary, to render the expedition successful, surely, 'tis no wonder that our zeal abated, and that we were not very forward to precipitate an attempt, in which a failure must needs have been of fatal consequenee, as it would have exposed the weakness of the northern plantations, and disabled them from assisting, if the crown should think fit to order such an expedition ; that the Massachusetts themselves were very doubtful of
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success, cannot be denied, for the undertaking of the expedition was carried but by one single voice, in their house of representatives.
When they first applied to us for assistance, the colony had anticipated all their funds, to defray the charge of the fatal expedition against Carthagena ; the tax for put- ting the colony in a posture of defence, was unpaid, the people burthened with the expense of defending our charter privileges and carrying on the suit about our boun- daries, and the bill depending in Parliament about paper currency of such a nature, as made it hazardous to emit at this juncture any large sums : and also the colony was then drained of men to an uncommon degree ; of two hundred and fifty sent away in the West India expedition, not twenty had returned ; we had lost many in our privateers, and had eight or ten sail then cruising ; so that it was not practicable to raise such a number as was desired ; besides, we had not the same dependence up- on, and expectation of advantages from the fishery as the Massachusetts and New Hampshire had, which undoubtedly was a main inducement to their people to list so cheerfully as they did.
But notwithstanding all this, the General Assembly voted to send our colony sloop, well manned, permitted the Governor of Boston to endeavor to raise men in the pay of the Province, and voted an additional bounty of forty stillings a man to in- duce them to list, but to no effect.
On further application to us, in March last, the General Assembly voted to raise three companies, of fifty men cach, exclusive of officers; and offered as large pay, and a higher bounty than the Province of the Massachusetts had given; but it being found impracticable to fill the companies in season, the then Governor, after we had been at a considerable expense, ordered the men that were raised, to be disbanded. However, our colony's sloop, mounting fourteen carriage and twelve swivel guns, well fitted and manned, convoyed the Connecticut forces, and proved of singular service, by preventing their entire ruin from a French two-and-thirty gun ship ; and afterwards in the Gut of Canso, by repelling, in conjunction with two other eruisers, a large body of French and Indians, who were going to the re- lief of Louisbourg.
Some merchants and other inhabitants of this town, subscribed about £ 7,000 towards the pay of a privateer, manned, and in part owned here ; but the greater part of said sum being still to pay, and it being probable that the whole never will be paid, the subscription being a private one, not countenanced by any authority, we lay no great stress on that particular.
In May, we had advice that the ministry approved of the expedition, and that Com_ modore Warren was arrived off Louisbourg with a squadron of His Majesty's ships. The General Assembly did then renew their vote to raise three companies ; and that it might be effectual, increased the bounty, and raised the pay to £10 per month a man, double of what the Massachusetts allowed theirs. But to complete said com- panies, [we] were notwithstanding obliged to order that men should be impressed into the service, as several actually were ; a thing not done by order of Assembly, in any other part of New England, and scarce ever practiced here before ; and on notice that seamen were wanted to man the ship Vigilant, voted to raise two hun- dred, allowing a bounty of $17 to a man. But such was the scarcity of men, that though the bounty was so large, and the most effectual means used, (for we had again.recourse to impressing, and allowed said bounty even to the impressed men.) that we could raise only about seventy. The good news of the surrender of Louis- bourg, had reached Boston before our transports sailed from thence, having lain
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there some days for convoy ; yet they proceeded [on] the voyage, and are now in garrison ; and we have lately sent a vessel to Louisbourg, with clothing and provi- sions sufficient for their support, till late in the spring.
This is the assistance we have given, which was really the utmost we were able to give, the colony having never exerted itself with more zeal and vigor on any oc- casion ; and it ought to be observed, that no other of the neighboring governments, besides Connecticut and New Hampshire, could be induced, at the first, to give any assistance at all ; nor afterwards, of all of them together, to give so much and such effectual assistance, as this little colony cheerfully afforded, at the hazard of leaving our sea coast unguarded, and our navigation exposed to the enemy's privateers, from the beginning of April to the latter end of October, during which time, our colony's sloop was in the service.
We herewith enclose the several acts of Assembly,* whereby you will be ac- quainted with our whole proceedings in this affair ; and you may make use of them as you shall think necessary, to set the conduct of the colony in a true light ; we also send you two original letters, one from General Pepperell, the other from Commodore Warren, directed to the Governor, wherein you will find their ac- knowledgments of receiving the three companies of land forces, and the seamen for manning the Vigilant. The commodore particularly mentions our colony's sloop being serviceable ; but for full proof of the great and extraordinary assistance she has given, we refer you to the enclosed certificate, signed by Major General Wol- cot ; so you have vouchers from the three principal commanding officers in the ex- pedition, which fully and clearly prove the absolute falsehood of that aspersion cast on us by our enemies, viz. : that we afforded no assistance in the undertaking.
When our conduct is truly represented, and the smallness of our colony consid- ered, being not a fourth part so large as Connecticut, we are persuaded all impartial judges must allow that we have contributed our full quota ; but at the same time, we cannot but think, that if we had afforded no assistance at all, we could not therefore have justly been deemed disloyal, inasmuch as we had no orders from His Majesty relating to this expedition, those signified by the Duke of Newcastle, to assist Com- modore Warren, not being received till the 12th of July.
And 'tis really surprising, that this colony, which thus generously assisted the Massachusetts in gaining and securing this important conquest, should not escape their unjust censures and aspersions, when they are so sparing of their reflections on the neighboring governments, namely, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylva- nia, which gave them little or no assistance, though they were as much exposed to the privateers from Cape Breton as we, and will reap the same advantages by the re- duction of it. This makes it evident, that our avowed enemies, the Massachusetts, are for catching at every shadow of advantage, whereby they imagine they may prejudice us, and gain their point, concerning the boundaries ; but surely, 'tis no re- commendation of a cause, that it stands in need of calumny and slander for its support.
As to the complaint of our harboring and countenancing deserters from His Maj- esty's ships, we say that the charge is absolutely false and injurious ; we challenge our adversaries to prove any one instance of it; on the contrary, we have at all times shown the utmost respect to the captains of His Majesty's ships, when they
* The acts are printed at length in these Records, or will be found in the public laws, for 1747.
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have put into this port, and have been always ready to assist them in the apprehend- ing deserters, and furnishing them with every thing in our power, for the service of His Majesty.
We agree with you, in the opinion, that when the Parliament meets, the expense of this expedition, or great part of it, will be paid by the nation, if authentic ae- counts thereof, are sent over, and proper application made ; and for that purpose, herewith transmit to you the accounts of what expense this colony has been at, in the most complete manner we can at present ; but as our forces are not yet re- turned, but still remain at Louisbourg, in our pay, we cannot tell what further ex- pense we shall be at.
We make no doubt of your zeal, not only in vindieating the colony against the aspersions of our enemies, but also in making proper application for obtaining the reimbursement of what we have expended in this expedition, in the same manner as shall be granted to the other governments concerned therein. And if the ac_ counts we now send, should want any further explanations or vouchers, we expeet you will immediately give us notice thereof, that we may furnish you with every thing necessary to render them authentic.
I am, &c., &c., GIDEON WANTON.
To Mr. Richard Partridge, merchant, in London.
P. S. Please to observe that we have made no charge of arms or beds for our soldiers ; both those articles being to be returned after the service is over. We could not come at an absolute certainty, about the pay of our forces. You will see we have charged for three full companies for six months, which, though it is not strictly true, one of our captains, and several of the soldiers having died at Louis- bourg, before they had been so long in the service, and our three companies re- dueed to two, by act of Assembly ; yet, we apprehend that the sum carried out, is not too large, and that there will be, at least, so much due to our forces before they are dismissed.
Admiral Sir Peter Warren, to Governor Wanton.
Louisbourg, November 26th, 1745.
Sir :- Ilis Grace, the Duke of Newcastle, having, by his letter of the 10th Au- gust, signified to me, that their Excellencies, the Lords Justices, had been pleased to recommend me to His Majesty, (then at Hanover), to be appointed governor of Louisbourg, and that I may expect my commission for that purpose, by the next opportunity ; therefore, as this garrison is much weakened by the return home of several of the New England forces, and by sickness, which is common to all towns that have been for any time besieged, though otherwise very healthy, as is the case of this, by all accounts.
And as Ilis Majesty has shown the highest satisfaction in the reduction of this im- portant garrison to his obedience, by his American subjects, in conjunction with a squadron of his ships ; so he has manifested his royal intention to protect it against any attempts that may be made by the French to recover it, by ordering immedi- ately two regiments from Gibraltar, under a strong convoy, and several ordnance and other store ships, from England, with all manner of necessaries proper for the support of the troops and garrison ; all which, may be daily expected here, if the
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season should not prevent them. In such case, 'tis probable they may winter in the West Indies, where those regiments may be disabled by sickness and other disasters, and possibly not arrive so early in the spring as to prevent any attempt upon us by the enemy, who, I am credibly informed, are at this time in motion, at Canada, with a design to attack us this winter, or very early in the spring.
Therefore, in order to frustrate all their designs, and do every thing that human prudence can suggest, for the security of this important acquisition, I hope, upon this my representation, the same laudable zeal which animated you and your legis- lature to undertake this expedition, will induce you to take all proper measures to preserve an acquisition of such consequence to our country in general, and all the colonies in particular.
The properest method I can think of, to support it, is immediately to raise in your government as many men as you can, to be here [by] the beginning of March, at farthest, provided with a quota of provisions for their own support, for two or three months, lest by any means we should be shortened here.
Any expense that you may be at upon upon this occasion, or any other, for the support of this garrison, I apprehend it in the power of General Pepperell and me, to defray, by bills of exchange upon the government at home ; and that you may be the clearer in this my apprehension, I send you the paragraph of Ilis Grace, the Duke of Newcastle's letter, that empowers us to draw for the expenses of this garri- son. Whatever terms you shall make with such men as you raise for this service, shall be punctually observed and complied with, whether they choose to serve the King for any limited time in the American forces, (of whom His Majesty has it under his royal consideration to establish one or more regiments, for the encourage- ment of the officers and men that have, or shall distinguish themselves,) or return, or choose to stay as inhabitants, and settle here, upon sueli encouragement as, by His Majesty's instructions, I shall be hereafter be empowered to give.
I am sorry that the terms of Governor Shirley's proclamation upon the first en- listment of the soldiers for this expedition, could not be complied with, in the sense in which many (I don't say with what color of reason, ) have [construed] them. The only way to have obviated this subject of complaint would have been (as ITis Majesty could not immediately take this place under his own protection,) to have raised and sent a fresh body of men, to have relieved such of the troops as had an in- clination to return home.
The disappointment the trading people have met with here, has given no one more uneasiness than myself. When the government is put upon a regular footing, a free port opened, and a civil government established, as I imagine the case will be, (having recommended it in the strongest manner,) the traffic that may be car- ried on here, must be of very considerable advantage to the neighboring colonies.
I take this opportunity to congratulate you, upon the happy success Governor Clinton, and the other commissioners have had in their negotiations with the Six Nations.
Governor Shirley and I have sent some captive Indians, to consult with those of' Nova Scotia, upon the terms of a peace which they themselves have proposed. I dare hope this step will have a good effect, especially as I have the assurances of the Duke of Newelastle, that proper presents may be expected from England, for those people.
I cannot conclude without observing, that it appears to me to be of the greatest moment towards securing, and rendering this acquisition most extensively useful to
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His Majesty's subjects, that the getleman with whom the government of this garri- son is entrusted, should (at least during the war, or till the country is well peopled,) be an officer who has the command at sea, who would by that means always be sure of men, as well as shipping and materials requisite to annoy the enemy in their navigation to Canada ; and I flatter myself it is no unfortnate event for this place, or the colonies in general, (whose interest I have greatly at heart,) that I am (at this eritieal juncture,) appointed to act in both those stations ; though that of gov- ernor is so disagreeable to me, that I shall use all my endeavors to be relieved as soon as possible.
You will do me the justice to believe that my zealous attachment to the interests of His Majesty, and his American provinces, would alone induce me to promote, to the utmost of my abilities, everything I judged conducive thereto ; be pleased, nevertheless, to observe, that I am authorized in the fullest manner, by His Grace' the Duke of Newcastle's circular letter, which I formerly sent you, dated at White- hall, January 3d, 1744-5, to make this application to you.
I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant,
The Hon. Gideon Wanton, Esq.
P. WARREN.
Sir Peter Warren and Gen. Sir Win. Pepperell to Governor Wan- ton, of Rhode Island.
Louisbourg, January 25th, 1745-6.
Sir :- By letters from the Duke of Newcastle, of the 10th of August last, we were advised that His Majesty was determined forthwith to provide for the effectual support of this valuable acquisition ; and that, in order thereto, two regiments were ordered here from Gibraltar, and several vessels with stores, from England ; but none of them are yet arrived here, and we apprehend it probable that the troops are not yet embarked ; and as it must be expected that the enemy will make the earliest and most vigorous efforts possible, to regain this important fortress next spring, we may probably be blocked up before those troops can gain their passage from Gibraltar hither ; and as a mortal sickness (chiefly a fever) has for some time past prevailed in the garrison, and has carried off considerable numbers, and still continues to do so, (though we hope it is abating,) our duty to His Majesty re- quires us to acquaint you (as the protection of this acquisition for the present, and till Mr. Warren's commission for the government, which is daily expected, arrives, is recommended to our joint care,) that it is absolutely necessary for His Majesty's service, as well as the honor and interest of the colonies, that new levies of men be raised there, for the support of this garrison, until a sufficient number of British troops shall arrive here.
We have, by an express, who sailed the 23d instant, for England, to inform the ministry of the circumstances of this garrison, acquainted them that we should make application to you and the other governments in the colonies, for the necessary as- sistance herein.
And we cannot doubt but that your loyalty and zeal for His Majesty's service, and the interest of your own and neighboring governments, will prompt you to use your utmost endeavors (as you have already shown your readiness to contribute to the security as well as conquest of this place,) that a proper quota of troops from
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