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 17
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
And I am well assured, that this government had such a sense of His Majesty's gracious intentions by this expedition, and of the lasting consequence of the effect of it, if well executed, that they acted with an intention of sending a full quota, and to be no ways wanting on this extraordinary occasion ; and I cannot but flatter my- self that this matter will appear in the same light to you, when this small colony, under its present circumstances, is compared with the other larger governments in North America.
As it has appeared by long and melancholy experience, that the peace and wel- fare of His Majesty's subjects in North America can never be established as long as Canada subsists, it was with the greatest joy that His Majesty's subjects in this colo- ny received the news of his intentions to reduce it, and the appointment of Admiral Warren to have the chief command of the sea force, made the joy more universal ; and as in this government, it has been a means of raising the soldiers and sailors with the greater ease ; it is not doubted, but under the influence of Providence, will be of as happy consequence in the designed effect.
This government has also given due encouragement for the engaging any persons that are acquainted with the navigation to Canada; but by reason of the distant situation of this colony, a more exact account of the situation of that country and more skillful pilots may be had from some of His Majesty's other govern- ments, than can be expected from this.
1746.]
AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
185
Whatever directions shall be communicated respecting the forces from this gov- ernment, will be received with pleasure, and put in execution with all possible ex- pedition, by sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,
WILLIAM GREENE.
P. S. As the honor of the government was at stake for the releasement of those sailors sent for manning the ship Vigilant, this government would beg a line, by which they may assure their friends that that point had been complied with. To Admiral Warren.
Governor Shirley and Admiral Warren to Governor Greene.
Boston, July 4th, 1746.
Sir :- Last week Mr. Warren came here in the Chester, from Louisbourg, in or- der to settle, with Mr. Shirley (and Gen. St. Clair's approbation, when he shall ar- rive,) the plan of operations for the expedition against Canada, in the most speedy manner, which the advanced season of the year requires to be done without the least loss of time ; as it also does, that all the governments concerned in it, should push on the completing of the levies, and making the necessary preparations and disposi- tions for it within their respective colonies with the utmost despatch ; and in doing which, we think they should act with the utmost vigor, not regarding what they may esteem to be barely their just quota and proportion of men and money in this expedition, but the importance of the enterprise towards either laying a most sure foundation for the general welfare and prosperity of all these colonies, or leaving them in so precarious a situation, as may sometime or other expose them to be re- duced under the power and subjection of the French ; upon which account, they should consider themselves as one body, united in the common cause, in which, if any one particular colony should exert itself beyond either its just proportion or abilities, it may (we doubt not) be depended upon that the exceedings of such eolo- ny will be made up to it, either by an average to be afterwards settled among all the colonies concerned, or by a reimbursement from His Majesty, or the Parliament of Great Britain.
And it ought to be, in a particular manner considered, that this will, in all proba- bility, be the only favorable opportunity of attempting the driving of the French off" from the northern part of this continent, which if neglected, may never be re- deemed ; but followed close by an endless train of disadvantages and difficulties to all His Majesty's northern colonies, too many to be enumerated here, and too obvious to need it.
Wherefore, we trust that all His Majesty's governments upon this continent, will leave nothing untried for raising a sufficient force for securing the success of the present enterprise, that is, all the force they can raise.
The securing of the assistance of the Six Nations, we esteem a point most essen . tial to the success of the expedition, and necessary to be gained at any rate ; Mr. Gooch writes to Mr. Shirley, that he will come with presents in his hands for this purpose.
All possible despatch is so apparently necessary for our succeeding in this expe- dition, or even proceeding upon it, that we are persuaded Your Honor will agree with us in it.
VOL. V. 24
186
RECORDS OF THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND
[1746.
We enclose Your Honor a memorandum of what we apprehend necessary to be provided ; and doubt not but you will be pleased to provide what part of them can be had in your government; we hope in particular, that two armed sloops, brigan- tines or snows, with eighty men and ten carriage guns each, may be procured by Your Honor ; and we think that as it will be absolutely necessary that the troops should be prepared to winter in the enemy's country, ten months' provisions should be got for them, and some salt put on board every transport, which will be of ser- vice to cure what fresh stock may be had in Canada ; and as there will be a greater number of seamen wanting, for not only the transports and armed vessels from the colonies, but His Majesty's ships also, at Louisbourg, the Vigilant in particular, we hope Your Honor will assist as much as may be, by an impress, or otherwise, as you shall think proper.
We take the liberty to observe to you, that we are assured it will be a matter of surprise to His Majesty's ministry to find what a small proportion of forces the colony under your government has contributed towards carrying on this expedi- tion ; and we flatter ourselves that when your Assembly shall consider how much below their abilities they have acted upon this extraordinary occasion, and compare themselves and what they have done for the common cause, with the other colonies of New England, and in particular with New Hampshire, and the part they have acted at this important juncture ; that they will think it not only reasonable and fit, but for their interest to augment their levies to a just number.
We beg leave farther to observe, that the extraordinary bounty your Assembly has voted for encouraging those few men to enlist, which are to be raised as the quota of your government, has not had the best effect upon His Majesty's service in the neighboring colonies ; having, as we are informed, not only drawn several of their men from them, but damped the enlistments within those colonies, where the bounty given, though a very sufficient one, is yet much below that given by your Assembly.
Mr. Shirley is in hopes that troops raised in this Province, may sail by the 20th instant, under convoy of the Massachusetts frigate, and probably of His Majesty's ship Chester ; and we shall be glad, if you think proper, that your troops should rendezvous here, to have them go in company with the Massachusetts and Connec- tient forces, which latter propose their rendezvous at Boston.
We have, in a joint letter, desired Lieut. Gen. St. Clair to come to Boston, as it will save much time in forwarding the expedition, for doing which, nothing shall be wanting on our parts, nor will, we are persuaded, on Your Honor's.
We are, with very great regard, sir,
Your most obedient, humble servants.
W. SHIRLEY, P. WARREN.
We desire the favor of you to let us know, as soon as possible, the number of troops you shall be able to raise in your government, and by what time they will get to the place of rendezvous.
187
AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
1746.]
Letter from Governor Greene to Governor Shirley and Admiral Sir Peter Warren.
Gentlemen :- Your favors of the 4th and 7th of July instant, came safe by the messenger, on Monday last, being two days after the Assembly rose ; which now stands adjourned to the 19th of next month.
As to what you write about procuring two armed snows or brigantines, &c., can- not determine without the approbation of the General Assembly ; for which pur- pose, intend to be advised by the council, whether they think proper to call them together before the day they stand adjourned to.
Our colony sloop will sail with the transports, with one hundred men on board, (officers included,) well found and provided.
As for the provisions, the General Assembly had devolved a power on the com- mittee for carrying on the affairs of the expedition ; and care will be taken to put a sufficient quantity on board, with some salt. Our colony sloop and transports are now nearly ready, and I design they shall sail immediately to Boston, for the benefit of a convoy, and go in company with the other forces, to Louisbourg.
As to what you write about the coasters, during the time of the embargo here, not one was stopped a moment from proceeding on his voyage, being all exempted in the warrant ; and at all other times never met with any hindrance here.
As for the other affairs, of raising more levies, I cannot give you any tolerable encouragement to expect ; but must refer you to the letter I sent the Hon. Admiral Warren, of the 11th instant, wherein the sentiments of our General Assembly on that subject, are fully expressed. However, what I can do in the affair, for His Majesty's service, shall not be wanting.
Being with due respect, gentlemen, Your obedient humble servant, WILLIAM GREENE.
Newport, 18th July, 1746.
To His Excellency, Wm. Shirley, Esq., and the Hon. Peter Warren, Esq., Boston. 1
Proceedings of the General Assembly, held for the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, at Newport, the third Tues- day in August, 1746.
The Hon. William Greene, Governor.
The Hon. Joseph Whipple, Deputy Governor.
With the assistants and deputies from the several towns.
An Act appointing a council of war, to hold a court martial on the soldiers raised for the expedition against Canada, till they shall join His Majesty's forces.
188
RECORDS OF THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND [1746.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly, and by the au- thority of the same, that the lieutenant colonel and three cap- tains, and the three first lieutenants of the forces bound for Canada, or a major part of them, be, and they are hereby ap- pointed a council of war, for the punishing any of the officers and men that belong to said forces, according to martial law ; and that said power be continued in them until they join His Majesty's forces from Europe.
Voted and resolved, that all the soldiers raised for the expe- dition against Canada, be forthwith put on board the trans- ports, there to continue ; only to go on shore upon Goat Island as often as the commanding officers shall think proper, for ex- ercising; and that the transports be hauled as near Goat Is- land as conveniently as may be ; and that said soldiers have their full allowance of provisions on board, agreeably to act of Assembly ; and that Capt. Jonathan Nichols, be, and he is hereby appointed to procure said provisions, and see that the soldiers have the same regularly, and in good order.
Voted and resolved, that all the tents, both of the officers and men, raised to go in the expedition against Canada, be lined at the top, and painted; and that the commissary procure the same to be done as soon as may be.
Voted and resolved, that John Cranston, Esq., Messrs. Sam'l Wickham and Thomas Cranston, be, and they are hereby ap- pointed a committee, to call the several captains or other offi- cers appointed by this colony for the expedition against Cape Breton, or their representatives, who received the money and clothing for the use of the soldiers that went in said expedi. tion, to account for the same ; and upon their refusing or neg- lecting to account, that they be sued by the general treasurer, forthwith.
God save the King.
189
AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
1746.]
Proceedings of the General Assembly, held for the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, at Newport, the 29th day of September, 1746.
The Hon. William Greene, Governor.
The Hon. Joseph Whipple, Deputy Governor.
With the assistants and deputies from the several towns.
An Act for making additional works at Fort George, and sup- plying said fort with warlike stores.
Whereas, the well fortifying the town of Newport, and fur- nishing the fortifications there with warlike stores, are neces- sary for the security of the government ;-
Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly of the colony, aforesaid, and by the authority thereof it is enacted, that the sum of £2,120 in money, of the old tenor, be allowed, out of the general treasury, towards the completing the new works, and the alteration of the old battery adjoining to Fort George, at Goat Island, and already begun.
And that Jahleel Brenton and John Gardner, Esqs., Messrs. Godfrey Malbone, John Brown, Philip Wilkinson, Joseph Har- rison, Peter Harrison, Walter Chaloner, James Sheffield, Wm. Read, Capt. Joshua Sayer, William Rice and Edward Cole, or the major part of them, be established and appointed a commit- tee to finish the said new battery, or work begun, and make the alterations in the old battery, at said Goat Island ; and that the said sum of £2,120, be paid to them, or the major part of them, out of the general treasury, for the procuring timber, plank and materials necessary for carrying on and completing said works, and paying the artificers who shall work on the same.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforosaid, that the_commissary forthwith provide for said Fort George, at the
190
RECORDS OF THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND [1746.
expense of the colony, thirty barrels of gunpowder, and as many shot, as together with what is already at said fort, will make up the complement of twenty rounds for each cannon at said fort; and that the said commissary also provide all small stores that are necessary for the service of said fort, the charges whereof shall be paid out of the general treasury.
Dissent .-- Vote for additional works at Fort George.
1. For that if the eireumstanees of the colony be duly considered, they are not in a condition to be at the expense of any additional fortifieations.
2. For that the town of Newport hath already had built, at the charge of the colony, a fort sufficient to guard it against the attacks of any private men-of-war, fitted out by private persons ; and that as the works now about to be built, will not be able to defend them against the fleets of any sovereign prince, it is coneeived they will be entirely useless.
3. For that we apprehend such a sum of money as must necessarily be expend- ed in the works proposed, will be much more useful for the defence of the colony, if it be kept in the general treasury until it be known in what place and in what manner we shall be attacked by the enemy.
STEP. HOPKINS, GEO. BROWN,
JOB RANDALL, WALTER PHETTIPLACE.
Voted and resolved, that the colony sloop Tartar, be imme- diately sent to meet Admiral Lestock, agreeably to the request of His Excellency, Governor Shirley and Admiral Warren, with the packet sent by those gentlemen, to inform Admiral Lestock of the situation of the French naval force upon the coast of North America ; and that His Honor, the Governor, give orders to the captain of the colony sloop agreeably to the form sent by Governor Shirley and Admiral Warren ; and that His Honor, the Governor, write to those gentlemen by the next post, and inform them that this colony concurs with them in the necessity of Admiral Lestock's being apprised as above ; and that for said purpose, our colony sloop was ordered imme- diately to sail.
Voted and resolved, that Col. Daniel Updike and Mr. Josias Lyndon, be a committee to draw a letter, to be signed by His Honor, the Governor, and send to our agent, with a draft of the new works at Goat Island, directing the agent to use his
191
AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
1746.]
best endeavors to procure the cannon which this colony has pe- titioned His Majesty for ; and that he send them over by the first opportunity.
God save the King.
·
Gov. Shirley and Admiral Warren to Gov. Greene.
Boston, September 29th, 1746.
Sir :- As you will perceive by the enlosed letters and intelligence,* which we transmit to you, open, what steps we have taken to apprise Admiral Lestock (who, with a strong fleet, may be daily expected upon the coast of Nova Scotia, or Cape Breton,) of the situation and strength of the enemy's naval force, seen the 16th in- stant off the harbor of Chebucto, near Cape Samborough.
We have despatched as many vessels as we could possibly get here, to meet the Admiral, with this intelligence ; and are of opinion you can't do your King and country a greater piece of service, than by despatching your colony sloop without a moment's loss of time, to cruise for Admiral Lestoek, with this intelligence, till the 25th of October, unless she should sooner meet with him. And as the English fleet will most probably make the Cape Sable shore, to the westward of the Isle of Sables, . we are of opinion the enclosed will be a proper order, and the station mentioned therein, most likely to meet the fleet ; and therefore flatter ourselves you will ap- prove of it.
We have letters from Mr. Mascarene, governor of Annapolis, dated the 21st in- stant, by which we find the Chester and Shirley frigate were there, and that he had heard of no French ships being in the Bay of Fundy ; and we hope, cre this, the reinforcement of troops sent by Governor Shirley, are safe there.
We are, with great regard, sir, Your most obedient humble servants,
W. SINIRLEY, P. WARREN.
P. S. We esteem it of the last consequence to the colonies, that Admiral Les- tock should be met with at sea ; as in case he should be too weak, to cope with the enemy, wthout the assistance of Admiral Townsend, and be surprised, and over_ powered by them, the storm of their whole force would be immediately directed towards New England ; wherefore, we hope we may depend absolutely upon your sending out your colony sloop, with the enclosed despatches, forthwith.
* The intelligence alluded to, conveyed in a number of letters and depositions was, that a large French fleet, consisting of twenty-six ships of war and forty transports, had been despatched on an expedition against Newfoundland and Cape Breton, on board of which were fifteen thousand troops, with all sorts of implements of war, for a siege; and that a large fleet of French ships had been seen at sea.
192
RECORDS OF THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND
[1746.
Gov. Greene to Gov. Shirley and Admiral Warren.
Newport, 3d Oct., 1746.
Gentlemen :- Your favor of the 29th of September, came safe ; at which time, the colony sloop 'Tartar was on a cruise, and did not return till yesterday morning ; and out of the due regard I have for His Majesty's service, (and our common safety,) on this emergent occasion, according to your desire, have this morning di- reeted Capt. Fones to sail immediately, and given him his sailing orders, with the packet for Admiral Lestock, whom I hope he may readily meet with, that the ad- miral may have proper intelligence, to prevent any part of his fleet from falling into the enemy's hands, and thereby being prevented from doing that service towards the annoyance of the French fleet now on our eastern coasts, which might be other- wise expected.
I hope that this government will be ready on all occasions, to exert themselves as much as possibly they can, for His Majesty's service, in the security and defence of your Province, or any of our neighbors ; and am, with due regards, gentlemen, Your most obedient humble servant, WILLIAM GREENE.
To His Excellency, William Shirley, Esq., and the Honorable Peter Warren, Esq., in Boston.
Letter from Governor Shirley and Admiral Warren, to Governor Greene.
Boston, October 14, 1746.
Sir :- Having received advices of the great danger that the fortress of Annapo- lis Royal, and the whole Province of Nova Scotia is in of falling into the enemy's hands, unless succors be immediately sent from the colonies of New England, Mr. Shirley has accordingly sent nearly three hundred soldiers of His Majesty's troops, raised here for the expedition against Canada ; and is sending more, to make up his quota of six hundred men ; and we expect that three hundred more will be forthwith sent thither by Governor Wentworth; and as the preservation of this Province is of the utmost consequence for His Majesty's interest, and the security and prosperity of the colonies of New England, he will justly expect that at least the troops in his own pay, be employed for the defence of that country ; and there- fore we must earnestly urge Your Honor, without loss of time, to send, in proper vessels, the three hundred men raised in your government, for the expedition against Canada, for the defence of Annapolis Royal and Nova Scotia, the danger being so near, and the season of the year so far advanced, that the least delay may prove fatal.
We have enclosed an extract of a letter from Lieut. Gov. Mascarene, by which you will understand how he proposes to have these succors employed ; and if you can immediately procure a number of whaleboats, they will be of great service.
We are, sir, your most obedient humble servants,
P. WARREN, W. SHIRLEY.
To the Ilon. William Greene.
193
AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.
1746.]
P. S. The loss of Annapolis will make an addition of five or six thousand fight- ing men to the strength of the enemy, and thereby enable them to make further at- tempts even upon Louisbourg, or prevent the success of His Majesty's arms next year against Canada, if the King should think fit to extend them, to make that conquest.
Proceedings of the General Assembly, held for the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, at Newport, the 21st day of October, 1746.
The Hon. William Greene, Governor. The Hon. Joseph Whipple, Deputy Governor.
With the assistants and deputies from the several towns.
Voted and resolved, that all the forces raised in this colony, for the expedition against Canada, that are able, be sent to An- napolis Royal, under the command of their respective officers, for the succor and support of that garrison, against His Maj- esty's enemies ; and that an express be forthwith sent to Ad- miral Warren and Governor Shirley, informing them of the resolution of this Assembly, and desiring them to inform this government what convoy they will have for said forces ; and that the committee of war follow the instructions and directions of Admiral Warren and Governor Shirley, in re- gard to sending away our said forces ; and that the colony sloop Tartar join the convoy which shall be ordered by Admiral Warren and Governor Shirley to proceed with them to Annapo- lis Royal, and return again to this colony as soon as con- veniently may be, after their arrival at Annapolis ; and that the transports which shall carry our forces, also return with the colony sloop.
Voted and resolved, that His Honor, the Governor, commis- sionate the lieutenant colonel, and other commissioned officers appointed by this colony for the expedition against Canada, to continue till His Majesty's commissions shall arrive, when the VOL. V. 25
194
RECORDS OF THE COLONY OF RHODE ISLAND
[1746.
same be filled up with said officers' names, and delivered or sent to them.
And that His Honor, the Governor, write to Lieutenant Gov- ernor Mascarene, at Annapolis Royal, and recommend Lieut. Colonel Kinnicut to him, to be continued as a field officer, in His Majesty's service ; and that he also inform the said Lieu- tenant Governor of what monies this colony shall advance for His Majesty to the several officers and soldiers towards their pay, that the same may be secured to the government.
Voted and resolved, that Samuel Wickham, Esq., be, and he is hereby added to the committee of war ; and that they, or the major part of them, be a committee to take up of some gentlemen in Newport, upon the best terms they can, so much money as shall be necessary for the colony to pay the of- ficers and'soldiers raised for the Canada expedition, theirfad- vance wages, and what clothing is now wanting; and that bills be drawn upon the paymaster general in Great Britain, to be signed by His Honor, the Governor, for payment of the same.
Voted and resolved, that the committee of war, or the major part of them, be, and they are hereby fully empowered to do, act and transact all and every thing needful and necessary to be done, in respect to sending the forces raised in this colony to Annapolis Royal; and also in sending the colony sloop with them ; and to displace officers, and appoint others in their room, or in the room of any others that shall be prevented going, by any way or means whatsoever ; and in general to do every thing necessary, respecting the premises that shall be left undone by this Assembly at their rising, as fully in all re- spects as they were empowered relating to the Canada expe- dition.
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.