USA > Rhode Island > The correspondence of the colonial governors of Rhode Island, 1723-1775, Vol. II > Part 3
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
8
Correspondence of the
We have Signified this Our Opinion to Governour Clinton by an Express sent to Albany and desired him to get a proper Train of Artillery transported to the nearest Place of Rendezvous, from Crown Point without Delay, to be ready for the Execution of this Scheme and to acquaint the Officers of the Forces of the other Southern Governments with what we propose.
M: Shirley will order what Ordnance Stores he can from this Province which are not to be procured in the other Governments, and We desire that your Honour will provide your Proportion of Powder upon this Occasion
We are with Regard Sir
Your Honour's most Obedient humble Servants W SHIRLEY P WARREN
To the Honble Gov. GREEN
DEPUTY-GOVERNOR WHIPPLE TO GOVERNOR SHIRLEY
Gent"
Your Letter of the 25th instant1 came to Me in the Absence of Governour Green, and in Answer to which I am to inform You, That our Forces em- barked the last Week, and will be ready to join the Forces of the Neighbouring Governments If They undertake the Reduction of Crown Point.
I should be glad to be inform'd Whether You carry all or what Part of the Provisions to Albany
1 See above, p. 3.
9
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
which were designed for your Forces Provided They had gone up the River of S: Lawrence, and also what Quantity of Powder will be this Colony's Propor- tion. I am Gent!
Your most obed' humble Servt
NEWPORT 29th Aug: 1746
J. W.
To his Exc! W. SHIRLEY Esq and the Honble P. WARREN Esq Boston
SECRETARY WILLARD TO DEPUTY-GOVERNOR WHIPPLE. BOSTON Septem! It 1746
Sir
Governour Shirley has directed me to inform your Honour that he has received your Letter to him and Admiral Warren of the 29th of August,1 and that the sudden Death of His Lady Prevents his answering you at present, only he bids me to acquaint you that He judges that no less than four Hundred Barrels of Powder will be necessary for the great Artillery which will consist of Six or eight Cannon of eigh- teen Pound Shot with two Mortars, besides what you will want for your small Arms: And further I am to inform you that it is concluded by the Govern- our of New York and Our Commissioners (who are now arrived from Albany) that the Troops should pass by Albany, and rendezvous at Saratogo and the Villages near it where is an English Fort garrisoned
1 See the preceding letter.
IO
Correspondence of the
with Ninety men, and the Place is quite clear of Infection
I am Your Honour's most Obedient humble Ser- vant
JOSIAH WILLARD
The Honble JOSEPH WHIPPLE Esq!
ADMIRAL TOWNSEND 1 AND GOVERNOR KNOWLES 2 TO GOVERNOR SHIRLEY AND ADMIRAL WARREN.3
PEMBROKE IN LOUISBOURG HARBOUR the IIth Sep: 1746
Gentlemen,
By a Prize brought in here by his Majesty's Ship Kainsale the 6th Instant, we have receiv'd the follow- ing Intelligence.
Antony Rodinguez Master of the La Judith from Rochell, bound to Quebec, says, that on the 22ª June N. S. he saild from Rochell in Company with 70 Sail of Ships, Men of War and Transports, under the Command of the Duke D'Anville, with 8000 Troops on board, 14 Ships were of the Line, from 50 to 74 Guns; that he left them on the 15th July in the Lati- tude of 44.54, and saw them again the 23ª in the Latitude of 41.22. He was taken by the Kinsale off
1 Isaac Townsend, promoted vice-admiral in 1745. In that year he was sent with a considerable squadron to the West Indies, and early in 1746 to Louisbourg, and so to England.
2 Admiral Sir Charles Knowles, appointed commodore in 1743, and stationed as second in command at Jamaica and the West Indies until 1745, when he returned to England. Early in 1746 he was sent out to Louisbourg as governor, and remained there for over two years, repairing and renewing the defences of the fortress.
3 This letter was enclosed in Shirley's of September 22, 1746.
4 Parkman gives two estimates, of sixty-five and sixty-six sail, respectively.
II
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
of Anticosta, the 25th Aug: O S, since which we have receiv'd further Accounts by a Pilot of a french Ship also bound to Quebec, who sail'd in the same Fleet, and was cast away upon the Isle of Sable 1 the 3ª Inst: O. S. and brought in here by a Marblehead fishing Boat. This Frenchman says, he parted with the above Fleet, and the Duke D'Anville in a hard Gale of Wind, but 2 days before he was cast away, about 50 or 60 Leagues from the Isle of Sable, but cannot tell whither they are design'd, but this he knows they were very sickly, and had buried a great many Men. Here is also come in this day a Vessel from Marblehead, one Steven Master, who says, that on Sunday Night last, the 7th Instant, about 10 or II a Clock, he fell in with 3 Sail of large Ships about 40 Leagues to the Westward of a Place call'd Jédore,2 that soon after he was pass'd them he heard a Gun fired, and presently after that 3 more, which he says had the Report of very large Guns. Part of these Informations corroborating, we judged them of so much Consequence, to immediately dispatch them to you, and at the same time acquaint you, that Admiral Townsend has sent the Rye to look into all the Ports along the Coast of Accadie, and that so soon as ever
1 Off the southern point of Nova Scotia, an extremely dangerous shoal coast. D'Anville's fleet, already weakened by heavy storms and demoralized by contagious disease, suffered greatly in the gale referred to. The commander made his way to Chibucto (Halifax), only to be disappointed in his hope of meeting reinforcements from the West India fleet. On September 27 he died - probably of apoplexy. His vice- admiral and successor, D'Estournel, committed suicide, in despair of retrieving the fortunes of the fleet. The third in command, La Jonquière, attempted to make a demonstration against Annapolis in October, but again the diminished fleet suffered from storms, and in November he sailed for France. So many men perished from the pestilence that it was doubtful if enough would survive to take the remnant of the squadron across the Atlantic.
2 Jeddore, on the southern coast of Nova Scotia, some forty miles east of Halifax.
I2
Correspondence of the
she returns, you shall be sure of knowing what fur- ther Intelligence we gain.
We are doing every thing that can contribute to the strength of this Place, and shall unite heartily in it's Defence, if the Enemy bend their Course this way; Should they visit you, You may depend upon our doing every thing in our Powers also to assist you.
We are with great Regard Gentlemen,
Your most Obedient Humble Servants
J. TOWNSEND CHAS KNOWLES
To his Exc! Gov! SHIRLEY and Admiral WARREN.
Examin'd per W SHIRLEY
GOVERNOR SHIRLEY TO GOVERNOR GREENE.
BOSTON. Septem! 22ª 1746.
Sir,
This comes to inform your Honour of the great Danger this Province is in of an Invasion from the French; which you will collect from the inclosed Papers,1 as well as from the Declaration M: Whipple gave me last week (to whom please to give my Thanks ;) By all which you will find the great Strenth of the Enemy both by Sea and Land; And from the just Regard we trust your Governm! has to his Ma- jestys Interests and the common Cause, We desire
1 See the following document.
I3
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
and expect that you would have what Force you can spare, ready to march to our Assistance well armed and appointed upon the first Advice you may have of the Enemys Approach to us; and that your Colony Sloop might forthwith be sent to cruize on our Coast for Discovery of the Enemy and giving us Intelli- gence.1 And this we expect not only as a Duty your Government owe to his Majesty, but also from a Principle of Self Preservation ; for if this Province should fall into the Enemys Hand, the neighbouring Provinces will soon follow.
I am Sir,
Your most obedient Humble Servant
W SHIRLEY
The Honble WM GREEN Esq.
DEPOSITION OF RENE HET.2
NEW YORK
Rene Het of the City of New York Merch: being duly sworn upon the holy Evangelists of Almighty God, deposeth, and saith, that in conversation with one Louis Simon, Capt" of a French prize lately taken, he had learnt that the French fleet under the Com- mand of the Marquis de Anvile was design'd upon
1 In response to this letter, the Assembly, on September 29, ordered additional works at Fort George, on Goat Island, and voted to send the Tartar to meet the Eng- lish fleet under Admiral Lestock. Furthermore, a draught of the new fortifications was ordered sent to Partridge, to facilitate his "best endeavours to procure the cannon" for which the colony had petitioned. Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 189, 190.
2 Enclosed in letter of September 22, 1746.
14
Correspondence of the
an expedition against Newfoundland and Cape Bre- ton. That among that fleet were some Spanish ships, out of which all the Spaniards were sent away, and french officers and men put on board. That it consisted of Twenty six ships of war, and forty Trans- ports, on board of which were fifteen thousand land forces, and all sorts of implements of war for a seige. That all the french prisoners sent from Cape Breton particularly Morepang were embark'd on board that fleet.
That Admiral Comflans 1 at Petitquavous 2 some- time in July, three days before the said Simon left that place, receiv'd a packet from the Court of France with directions for him (the said Comflans) as soon as he had convoy'd a fleet of Merchantmen to Cape Francois to proceed to a certain Latitude to open his further orders, and upon receipt of that packet M. Comflans took out of the Merchantmen all the Masters and Pylotes acquainted with North America, and gave others in their room, one of which was brought into New York with this prize, who conforms the same account.3
RENE HET
Sworn the 15 Sept. 1746 Before JAMES DELANCEY 4 DAN HORSMANDEN
1 Conflans.
2 Petit Gouave. Described in Salmon's Gazetteer (1762) as " Petitquaves, a port- town of Hispaniola, situated on a bay at the west end of the island."
8 Conflans was sent to the French West Indies with four men-of-war shortly before the departure of D'Anville's fleet for Nova Scotia. The two squadrons were to unite off Halifax, or Chibucto. Conflans arrived there early in September, cruised about for a while, and sailed for France a few days before D'Anville appeared.
4 Member of the Council of New York.
1
15
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
GOVERNOR SHIRLEY AND ADMIRAL WARREN TO GOVERNOR GREENE.1
BOSTON Sept: 29th 1746
Sir
As you will perceive by the inclos'd letters and intelligence which we transmit to you open,2 what Steps we have taken to apprize 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 Enemys Naval force, seen the 16th Instant off the harbour of Chebucto, near Cape Samborough. - We have dispatch'd as many Vessells as we cou'd possibly get here to meet the Admiral, with this intelligence, And are of opin- ion you can't do your King and Country a greater peice of service, than by dispatching your Colony Sloop without a moments loss of time to Cruize for Admiral Lestock with this intelligence, 'till the 25th of October, unless she shall sooner meet with him.3 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 inclos'd will be a proper order, and the Station mention'd therein most likely to meet the fleet, and therefore flatter ourselves you will approve of it.
We have letters from M! Mascareen Governour of Annapolis, dated the 21st Instant, by which we find the Chester and Shirley Frigate were there and that he had heard of no French Ships being in the Bay
1 Printed in Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 191.
2 See the two following documents.
8 See note to letter of September 22, 1746.
16
Correspondence of the
of Fundy; and we hope ere this the reinforcement of Troops sent by Governour Shirley are safe there.1 We are with great regard Sir
Y! Most Obedient humble Servants W SHIRLEY. P WARREN
P. S We esteem it of the last consequence to the Colony that Adm! Lestock should be met with at Sea as in case he should be too weak to cope with the Enemy without the Assistance of Adm! Town- send, and be surprized, and overpowered by them, The Storm of their whole force would be immedi- ately directed towards New England, wherefore we hope we may depend absolutely upon your sending out your Colony Sloop with the inclosed Dispatches forwith
The Honble WILLIAM GREEN Esq"
GOVERNOR SHIRLEY AND ADMIRAL WARREN TO ADMIRAL LESTOCK.2
BOSTON 27 September 1746
Sir
The publick Prints from England giving us the pleasing hopes, that you with a strong Fleet of his Majesty's Ships and a number of Troops was to sail for these Seas about the begining of last Month from Spithead in quest of the French Fleet, of whose
1 Shirley sent three companies of militia to Annapolis.
2 Enclosed in letter of September 29, 1746. Lestock was to bring St. Clair's long- expected regiments to Louisbourg. As a matter of fact, they never started. See notes to letter of May 29, 1746.
17
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
motions, and designs we send you the inclosed De- positions, and several Pylotes for the Coast of Nova Scotia, and Louisbourg, one of which places we apprehend the Enemy intend to attack, and from their Situation when last seen off the Harbour of Chebucto near Cape Samborough, it seems most likely that the Reduction of the Garrison of Annap- olis is the first thing they have in View as by that means they will immediately add five or six Thou- sand Nova Scotians, fighting men, to any other Force they may have brought there from France, Canada, or elsewhere; This will be the most politick part they can act, in order to their retaking Louisbourg, and annoying his Majs American Dominions in gen- eral. If they aim at Annapolis, and do not venture up the Bay of Fundy, and into the Bason, it is most probable they will land their Cannon, and Troops at Chebucto a fine Harbour, which lyes very conven- ient for the Inhabitants of Menis,1 and those of the head of the Bay of Fundy, who will immediately joyn the Enemy upon so good a Prospect of taking our Garrison at Annapolis. Shoud your Landfall be to the Westwd of the Isle of Sables with very little loss of Time, you may see the Harbour of Chebucto, which tis thought is the Rendezvous of the Enemy's Fleet. Governour Shirley has sent out several Vessells to observe their Motions, and waits impatiently for their Return; He has made all the necessary preparations to give them a reception that wont be very agreeable to them, if they should come this Way, and has sent a Reinforcement of Troops to Annapolis.
1 Minas.
VOL. II.
18
Correspondence of the
M: Warren, previous to our knowledge of the French Fleet's being in these Seas, upon M: Masca- reen's Representation that the Inhabitants of Menis had stoppd the Communication between that place, and Annapolis, which was a sufficient Reason to him (M: Mascareen) to apprehend some designs were forming against it, sent the Chester to give it Coun- tenance and Protection, and we hope, as the Shirley frigate is also there, together with the Reenforce- ment before mentioned, they will (if the French do not venture their Ships into the Bason of Annap- olis) be able to defend it against the Land Forces, 'till your Arrival may relieve them.
As M: Warren has now no Ship to joyn you which he hopes, and expects to have orders to do he begs, if you meet this Vessell, that you may dispatch any small frigate to him for that purpose and he will, without a moments Loss of Time, wait upon you, where you shall please to direct; He has wrote to Adm! Townsend for one, whom, with Governour Knowles, we have also apprized of the Enemys being in their Neighbourhood; and by Letters from Louis- bourg of the 6th Inst we learn that the following Ships were then in port, and we believe are still there, to wit the Kingston Pembroke, Canterbury, Norwich, Hampshire, Dover, Hinsale, Alborough, Rye, Hind, and Hinchinbrook; The Vigilant and Torrington were gone to Newfoundland, to convoy the Trade from thence to Portugal, and England, but will not sail from thence we believe till the latter end of October
We are in very little pain about Louisbourg, the
-
.
...
.
19
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
Season being so far advanced that the Enemy cant keep the Field to beseige it regularly, nor can their Ships if superiour in force to ours there, keep the Seas much longer upon that Coast
We have recommended to M: Townsend, to send some of the small Cruizers to meet you with Pylotes, and hope this Vessell or some of the Admirals will be so fortunate, as we look upon it to be of the greatest Consequence to his Majesty's Service, that you shoud be apprized of the Enemys Situation, and have people that know the Coast, which is what in- duces us to give you this Trouble.
We are with great Regard Sir
Your most Obedient Humble Servants
W SHIRLEY. P WARREN
The Comet Bomb was seen twelve days ago off the Cape Sable Shore in her way to Louisbourg from Antigua.1
The Honble Adm! LESTOCK.
LIST OF SHIPS.2
A List of Ships with the Duke D'Anville accord- ing to the Information of the French Prisoners
Le Northumberland - 70
Le Mars
70
Le Trydon 70
L'Ardent 70
1 One of the Leeward Islands, in the group known as the Lesser Antilles.
2 Enclosed with letter of September 29, 1746.
20
Correspondence of the
Le Leapard
70
La Bone
64
Le Mercure
64
L'Argonaute
6c
Le Tigre
54
Le Carebou
54
Le Perfect
00
Le Prince d'Orange
40
La Giconde
40
Le Renomé
36
Le Bristoll
30
Two Fire Ships
50 } we conceive
1 Men is meant
Five or six other Ships of the Line from Toulon whose names they know not
Copy examined
W SHIRLEY
THE COUNCIL OF NEW YORK TO GOVERNOR GREENE.
COUNCIL CHAMBER : NEW YORK October the I 1746 S:
Upon Receiving the Account of a French Fleet having been Seen on the Coast of Nova Scotia, We immediately Caused all the Papers, in possession of the French prisoners in this City, to be Seized, And in the Pocket of one of the Prisoners were found, two papers, Containing a List of the Duke D'Anvelle's Fleet, A Copy whereof We now inclose : 1 And by His
1 These documents are not in the archives.
2I
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
Journal We Conjecture, that the Vessell he belonged to, which was lately brought in here, parted from the Fleet about the 9th of July last (We Suppose their Stile) Lat. 45. 40, Long 6° 20, that being the last Time the Fleet is mentioned in the Journal.
We are Sir
Your Honor's most humble Servants
JAMES DE LANCEY DAN : HORSMANDEN
Jos : MURRAY
JOHN MOORE STEPHEN BAYARD
The Honble [WILLIAM] GREEN Esq" Gov. of Rhode Island
INSTRUCTIONS TO CAPTAIN DANIEL FONES.1
Whereas Admiral Lestock with a Fleet of the Kings Ships, And A Number of Transports from England, are Dayly Expected upon the Coast of Nova Scotia, or Cape Breton, and as it will be of the Greatest Consequence that he Should be Apprized of the Enemies Situation of[f] Cape Sambrough, or the Harbour of Chebucto which he will probably Make, You are hereby Required, and Directed, to proceed with the packit You herewith Receive from Governour Shirley, and Adm1 Warren, directed for
1 See Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 192, for letter of Greene to Shirley and Warren on the attitude of Rhode Island in this emergency.
22
Correspondence of the
Admiral Lestock &cª And Cruise for him from Ten Leagues to the westward of the Isle of Sables, to, within five or Six Leagues of, Cape Sables, or Cape Negro, on the Southside of Nova Scotia, takeing Care to Give Cape Samborough a Good birth Least You Should fall in with the French fleet. Upon Seeing what You Apprehend the English Fleet, You are to Hoist Your Jack, or ensign, at Your Mast head, And the admiral if he Shall have Met with any of our Expresses will Answer by hoisting a Dutch one at his fore top Gallant Mast head, but if he has not he will probably hoist a Dutch Jack at his Main topmast head, and a Spanish one at his fore, either of which You may Trust with proper Caution ; You are to Continue Cruizing on the above Station, till the 25th of october, Unless You Shall Sooner Meet the admiral, or hear of his arrival at Louisbourg, whose Directions upon Meeting him, You are to follow, otherwise after the 25th of october You are to Make the best of Your way to this port, And as Several Vessels are Dispatched upon this Service You will Know any You may Meet with by hoisting Your Ensign, or Jack at Your Mast head, which will be Answered by the Same Signal. In Case of Your being Taken by The enemy, You are to Distroy the packit, and this order, and by No Means Suffer them to fall into the enemies hands, as it would be of Very ill Consiquence, You are to show the packit and This to Any of the Captains of his Majesties Ships You may meet with, who will act upon them, as they Shall Judge best for his Majesties Service You are by all Vessells You Meet with bound to
23
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
Any part of the Contenant, to Send us what Intelli- gence, you shall be Able to procure During your Cruise for which this shall be Your warrant
Given Under my hand this 3ª day of october A D 1746
To Capt DANLL FONES
Commander of the Rhode Island Colony Sloop Tartar
The above written is a Copy of my Instructions, which I promise to follow witness my hand
DANIEL FONES
GOVERNOR GREENE TO RICHARD PARTRIDGE.
NEWPORT RHODE ISLAND octob' II+ 1746. M. Richard Partridge ST
the Danger this Government is Exposed to in time of war, from its Situation and at this Juncture in perticular, when it is highly probable that a Large French Fleet in north America has Rendered the Inhabitants of this Government Very Uneasy, at the Defenceless State of the Colony, And Since my Last to You has put them upon Raising Some additional Works to fort George (a Draught whereof is here- with Transmitted by which it will appear that if the Government was Supplyed with Cannon and other warlike Stores the town of Newport which is the Barrier and Security of the other parts of the Colony
24
Correspondence of the
(and may prove to the Neighbouring Governments) woud be Rendered Saif against any ordinary fource as the Government have Perfected these fortifications for the Defence of the Town of Newport, the Cheiff Town and port in the Government. it is Conceived His Majesty would Speedily upon proper Represen- tations being Made furnish the Government with Cannon and Such other Necessaries of war as woud Make these works Usefull for the Defence of the place the Reduction whereof by the enemy woud Greatly weekeon his Majestys Plantations In north America, And be of Very bad Consiquence to the Neighbouring Colonies, at present not as much ex- posed, and as the Government have already Petitioned his Majesty for Cannon for this Colony for their Defence the General Assembly have Requested me to write to You And Give Directions to persue that prayer with the Utmost earnestness,1 laying the present Circonstance of the Colony before his Ma- jesty, And to Use your best Endeavours to procure what Cannon and Stores is already Petitioned for at Least and more if to be Come at, and Send them as Soon as possable, that this Governmt May not for another Season be Exposed to the Like Danger it has the Summer past. I Doubt not of Your Care and Application in this Important point And wish and Hope for Your good Success And Am ST
Your Humble Servant
WM GREENE
1 See Col. Rec. of R. I., V. 189, 190.
- -
25
Colonial Governors of Rhode Island
RICHARD PARTRIDGE TO GOVERNOR GREENE.
LONDON 8ber 14. 1746
Gov. Green,
I wrote thee of 23. 6 month last about the Affairs of the Colony to which I refer, this now comes to acknowledge the rect of thine dated Ist Augst 1 with the plan of your Fortification and Letter to the Lords Committee about it both which I yesterday carried and deliverd to the Clerk of the Council against the next Committee when I intend to pursue it in order to obtain what is desired and expect to be able hereafter to give a good accot of it.
I hope the Royal Order for Establishing the Boundarys will get to hand long before this Letter ; I having sent it Some time since per Capt Adams via Boston and also an Authentick duplicate per Capt Power or Capt Hoar from Spithead and am glad our Success therein is so pleasing and acceptable to the Colony.
I writt the Substance of that part of thy Letter (relating to the raising of Forces in the Colony on the new intended Expedition) to the Clerk of the Council and also to a Gentleman of the Duke of New Castles Office (as also of another Affair) a Copy of my Letter I send thee inclosed 2 and have been with the said Gentleman afterwards who told me the Pardon (that is for Allcock) was making out and when I have got it shall send it over as also a Copy of it in due time
And I have also recd thy Paper of Authority
1 See p. I.
2 See the following document.
,
26
Correspondence of the
empowring me to receive the money on accot of the Expedition against Cape Breton which I think is full and Sufficient. nothing is likely to be done towards payment till after the Parliament meets which is apointed the 18th of next month.
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.