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https://archive.org/details/connecticuthisto15conn
COLLECTIONS
OK 'IHK
Connecticut Historical Society
Volume XV
HARTFORD
I'URU.SHED BY THE SOCIETY 1914
Printed by
The Hartford Printing Co.,
(ELIHU GEER SONS,)
i6 State Street, Hartford, Conn.
OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY
Elected May 26, 191 4
1128504
President, SAMUEL HART.
Vice-
Presidents,
JAMES J. GOODWIN, Hartford.
SIMEON E. BALDWIN, New Haven. JONATHAN TRUMBULL, Norwich.
MORRIS W. SEYMOUR, BKiDOEroRT.
CARL STOECKEL, Norfolk.
FRANK FARNSWORTH STARR, Middletown. CLARENCE W. BOWEN, Woodstock.
E. STEVENS HENRY, Rockville.
Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer,
Librarian,
Auditor,
ALBERT C. BATES.
w. DeLoss love.
JOHN F. MORRIS. ALBERT C. BATES. EDGAR F. WATERMAN.
I SAMUEL HART, ojicw.
JULIUS GAY.
\ JANE T. SMITH.
) ALBERT C. BATES.
Membership Committee, , GEORGE S. GODARD.
j HENRY A. CASTLE.
/ EDWIN P. TAYLOR, f F. CLARENCE BISSELL.
Library Committee,
SAMUEL HART, ex offi-cio. FRANCIS H. PARKER. THOMAS S. WEAVER. LUCIUS B. BARBOUR.
Publication Committee,
I SAMUEL HART, officio. J ALBERT C. BATES.
J LEVERETT BELKNAP.
' FORREST MORGAN.
Committee on
Monthly Papers,
r CHARLES G. WOODWARD. J ARTHUR L. SHIPMAN.
( FRANCIS PARSONS.
t
THE LAW PAPERS
Correspondence and Documents
DURING
Jonathan Laws Governorship
OF THE
COLONY OF CONNECTICUT 1741 — 17>0
Volume III
January 1747 — October 1750
HARTFORD
CONNECTICUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1914
CONTENTS.
Page
Massachusetts General Court to William Shirley ( D. S. by the
Secretary), Jan. i, 1746/7. Law Papers, II. 146, . . i
Vote of Massachusetts General Court (D. S. by the Secretary).
Jan. 7. 1746/7. Law Papers, II. 148, 2
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S. ), Jan. 9, 1746/7. Law
Papers, II. 149, ......... 3
John Read to Jonathan Law (A. L. S. ), Jan. 13, 1746/7. Law
Papers, I. 347, ......... 4
Proceedings of the King in Council, Jan. 15, 1746/7. Law
Papers, II. 150, ......... 6
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Jan. 20, 1746/7. Law
Papers, II. 155, 7
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Jan. 24, 1746/7. Law
Papers, II. 154, 7
Connecticut’s Address to the King, [Jan. 1746/7.] Connecti- cut’s Colonial Records, IX. 265, 8
Jonathan Law to William Shirley, Jan. 30, 1746/7. Law
Papers, II. 156, 9
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Feb. 7, 1746/7. Law
Papers, IV. 52, ........ . 10
Elisha Williams and Samuel Talcott to Jonathan Law (A. (of
Williams) L. S.), Feb. 13, 1746/7. Law Papers, V. 45, . 12
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Feb. 14, 1746/7.
Law Papers, IV. 55,. . . . . . . . . 13
Jonathan Law to Duke of Newcastle (A. L. S.), Feb. 17,
1746/7. Law Papers, III. 4, ..... . 14
Jonathan Law to William Shirley (A. L. S.), Feb. 20, 1746/7.
Law Papers. III. 5, 15
Jonathan Law to Eliakim Palmer (A. L. S.), Feb. 20, 1746/7.
Law Papers, III. 6, 15
Hezekiah Huntington to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Feb. 28,
1746/7. Law Papers, III. 9, ...... 16
Samuel Welles to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), March 3, 1746/7.
Law Papers, IV. 59, 18
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), March 4, 1746/7.
Law Papers, I. 353, 18
Jean Paul Mascarene to William Shirley, Feb. 8, 1746/7. Law
Papers, III. i, 21
vm
CUNTKNTS.
Action of Massachusetts Council (I). S. by tlie Secretary), Fel).
27, i74()/7. Law Papers, IV. 56 23
Samuel Welles to Jonathan Law (A. L. S. ), March 4, 174^/7.
Law Papers, 111. 13, . . . . . 23
Lliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (L. S.), March ii, 1746/7.
Law Papers, V. 46, 24
Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (L. S.), March 13, 1746/7.
Law Papers, V. 47, . . . . . . . . 25
Jonathan Law to William Shirley (A. L. S.), March 21, 1746/7.
Law Papers, V. 48, 26
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S. ) April 25, 1747. Law
Papers, V. 49, ......... 27
(Jeorge Clinton to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), May 4, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 17, 28
Jonathan Law to George Clinton (A. (in part) L. S.), May 7,
1747. Law Papers, III. 17 28
John Stoddard to William Shirley, May 13, 1747. Law Papers,
V. 78 28
Gideon Wanton to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), May 14, 1747.
Law Papers, V. 44, 30
John Stoddard to Roger Wolcott (A. L. S.), May 14, 1747.
Roger Wolcott Papers, I. 114, 31
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), May 15, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 18, 33
Jonathan Law to George Clinton (A. L. of Jonathan Trumble),
May 20, 1747. Law Papers, III. 19, 35
George Clinton to Jonathan Law (L. S.), May, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 23 . . . 36
Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (L. S.), May 28, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 20 38
Duke of Newcastle to William Shirley (L. .S. by William Shirley
and Charles Knowles), May 30, 1747. Law Papers, III. 21, 39
Benning Wentworth to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), May 30, 1747.
Law Papers, III. 42 41
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), June i, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 24 42
Jonathan Law to William Shirley (A. L. of Jonathan Trumble),
June 3, 1747. Law Papers, III. 25, 43
Jonathan Law to George Clinton (A. L. of Jonathan Trumble),
June, 1747. Law Papers, III. 26, 44
Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law, June 4, 1747. Law Papers,
ni. 55 44
Order in Council, May 27, 1747. Law Papers, V’’. 55, , . 45
George Clinton to Jonathan Law (L. S.), June 5, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 27, . . 45
CONTENTS. ix
PaRC
James Wadsworth to Jonathan Law (A. L. S. ), June 8, 1747.
Law Papers III. 28, ........ +6
Israel Williams’ Letter (A. L. S.), June 19, 1747. Law Papers,
V. 50 4f>
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), June 20, 1747. Law'
Papers, III. 29, ........ . 47
John H. Lydius to John Stoddard (L. S. by the Secretary of
Massachusetts), June 17, 1747. Law Papers, V. 79, . . 48
Josiah Willard to Jonathan Law (L. S.), June 20, 1747. Law
Papers III. 30, . . . . . . . 50
George Clinton to Jonathan Law (L. S.), June 21, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 31, ........ . 51
Roger Wolcott to Jonathan Law (A. L. S. ), June 23, 1747.
Law Papers, III. 32, ....... . 51
Nathaniel Stanly to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), June 27, 1747.
Law Papers, III. 49, ....... . 52
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), June 29, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 33 53
Jonathan Law to William Shirley, June 30, 1747. Law Papers,
III. 34 54
Jonathan Law to Josiah Willard (A. L. S.), June 30, 1747. Law'
Papers, III. 34 55
William Shirley to Duke of Bedford (L. S.), July 2, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 35, 55
Jonathan Law to Nathaniel Stanly, July 3, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 36, , . 57
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), July 6, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 37, . . . . . . . . . 58
Deputy Governor and Assistants to Jonathan Law (A. (of Jonathan Trumble) L. S.), July 6, 1747. Law Papers,
III- 38 59
Josiah Willard to Jonathan Law (L. S.), July 6, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 39, ........ . Oo
Nathaniel Stanly to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), July 8. 1747.
Law Papers, III. 40, 60
James Wadsworth to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), July 8, 1747.
Law Papers, III. 41 61
James Wadsworth to Jonathan Law', (A. L. S.), July g, 1747.
Law Papers, III. 42, 62
Elihu Hall to Jonathan Law (A. L. S. ), July 9, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 43, ........ . 63
Jonathan Law to William Shirley (A. (in part) L. S. ), July ii,
1747. Law Papers, III. 44, 63
John Stoddard to Roger Wolcott (A. L. S.), July 13, 1747.
Roger Wolcott Papers, I. 115, . . . . . . 64
X
CONTENTS.
I'liKe
Invoice of (ickxIs (D. S.), June 27, 1747. Law Papers, III. 48, 66
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), July 20, 1747. Law
I’ajjer.s, III. 45, 68
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), July 24, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 46 69
Jonathan Law to William Shirley (A. L. S.), July 28, 1747.
Law Papers, III. 50 70
Jonathan Law to Jonathan Belcher (A. L. .S.), Aug. 14, 1747.
Law Papers, III. 51 72
Jabez Hamlin to Jonathan Law (A. L. S ), Aug. 20, 1747.
Law Papers, III. 52, . . . . . . 72
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S. ), Aug. 20, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 54 73
List of Prisoners Returned (1). S. by the Secretary of Massa- chusetts), Aug. 16, 1747. Law Papers, III. 53, . . 74
Records of Comptroller of the Marine (1). S. by the Secretary
of Massachusetts), July 26, 1747. Law Papers, V. 80, . 75
Marquis de Beauharnois to William Shirley (D. S. by the Sec- retary of Massachusetts), July 26, 1747. Law Papers, III. 47, 77
Jonathan Law to William Shirley (A. L. .S.), Aug. 26, 1747.
Law Papers, III. 54, 82
Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Aug. 26, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 55, 83
Roger Wolcott to Jonathan Law (L. S. ), Sep. 4, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 56, . . . . . 84
Jonathan Law to Roger Wolcott (L. S.), Sep. 5, 1747. Roger
Wolcott Papers, I. 116, 85
Thomas Hill to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Sep. 15, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 57 86
John Read to Roger Wolcott (A. L. S.), Sep. 21, 1747. Roger
Wolcott Papers, I. 117, 87
Report of Commissioners (D. S.), Sep. 28, 1747. Law Papers,
HI. 58, 89
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Oct. 21, 1747. Law
Papers. III. 59, . . . . . . . . . 96
John Stoddard to Roger Wolcott (A. L. S.), Oct. 26, 1747.
Roger Wolcott Papers, I. 118, . . . . . . 96
Jonathan Law to William Shirley, Oct. 28, 1747. Law Papers,
III. 60, ........... 98
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Oct. 29, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 61, ........ . 99
Jonathan Law to William Shirley (A. L. S.), Nov. 2, 1747.
Law Papers, HI. 63, 102
Jonathan Law to Eliakim Palmer (A. L. S.), Nov. 20, 1747.
Law Papers, III. 65, 103
CONTENTS. xi
Pa^e
Jonathan Law to Samuel Welles (A. L. S.), Nov. 20, 1747.
Law Papers, III. 67, 106
Jonathan Law to Peter Warren (A. L. S. ), Nov. 22, 1747.
Law Papers, III. 66, 106
Elisha Williams to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Nov. 25, 1747.
Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. 43, 107
Jonathan Law to Roger Wolcott (A. L. S. ), Nov. 26, 1747.
Roger Wolcott Papers, I. 119, 108
Roger Wolcott to Jonathan Law (A. L. S. of Wolcott and
William Pitkin), Nov. 27, 1747. Law Papers, III. 67, . 109
Jonathan Law’s CertiKcate (D. S. ), Dec. i, 1747. Law Papers,
III. 79, . . . . . . . . . . . Ill
Muster Rolls (D. S.), May 30, 1746, to Oct. 31, 1747. Public
Record Office, London, War Office 28, Vol. I, . . . 114
James Church to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Dec. 2, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 68, ......... 160
Samuel Welles to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Dec. 2, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 69, 161
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Dec. 2, 1747. Law
Papers III. 70, ......... 162
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S. ), Dec. 3, 1747, Law
Papers, III. 71, ........ . 164
Resolves of Massachusetts General Court (D. S. by the Secre- tary), Oct. 30, 1747. Law Papers, III. 62, . . . . 165
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.). Dec. 3, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 73, 167
Josiah Willard to Roger Wolcott (A. L. S.), Dec. 3, 1747.
Roger Wolcott Papers, I. 120, ...... 167
Samuel Welles to Roger Wolcott (A. L. S. ), Dec. 4, 1747.
Roger Wolcott Papers, I. 121, 168
James Church to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Dec. 8, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 74, 170
Jonathan Law to Roger Wolcott (A. L. S.), Dec. 10, 1747-
Roger Wolcott Papers, I. 122, . . . . . .170
Jonathan Law to William Shirley (A. L. S.), Dec. 12. 1747-
Law Papers, V. 52, and III. 75 172
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Dec. 22, 1747. Law
Papers, III. 77, ........ . 175
John Read to Roger Wolcott (A. L. S.), Dec. 29, 1747. Roger
Wolcott Papers, I. 123 178
William Pepperrell to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Dec. 29, 1747.
Law Papers, III. 78, ....... • 180
George Clinton to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Jan. 5, 1747/8. Law
Papers, II. 147, ......... 181
Xll
CONTKNTS.
James Church to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Jan. 15, 17.47/8.
Law I’a])ers, III. 72 igi
ICliakim Palmer to the Commi.ssioners of the Treasury. Law
Papers. II.
Merchants Petition to the Lords of the 'I'reasury. Law
Papers. II. 152 igj
Roger Wolcott to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.). Jan. 18, 1747/8.
Roger Wolcott Papers. I. 124. ...... 186
(leorge Clinton to Jonathan Law(L. S.), Jan. 19. 1747/8. Law
Paper.s. 11. 153 ig,
Jonathan Law to Roger Wolcott (A. L. S.), Jan. 21. 1747/8.
R«)ger Wolcott Papers, I. 124. . . . . . igg
New York s Commissioners to Connecticut’s Commissioners (A. (of Livington) L. S.). Jan. 26. 1747/8. Roger Wolcott
Papers. I. 112 ,g,^
Jonathan Law to George Clinton (L. S.). Jan. 26. 1747/8. Law
Papers. II. 153 ,gg
Jonathan Law to Kliakim Palmer (A. L.). Jan. 27. 1747/8.
Law Papers. III. 65 1,^0
Isaac Hrown to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Jan. 27, 1747/8.
Law Papers, IV. 79 ,,j2
Jonathan Law to William Pepperrell (A. L. S.), Jan. 27, 1747/8.
Law Papers, IV. 80, k^3
Roger Wolcott to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Jan. 30, 1747/8.
Roger Wolcott Papers, I. 125,
Proclamation for a Fast (A. D. S.), Feb. 1747/8. Law Paper.s,
^ 194
George Clinton to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Feb. i, 1747/8. Law
Papers, IV. 81
Jonathan Law to Eliakim Palmer (A. L. S.), Feb. 2, 1747/8.
Law Paper.s, IV. 83, ,^7
C. M. Collins to Roger Wolcott (A. L. S.), Feb. 3, 1748. Roger
Wolcott Papers, I. 113 igg
James Church to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Feb. 4, 1747/8.
Law Papers, IV. 82, iqq
Oliver Wolcott to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Feb. 4, 1747/8.
Law Paper.s, V. 43 200
Jonathan Law to George Clinton (A. L. S.), Feb. 6, 1747/8.
Law Paper.s, IV’^. 84, 200
Gideon Wanton to Jonathan Law (L. ,S.), Feb. 8, 1747/8. Law
Papers, II. 158, 201
Rhode Island’s Remonstrance to Jonathan Law (D. S.), Feb.
3, 1747/8. Law Papers, II. 157, 202
George Clinton to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Feb. g, 1747/8.
Law Papers, II. 159 205
CONTENTS. Xlll
I’affc
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S. ), Feb. lo, 1747/8.
Law Papers, III. 2, . . . . . . . 206
John Bulkley and Seth Wetmore to Jonathan Law (A. (of
Bulkley) L. S.), Feb. 12, 1747/8. Law Papers, IV. 85, . 207
Jonathan Law to James Church, Feb. 13, 1747/8. Law Papers,
IV. 86 208
James Church to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Feb. 15, 1747/8.
Law Papers, IV. 87, 209
Nathanael Eells to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Feb. 15, 1747/8.
Connecticut Historical Society, ...... 209
Elihu Halle to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Feb. 16, 1747/8. Law
Papers, V. 53, 210
Jonathan Law to Gideon Wanton (A. L. S.), Feb. 16, 1747/8.
Law Papers, V. 84, . . . . . . . 21 1
Samuel Lynde, Jonathan Trumble and others to Jonathan Law (A. (of Trumble) L. S.) Feb. 16, 1747/8. Law Papers,
IV. 88, 212
George Clinton to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Feb. 17, 1747/8. Law
Papers, III. 3, 215
Jonathan Law to George Clinton (A. L. S.), Feb. 17, 1747/8.
Law Papers, IV. 89, . . . . . . . . 215
George Clinton to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Feb. 22, 1747/8.
Law Papers, III. 7, . . . . . . , . 216
Duke of Bedford to Colony of Connecticut (L. S. ), Feb. 25,
1747/8. Connecticut Archives : War, IV. 371, . . . 217
Proclamation against French Trade, Feb. 19, 1747/8. Gentle- men’s Magazine, XVIII. 71, . . . . . . . 218
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S. ), Feb. 29, 1747/8.
Law Papers, III. lo, ....... . 219
Report of Committee of Massachusetts General Court (D. S.
by the Secretary), Feb. 26, 1747/8. Law Papers, III. 8, . 221
George Clinton to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Feb. 29, 1747/8.
Law Papers, III. 11, ....... . 221
Jonathan Law to John Ledyard (A. L. S.), March 2, 1747/8.
Law Papers, IV. 92, ....... . 222
Josiah Willard to Jonathan Law (L. S. ), March 5, 1747/8.
Law Papers, V. 54, ........ 223
George Clinton to Jonathan Law (L. S.), March 5, 1747/8.
Law Papers, III. 12, 224
Jonathan Law to Guidon Saltonstall (A. L. S.), March 5, 1747/8.
Law Papers, IV. 91 224
Jonathan Law to George Clinton, March 6, 1747/8. Law
Papers, III. 14, 225
Jonathan Law to Roger Wolcott (A. L. S.), March 6, 1747/8.
Roger Wolcott Papers, I. 126, 225
XIV
CONTENTS.
I'atfe
Ro^cr Wolcott to Jonathan I>a\v (L. S.), March 8, 1747/8.
Law Papers, III. 15 22(>
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), March ii, 1747/8.
Law Papers, 111. ih, . . . 227
Seth Wctmore and 'I'homas (loodwin to Jonathan Law (A. (of
Goodwin) L. S.), March 14, 1747/8. Law Papers, IV. 93, . 228
Jonathan Law to Seth Wetmore and 'I'homas Goodwin, March
16, 1747/8. Law Papers, IV. 93 229
Gurdon Saltonstall to Jonathan Law (A. L. S. ), March 19,
1747/8. Law Papers, IN’. 94 229
Jonathan Law to William Shirley (A. L. S. ), March 19, 1747/8.
Law Papers, IV. 95 230
Jonathan Law to the Committee of War, March 20, 1747/8.
Law Papers, IV. 96, ....... . 231
Jonathan Law to Gideon Wanton, March 21, 1747/8. Law
Papers, IV. 97, '. . 232
Caleb Griswold to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), March 21, 1747/8.
Law Papers, IV. 98 233
John Ledyard and Jeremiah Miller to Jonathan Law (L. S.),
March 2O, 1748. Law Papers, IV. 99 233
Jonathan Law to Jeremiah Miller, March 30, 1748. Law
Papers, IV. 100, 233
Jonathan Law to Michael Burnham, March 30, 1748. Law
Papers, IV. loi, 234
Roger Wolcott to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), March 31, 1748.
Law Papers, IV. 102, ........ 234
Jonathan Law to John Ledyard (A. L. S.), May 7, 1748. Law
Papers, IV. 104, 235
John Stoddard to Roger Wolcott (A. L. S.), May 22, 1748.
Roger Wolcott Papers, I. 127, ...... 236
Michael Burnham to Jonathan Law (A; L. S. ), May 24, 1748.
Law Papers, V. 56, 238
Jonathan Law to Eliakim Palmer, May 25, 1748. Law Papers,
IV. 105, 239
George Clinton to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), May 25, 1748.
Law Papers, IV. 106, 240
Jonathan Law to Michael Burnham (A. L. S.), May 28, 1748.
Law Papers, IV. 107, ........ 240
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), June 4, 1748. Law
Papers, IV. 108, 241
George Clinton to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), June 6, 1748.
Law Papers, V. 85, ........ 242
Thomas Hill to Colony of Connecticut (L. S.), June 8, 1748.
Connecticut Archives: Foreign Correspondence, I. 163, . 242
CONTENTS. XV
Page
Hoard of Trade’s Queries. Connecticut Archives: Foreign
Correspondence, I. if)4, . . . . . . . 243
Board of Trade to Colony of Connecticut (L. S.), June 8, 1748,
Connecticut Archives; Foreign Correspondence, I. 163a, 244
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), June ii, 1748. Law
Papers, IV. 109, ......... 246
Jonathan Law to George Clinton (A. (in part)L. S.), June ii,
174S. Law Papers, IV. no 247
Gurdon Saltonstall to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), June 13, 1748.
Law Papers, III. 80, ....... . 248
Jonathan Law to William Shirley (A. L. S.), June 14, 1748.
Law Papers, IV. iii, . . . . . . . . 248
Jonathan Law to Jeremiah Miller, June 14, 1748. Law Papers,
IV. 1 12, 249
George Wyllys to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), June 15, 1748.
Law Papers, III. 81, 250
Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (L. S.), June 20, 1748.
Agents Letters, 74, • 251
Jonathan Law to Gurdon Saltonstall, June 22, 1748. Law
Papers, IV. 113, ......... 252
Thomas Hill to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), June 27, 1748. Law
Papers, IV. 114 ' . . . . 253
Duke of Bedford to Colony of Connecticut (L. S.), June 28,
1748. Connecticut Archives: Foreign Correspondence,
I. 163b 254
Jonathan Law to Jeremiah Miller (L. S.), June 29, 1748. Law
Papers, IV. 115, ......... 254
Gurdon Saltonstall to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), June 29, 1748.
Law Papers, III. 82, ....... . 255
Jeremiah Miller to Jonathan Law (A. L. S. ), June 29, 1748.
Law Papers, III. 83, 256
Jonathan Law to Thomas Hill (A. L. S.), July i, 1748. Law
Papers, IV. 116, 257
Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), July 23, 1748.
Law Papers, IV. 117,.- 257
Roger Wolcott to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), July 25, 1748.
Law Papers, III. 85, 259
Josiah Willard to William Shirley, July 15, 1748. Law Papers,
HI. 84, 260
Jonathan Law to Roger Wolcott (A. L. S.), July 27, 1748.
Roger Wolcott Papers, I. 128, ...... 261
Jonathan Law to Andrew Burr, Aug. i, 1748. Law Papers,
III. 86, ........... 262
Jonathan Law to the Committee of War (A. L. S), Aug. 2,
1748. Roger Wolcott Papers, I. 129, ..... 263
XVI
CONTENTS.
I’lijcc
(iitrdol) Sultonslall l<> Jonathan Law (A. L. .S.), Anj.(. 4, 1748.
Law Papers, 111. 95, . 2O3
ICliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.) Auj{. 6, 1748.
Agents Letters, 17, 2(14
Duke of Bedford to Colony of Connecticut (L. S.) Aug. 9,
1748. State Archives: Poreign Correspondence, 1. 163c. . 2O5
Hliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Aug. 2(>, 1748.
Agents Letters, 18, 26O
Jonathan Law to William Pitkin, Sept. 7, 1748. Law Papers,
III. 93. 2(17
ICliakim Palmer to Joiiatluin Law (A. L. S.), Sept. 27, 174S.
Agents Letters, 25, 2()8
Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law ( L. S.), Oct. 15, 1748. Law
Papers, 111. 87 269
Action of Massachusetts General Court (D. S. by the Secre- tary), Nov. 3, 1748. Agents Letters, 20 270
Josiah Willard to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Nov. 4, 1748. Agents
Letters, 21 271
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (A. (of Josiah Willard)
L. S. ), Nov. 4, 1748. Law Papers, 111. 92, ... 272
Lewis Morris to Jonathan Law (L. S. ), Nov. 12, 1748. Law
Papers, III. 94 272
Jonathan Law to the Committee on War (A. L. S. ), Nov. 14,
1748. Roger Wolcott Papers, I. 130, ..... 273
Jonathan Law to William Shirley (A. L. S.), Nov. 14, 1748.
Law Papers, III. 88, 274
Jonathan Law to George Wyllys (A. L. S.), Nov. 14, 1748. .
Law Papers, III. go, . . . . . . . . 275
Jonathan Law to Josiah Willard (A. L.), Nov. 14, 1748.
Law Papers, III. 89, ....... . 275
Jonathan Law to Eliakim Palmer (A. L.), Nov. 14, 1748.
Law Papers, III. 91, ....... . 276
George Wyllys to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Nov. 18, 1748.
Agents Letters, 22, 278
Jonathan Law to Jeremiah Miller, Nov. 23. 1748. Law Papers,
IV. 1 18 279
Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Dec. i, 1748.
Agents Letters, 73, 279
Report of the Attorney General and Solicitor General, Nov. 23,
1748. Agents Letters, 24 281
Jonathan Law to William Shirley (A. L. S.), Dec. 6, 1748.
Law Papers, IV. 119, . . . . . . . . 283
Jeremiah Miller to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Dec. (>, 1748.
Law Papers, III. g6.
284
CONTENTS.
xvii
Page
Jeremiah Miller to Jonathan Law (A. L. S. ). Dec. 12, 1748.
Law Papers, III. 97, 285
Josiah Willard to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Jan. 28, 1748/9.
Law Papers, V. 20, ........ 286
Samuel Welles to Roger Wolcott (A. L. S.), Jan. 31, 1748/9.
Roger Wolcott Papers, I. 131, 287
Samuel Lynde and John Richards to Jonathan Law (A. (of
Richards) L. S.) Feb. 16, 1748/9. Law Papers, IV. 120, . 290
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (A. (of Josiah Willard) L. S.),
Feb. 16, 1748/9. Law Papers, IV. 90, .... 290
Israel Williams to William Shirley (L. S. by the Secretary of
Massachusetts), Feb. 13, 1748/9. Law Papers, V. 21,. . 291
Jonathan Law to William Shirley (A. L.), March 3, 1748/9.
Law Papers, III. 99 292
Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (L. S. ), March 4, 1748/9.
Massachusetts Historical Society: 81.1.53, • • • 295
Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), March 13, 1748/9.
Agents Letters, 28, ........ 296
James Wadsworth to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), April 5, 1749.
Law Papers, IV. 103, 296
Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (A. L. S. ), April 15, 1749.
Massachusetts Historical Society; 81. 1.54, . . . 297
George Clinton to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), May i, 1749. Law
Papers, HI. 102, 298
Thomas Hancock to Jonathan Law (L. S.), May 8, 1749. Law
Papers, III. 103 300
Colony of Connecticut to the Board of Trade (D. S.), May ii,
1749. State Archives : Foreign Correspondence, I. 165, . 300
Henry Norris, Jr., to Ralston and Palmer, May 27, 1749.
Agents Letters, 29, 304
Executors of Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (L. S.), May
28, 1749. Law Papers, III. 104 306
Jonathan Law to William Shirley (A. L. S.), June 2, 1749. Law
Papers, III. 107, 307
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), June 3, 1749. Law
Papers, HI. 106, 307
Jonathan Law to Thomas Hancock (A. L. S.), June 13, 1749.
Law Papers, III. 108, 308
Jeremiah Miller to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), June 13, 1749.
Law Papers, HI. 109, 309
Jonathan Law to William Shirley (A. L. S.), June 13, 1749.
Law Papers, III. no, ........ 310
Jonathan Law to George Wyllys (A. L. S.), June 19, 1749-
Law Papers, III. in 310
B
XVIll
CONTENTS.
Paste
Jonathan Trunible to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), June 2O, 1749.
Law Paper.s, III. 114, 312
(leorjfe Clinton to Jonathan Law (A. L. S. ), July 3. 1749. Law
Paper.s, 111. 1 15 313
Hubert Marshall to George Clinton (L. S. by Clinton), June 23,
1749. Law Papers, III. 112, ....... 314
Lusignan to George Clinton (L. S. by Clinton), June 27, 1749.
Law Papers, V. 86, . . . . . 315
Depositions of Thomas Cuinming and John Wollaston, June
24, 1749. Law Papers, III.113 315
Jonathan Law to George Clinton (A. L.), July 6, 1749. Law
Papers, III. 1 17 320
Jonathan Law to Balston & Palmer (A. L. S.), July 11, 1749.
Law Papers, III. 118, . . . . . . . . 322
Jonathan Law to Jonathan Trumble, July ii, 1749. Law
Papers, III. 119 323
Roger Wolcott to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), July 17, 1749. Law
Papers, III. 120 324
Nathaniel Balston & Co. to Jonathan Law, July 22, 1749. Law
Papers, III. 121, 122, ........ 325
Jonathan Law to William Shirley (A. L. S.), July 24, 1749.
Law Papers, III. 123 326
Roger Wolcott to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Aug. 2, 1749. Law
Papers, III. 124 327
Duke of Bedford to Colony of Connecticut, Aug. 4, 1749. State
Archives: Foreign Correspondence, 1. 166 327
Jeremiah Miller to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Aug. 8, 1749.
Law Papers, III. 125, ........ 328
Jonathan Law to Jeremiah Miller (A.L.S.), Aug. 8, 1749. Law
Papers, III. 126, 329
Jonathan Law to Jeremiah Miller, Aug. 15, 1749. Law Papers,
HI. 127 331
Jeremiah Miller to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Aug. 17, 1749.
Law Papers, III. 128, . 331
William Shirley to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Aug. 21, 1749. Law
Papers, III. 129, 333
Thomas Hill to Colony of Connecticut, Aug. 28, 1749. State
Archives: Foreign Correspondence, I. 167, .... 333
Jonathan Belcher to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Sep. 6, 1749. Law
Papers, III. 130, 334
Nathaniel Balston & Co. to Jonathan Law, Sep. ii, 1749. Law
Papers, III. 131 335
Jonathan Law to Eliakim Palmer’s Executors (L. S.), Oct. 27,
1749. Law Papers, III. 132, .
336
CONTENTS. xix
Pagfe
Jonathan Law to Duke of Bedford (A. (of Jonathan Trumble)
L. S.), Oct. 1749. Law Papers, III. 132, .... 337
Ephraim Williams to Elisha Williams (A. L. S.), Oct. 24, 1749-
Connecticut Historical Society, ...... 338
Jonathan Law to Benjamin Avery (A. (of Jonathan Trumble in part and of Jonathan Law in part) L. S.), Oct. 27, 1749-
Law Papers, III. 133, 134 340
Spencer Phips to Jonathan Law (A. (of Josiah Willard) L. S. ),
Nov. 3, 1749. Law Papers, III. 135, 343
Charge of the Ship La Vierge de Grace (D. S.), Sep. 12, 1749.
Law Papers, V. 87, ........ 345
Jonathan Law to Spencer Phips (A. L. S.), Nov. 14, 1749.
Law Papers, III. 13O, . . . . . . . . 345
Expenses of Intended E.xpedition against Canada, 1750. Massa- chusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. 30, . 347
Jonathan Parsons to Elisha Williams (A. L. S.), Jan. 8,
1749/50. Connecticut Historical Society, .... 350
Jonathan Law to Spencer Phips (A. L. S.), Jan. 13, 1749/50.
Law Papers, III. 138, 355
Roger Wolcott to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Jan. 22, 1749/50.
Law Papers, III. 139 356
William Shirley to Elisha Williams (L. S. ), Feb. 12, 1749/50.
Connecticut Historical Society, ...... 358
William Shirley to Elisha Williams with Williams’ Observa- tions (A. L. S. of Williams), Feb. 12, 1749/50. Law Papers, III. 98, . . . . . . . . . 360
Richard Partridge to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Feb. 16, 1749/50.
Law Papers, HI. 140, ........ 363
Benjamin Avery to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Feb. 17, 1749/50.
Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. 2, . 366
Elisha Williams to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Feb. 21, 1749/50.
Massachusetts Historical Society: 81. i. 52, ... 369
Elisha Williams to Jonathan Trumble (A. L. S.), Feb. 21,
1749/50. Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull
Papers, I. i, 372
Benjamin Avery to Jonathan Law (A. L. S. ), March 8, 1749/50.
Massachusetts Historical Society: 81. i. 55, . . . 380
Josiah Willard to Jonathan Law (L. S.), March 10, 1749/50.
Law Papers, III. 100, ........ 381
Roger Wolcott to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), March 10, 1749/50.
Law Papers, III. 142 382
Richard Partridge to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), March 26, Apiil 3, 1750. Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull
Papers, I. 5, 383
XX
CONTENTS.
Pftjfe
Nathaniel Stanly to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), March 26, 1750.
Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. 4, . 384
Jonathan Law to Nathaniel Stanly, George Wyllys and Joseph Buckingham, March 27, 1750. Massachusetts Historical Society: 'I'rumbull Papers, I. 0, . . . . . . 385
George Whitefield to Elisha Williams (A. L. S.), March 31,
1750. Connecticut Historical Society, .... 386
Duke of Bedford to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), April 14, 1750.
Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. 7, . 386
Richard Partridge to Jonathan Law (L. S. ), May ii, 1750.
Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. 9, 387
Elisha Williams Letter (A. L. S.), May 15, 1750. Massachu- setts Historical Society, Trumbull Papers, I. 8, . . . 387
Elisha Williams to William Williams (A. L. S.), May 26, 1750.
New York Public Library: Emmett Papers, 112, . . 395
Abiel Walley to Joseph Pitkin (A. L. S.), May 29, 1750. Roger
Wolcott Papers, I. 133, 396
Thomas Hill to Governor and Company of Connecticut, May
29, 1750. Roger Wolcott Papers, I. 134, .... 397
Jonathan Law to Thomas Tousey, June 9, 1750. Law Papers,
III. 143 398
Jonathan Law to Thomas Fitch, June ii, 1750. Law Papers,
III- 399
Thomas Fitch to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), June 12, 1750.
Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. 12, 399
Jonathan Law to Eliakim Palmer’s Executors (A. L. S.), June 19, 1750. Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull
Papers, I. 13 400
Jonathan Law to Elisha Williams (A. L. S. ), June 19, 1750.
Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. 14, 401
Jonathan Law to Benjamin Avery (A. L. S.), June 19, 1750.
Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. 15, 402
Jonathan Law to Thomas Fitch (A. L. S.), June 22, 1750.
Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. iC, 404 Richard Partridge to Jonathan Law (L. S.), June 23, 1750.
Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. 17, 404
Jonathan Law to George Wyllys, June 25, 1750. Massachu- setts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. 18, . . 405
Jonathan Law to Richard Partridge (L. S. ), June 25, 1750.
Agents Letters, 33, ........ 406
George Wyllys to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), June 27, 1750.
Law Papers, III. 144, 414
Jonathan Law to George Wyllys (A. L.), July i, 1750. Massa- chusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. 19, . 415
CONTENTS. XXi
Page
Jabez Hamlin to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), July 2, 1750. Massa-
chu.setts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. 20, . 416
George Wyllys to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), July 3, 1750.
Law Papers, HI. 145 416
Jonathan Law to Thomas Fitch (A.L.S.), July 5, 1750. Massa- chusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. 21, . 418
Jonathan Law to Richard Partridge (A. L. S.), July 5, 1750. Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, II.
218, 418
Jeremiah Miller to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), July ii, 1750.
Massachusetts Historical Society : Trumbull Papers, I. 22, 419
Samuel Talcott to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), July 17, 1750.
Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. 23, 420
Lords Commissioners for Trade to Governor and Company of Connecticut (L. S.), July ig, 1750. New York Public
Library: Bancroft Papers 421
Jonathan Law to George Wyllys (A. L. S.), Aug. 8, 1750.
Law Papers, HI. 146, 422
Jonathan Law to Phineas Lyman (A. L. S. ), Aug. 8, 1750.
Law Papers, III. 147, 423
Richard Partridge to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Aug. ii, 13, 14,
1750. Massachusetts Historical Society : Trumbull Papers,
1-24 423
Jonathan Law to Peter Van Brugh Livingston (A. L. S.),
Sept F3, 1750. Massachusetts Historical Society: Trum- bull Papers, I. 25 . . . . . . , . . 426
Jonathan Law to Richard Partridge (A. L. S.), Sept, 17, 1750.
Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers I. 26, 426
Peter Van Brugh Livingston to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.),
Sept. 18, 1750. Massachusetts Historical Society: Trum- bull Papers, I. 27, 427
Richard Partridge to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Sept. 19, 1750.
Law Papers, HI. 149, . • 428
Elisha Williams to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), Oct. 3, 1750.
Law Papers, HI. 151 429
Richard Partridge to Jonathan Law (L. S.), Oct. 18, 1750.
Massachusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, I. 29, 431
Samuel Mason’s Petition to the King. New York Public
Library: Chalmers Papers, HI 433
Jonathan Law to Duke of Bedford (A. L. of Jonathan Trumble),
May-Oct. 1750. Law Papers, HI. 150, .... 435
Jonathan Law to Duke of Bedford (A. L. of Jonathan Trumble),
Oct.-Dec. 1750. Law Papers, V. 89, . . . . . 438
Peter Bours to Jonathan Law (A. L. S. ), Nov. 7, 1750. Massa- chusetts Historical Society: Trumbull Papers, II. 234, . 439
Sketch of Jonathan Law, Nov. 7, 1750. Law Papers, V. 88, . 440
APPENDIX.
Paffe
Jean Paul Mascarene to William Shirley (I). S. by the Secre- tary of Massachusetts), May 21, 1744. Law Papers, II. 4, 445
Jonathan Law to Jeremiah Miller, June 19, 1744. Connecticut
Historical Society, 446
Commanding Officer at Oswego to George Clinton, (Nov. 17,
1744 1 Connecticut Historical Society, .... 447
David Wooster to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), April 2, 1745.
Connecticut Historical Society, ...... 448
Pilots to Roger Wolcott (A. (of West) L. S. ), April ii, 1745.
Connecticut Historical Society, ...... 448
Eliakim Palmer’s Bill (D. S.), Aug. i. 1745. Agents Letters, 5, 449
Gurdon Saltonstall to John Hubbard (A. L. S.), Sep. 30, 1745.
Connecticut Historical Society, ...... 450
Josiah Willard to William Shirley (L. S. by the Secretary of Massachusetts), Oct. 12. 1745. Connecticut Historical
Society, 451
Duke of Newcastle to Jonathan Law (L. S.), March 14, 1745/6.
Council Orders, 89, ........ 452
Nathaniel Stanly to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), June 7, 1746.
Connecticut Historical Society, ...... 453
Jonathan Law to Nathaniel Stanly, June 8, 1746. Connecticut
Historical Society, ........ 454
J. Osborne to Jonathan Law (L. S.), July 21, 1746. Connecti- cut Historical Society, ....... 454
Report of Commissioners for Trade and Plantations and Sec- retary at War. May 14, 1747. Agents Letters, 82, . . 455
Order in Council, May 21, 1747. Agents Letters, 8, . . 456
Thomas Welles' Bill (A. D. S.), Nov. 17, 1747. Law Papers,
V. 51 457
Jabez Hamlin’s Bill (D. S.), Nov. 17, 1747. Law Papers,
V. 81 458
Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law, Nov. 18, 1747. Agents
Letters, ii 460
Hezekiah Huntingdon’s Bill (A. D. S.), Nov. 19, 1747. Law
Papers, V. 82, 460
Gurdon Saltonstall’s Bill (D. S.) Nov. 19, 1747. Law Papers,
V. 83 462
APPENDIX. xxiii
Page
Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), April lo, 1748.
Agents Letters, ii, 464
Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (L. S. ), April ii, 1748.
Agents Letters, 12, • . . 464
Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (L. S.). April 25, 1748.
Agents Letters, 14, 465
Duke of Bedford to Jonathan Law (L. S.), May 7, 1748. Coun- cil Orders, 15, 4O6
Eliakim Palmer to Jonathan Law (L. S.), May 24, 1748.
Agents Letters, 15, 4C6
Richard Aldworth to Colony of Connecticut (L. S.), Aug. 27,
1748. Council Orders, 19, 467
Duke of Bedford to Colony of Connecticut (L. S.), Feb. 6,
1748/g. Council Orders, 21, 468
Duke of Bedford to Colony of Connecticut (L. S.), July 19,
1749. Council Orders, 22 469
Thomas Palmer to Colony of Connecticut (L. S.), 1750.
Agents Letters, 36, • . 470
Benjamin Avery to Jonathan Law (A. L. S.), June 6, 1750.
Connecticut Historical Society, ...... 471
Eliakim Palmer’s Executors’ Bill, Aug. 24, 1750. Agents
Letters, 77, ......... . 473
Concluding Note, ......... 475
Index, • 477
%
LAW PAPERS.
MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL COURT TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY In Council January i, 1746.
* Voted that the following message be sent to His Excellency the Captain General by Jacob Wendell, Samuel Watts Joseph Dwight and Andrew Oliver Esq*'® with such as the Hont>ie House of Representatives shall join Viz‘
May it please your Excellency
In your Speech from the Chair of the 30**1 of Decemi" you have been pleased to give the two houses a particular account of the several Steps taken preparatory to the Expedition which your Excellency had determined against the French Enemy at Crown point, and to lay before them several Letters & papers referred to in your Speech all which have been duly Considered by them. Your Excellency likewise has been pleased to desire the advice of the two houses in the present Emergency They beg leave in answer to Represent to your Excellency that they have always look’d upon the Recovery of Crown point to be of vast Importance to his majestys Interest and altho it would have been impossible for this province under all their former pressures to have gone thro the Charges of such an Expedition, yet when your Excellency proposed the employing in this Service, part of the New raised Forces in his majestys pay, the two houses agreed upon the Charge of Subsisting Fifteen hundred of them, and they have made all provision for that purpose that could be expected, and they depended upon your Excellency to Concert such measures with the other Governments as were proper for executing this design, but as there seems to be some danger of a failure on the part of some of the said Governm*® the two houses think themselves Obliged from a just Care and concern for those Forces who are a part of
2
LAW PAPERS.
the people of this province further to Represent to your E.xoellency that they cannot think it aclvi.seable for the 1500 men rais’d in & proposd to be subsisted by this Governm* to engage alone in this undertaking but on the other hand they are humbly of opinion that if the New Hampshire Forces be employed to give the EnejmyJ a Diversion in another part of their settlements, The Troops from th[is] province with the Connecticutt Troops & a vStrong party juf Indians [ofj the Six Nations would make a greater Force than the Enemy would be able to Repel, especially if such of the Southern Forces as [are] free from the Distempers that have prevailed amongst them shfouldj join in the undertaking.
Sent down for Concurrence
J. Willard Secry In the House of Rep^es Jan 1746.
Read & Concurr’d & Col Stoddard Col° Heath Col° Richards M'' Royal & Otis are Joyned in the affair.
T. Hutchinson Spkr Copy Examined ^ J. Willard Secry
VOTE OF MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL COURT.
In the House of Rep''®® Janv 7. 1746. Whereas the Extremity of the Season renders it very Difficult, if not impracticable to Transport any quantity of provisions from Connecticutt to Albany
Therefore Voted that whatever provisions remain over & above what shall be necessary for three months Subsist- ence of fifteen hundred men or so many of the forces Subsist- ed by this Governmt as shall proceed on the Expedition against Crown point be delivered by M*' Moses Emerson the Commissary to the order of the Governm‘ of Connecticutt for the use of their Forces, they paying such proportion of the Charge as that Government must have been at in the ordinary Transportation of the same from Connecticutt to Albany & returning the like quantity in Specie within six months to be delivered at Boston to the Commissary
WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
3
General or any Committee that shall be Appointed by this Court for that purpose And further the said Emerson is hereby impowered and directed to receive from the Stores of the Connecticutt Forces such Fresh provisions in Exchange for Salt as shall be judged by the principal Officers of each Governing to be of Common service to both.
Sent up for Concurrence
T. Hutchinson Sphr In Council Janv 7, 1746.
Read & Concurr’d
J. Willard Secry
Consented to
W. Shirley
Copy Examined ^ J. Willard Secry [Indorsed by Law] Act of Assembly at Boston Jan"" 7 1746-7
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston January 9. 1746
Sir,
This goes by Coll° Williams to let j^our Honour know how much this Government has at heart the Prose- cution of the Expedition against Crown Point & what Dependance we have upon being assisted by your Forces; you will find by the inclosed Copies in some of w^h is contain’d an acc‘ of our Provisions sent to Albany In my Letter of the 22^ of December last (which is herewith inclosed) I have endeavoured to answer all your Objections as mentioned in your last Letter, That of your not having sent your Provisions to Albany River is I think obviated by the Vote of the General Court here to supply you in part, And Coll° Williams and Coll° Pitkin are of Opinion that there can be no Difficulty in providing the rest, by driving fat Cattle & Swine with the Army, which may be exchanged for our Salt Provisions. It appears to me that the Execu- tion of this Design against Crown Point will entirely depend upon the Resolution of your Government thereon, at least this Government is determined that if no Attempt be made
4
LAW PAPERS.
for it this Winter, & thereupon the Six Nations should go over to the French Interest (the fatal Effects which will probably ensue thereupon being such as are not to be expressed) the Blame of such Neglect shall not lay at our Door. And therefore I must earnestly desire your Honour without Loss of Time to call your Assembly, & to use your Influence to bring them into such a Determination as may promote his Majesty’s Service and the Benefit of these Colonies in relation to this important Affair. Our Time will be much streightened if there be any long Delay; Therefore I should judge it necessary, that you should not only forthwith apprize me by Express, of your Determina- tion but send Advice thereof to Governour Clinton w‘=>’ I have wrote Gov*' Clinton you will do. It seems to me by what I can learn that the Small Pox is near wholly gone from Hudson’s River. Having had a large Conference with Coll® Williams & Coll° Pitk'n, & some of the principal Gentlemen of this Government on this Great Affair, the Resolution of which they will declare to you, I need not trouble your Honour further.
I am Sir your Honour’s most
Obedient Humble Servant
W SHIRLEY.
Hon^ie Gov*' Law
[Indorsed] Gov^ Shirleys Jan*" 9 1746-7
JOHN READ TO JONATHAN LAW.
5'' Boston 13. Jan^y 1746.
By all the Charters of the English Colonies in North America the British Crown is not Seised of any lands near the River of S‘ Lawrence. Therefore the French have openly taken possession of the South East Side of it from the mouth of the river to Crown point, and have a right to hold it in peace. But as they are troublesom neighbours & daily growing in power; they may finally subdue the English, & Command the whole; unless they are Speedily Confined only to the North west Side ; that y® River may be a Natural
JOHN READ.
5
boundary between us, & barrier ag®‘ them. For the Secur- ing of his Majesties Dominions here I would have that matter as Soon as possible fully represented to his Maj®‘y And I would have it done by Connecti[cut] first for the honour of my Native Countrey, then because, if they know they depend upon no changeable ministers of State, nextly they will be readily & Chearfully Joined by all new-Eng- land. And will finally reap great Profit & advantage by it. By the Stat. 13. George 2d Intitled an Act to Encourage the American Trade, Scooners to enter into his maj‘>es Service. It is enacted that the King during any war May grant any Charter Commission or Grant to Enable any particuler persons or Societies to Join in any Expedi- tion by Sea or land in America, to take or destroy any ships goods Settlements harbours lands or fortifications of the Enemy, And assure to them the property of what they take & all the profits thereof under such regulations as the King shall think fit: & afterwards confirm it to them
Upon this Stat. I advise that y°r honour with the advice of yr Assistants in behalf of Connecticut, with the Con- currence of such other New England Colonies as will Join with you Immediately prefer A Petition to his Majesty to Grant you such Charter Commission or Grant as shall Enable you to take all the forts settlements & lands of y® French on the East & South Sides of S‘ Lawrence’s River from the Lake of Onontario to the Main Ocean, not included in any former Letters Patents from the British Crown ; to be Shired & Divided between those Colonies in propor- tion to the men they shall Severally furnish & send upon the Expedition ; to be settled & improved by their respec- tive Inhabitants, as those Governments shall severally for their respective shares Order & Grant.
If you send by the first ships to England, you may have returns early enough to do every thing next year, & what will be done before? If you keep a good lookout you may know whether your friends at home have alarm^ the French against you or not. And you will have it in your
6
I, AW PAPERS.
power to Choose your own opportunity & surprize them at last. S'" I am
hon“ most humble Serv‘
JN» READ
To the Hont>'c Jonathan Law Esqf Governour of Connecticut
[Superscribed] To the Hon^'e Jonathan Law Esq*' Gov- ernour of the Colony of Connecticut.
[Indorsed] M*" Reads Letter 1746-7 Jan*'® 13
PROCEEDINGS OF THE KING IN COUNCIL.
At the Court at S'*' James
THE IS**! DAY OF JANUARY 1746
Present
The Kings Most Excellent Majesty in Council Whereas there was this day read at the Board a Report made by the Lords of the Committee of Council, upon Considering’ an Address of the Governour & C° of the Colony of Connecticut in New England in America, praying to be reimburs'd the Expences they have been at, in Assist- ing to take the Island of Cape Breton & its Dependencies, By which Report it is propos’d, in Consideration of the good Services perform’d by the said Colony in the Reduction of that Place to his Majesty’s Obedience, that a Reasonable Satisfaction should be made them for their Expences therein, and the said Lords of the Committee therefore Submitted to his Majesty, wither it might not be Adviseable to Recommend it to Parliament to make Provision for the same, and in the mean time to Refer the said Demand to such Persons as his Majesty should think proper, in order to Adjust & Liquidate the same. His Majesty taking the said Report into Consideration, is hereby pleas’d with the Advice of his Privy Council to Approve of what ’is above propos’d and to order that the said Address & Papers Annex’d be Referr’d to the Lords Commissioners for Trade & Plantations & to his Majestys Secretary at War, who are
WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
7
to meet & Examine into the Demand made by the said Colony upon this Affair and to Adjust & Liquidate the same
W SHARPE
[Indorsed by Law] Prayer to his Maj‘v to refer to y® board of Trade and Secrv of Warr the adjusting and liquidating ye Cape Breton Expences
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston Jan^. 20. 1746.
Sir,
Having written so largely to your Honour on the Affair of the designed March to Crown Point by the Express I sent you ten days ago, I have nothing now to add, Saving to let you know that I have received a Letter from Govr. Clinton by the last Post, wherein he informs me, “That he has “ordered the large Cannon, Shot & heavy carriages to be “carried to Saratoga whilst the Snow is on the Ground; & “that if anything is to go forward he should be glad to “have timely Notice. That neither the Indians nor their “People should fail of joining when it should be thought “proper.” The New York Prints inform us that the Troops in those part are in good Health.
I depend upon your advising me without Loss of time of the Resolution of your General Court, for I purpose to keep our Assembly together till I hear from you. I remain Your Honors very humble Serv‘.
W SHIRLEY
The Expedition ag‘ S‘ Francois from New Hampshire is far advanc’d.
Gov'’ Laws
[Indorsed] Letter from Gov'’ Shirley Rec*! JanuY 29th 1746-7
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston January 24^^: 1746.
Sir,
Having just now receiv’d a Letter from Governour Clinton containing matters of Importance in relation to the
8
LAW PAPERS.
propos’d Attempt against Crown point, and being Inform’d that your Court will not meet till Tuesday next, I thought it necessary to Send to you immediately by Express an Extract of Governour Clintons Letter, and of the Advice of his Council to him upon this Affair ; hoping that if there be opportunity of laying .these things before your Court, they might have some Influence on their Determinations: If
you shall Conclude to Join the whole of your Forces raised for the Expedition against Canada in this Attempt, I must earnestly desire that not a Moments time may be lost, but that you would immediately let me know your resolution, and that you would without delay inform Governour Clinton thereof by Express and desire him to appoint the Time for the Assembling of the Indians, and forthwith send for them in, the Season being already far advanced, I need not be more particular in this Matter, what is wanting will be fully supplied in the inclosed Copy, and am Sir,
Your Honours most obedient Humble Servant W SHIRLEY.
Hono^ie Governour Laws.
[Indorsed] Gov^ Shirleys Jam 24 1746-7
CONNECTICUT’S ADDRESS TO THE KING.
To his Most Excellent Majesty George the second. King of Great Britain, &c.
The humble Address of the Governor and Company of the English Colony of Connecticut in New England in America.
Most Gracious Sovereign: We, your Majesties loyal
and most dutiful subjects in your remote Colony of Con- necticut, beg leave humbly to assure your Majesty of our strongest attachment to your person, family and govern- ment, and to acknowledge the favours this Colony has enjoyed under your Majesties auspicious reign, and to express our utmost abhorrence of that most unnatural rebellion raised in Great Britain in favour of a popish
JONATHAN LAW.
9
pretender, against the best of kings, the best constitution and government; which vile design by Divine Providence being happily suppressed, we beg leave on this occasion humbly to congratulate your Majesty on the happy success of your arms under the excellent conduct of his Royal Highness the Duke, who God has crowned with a glorious victory over those wicked rebels and traitors, to the honour of your Majesty, and confusion and shame of them and their abettors.
As your Majesties whole reign has been an uniform evidence that you have nothing more at heart than the protection and security of your subjects in the enjoyment of their religion, liberty and property, so it appears the more surprising that it should ever enter into the heart of any of your subjects to rebel against your government, with design to dethrone your royal person and to subvert the laws and liberties of your kingdom. Though these sons of violence have been permitted to be a scourge to the British nations, yet, blessed be God, he has not suffered them to prevail in their attempts to introduce popery and slavery, nor to endanger the protestant interest, but has confounded their devices, and by his all-wise providence overruled that wicked design for the more firm establishment of your throne and government.
May that merciful Providence which placed your Majesty on the British throne, and has given you so long and so illustrious a reign, still protect your sacred person, subdue your enemies, make your reign prosperous, and continue the crown in your royal and illustrious family to the latest posterity.
JONATHAN LAW TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
New Haven Jan^v 30‘h 1746
According to your Desire I have called our assembly to- gether and Laid before them the Several Matters contained in y® Expresses Received from your Excellency Respecting
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LAW PAPERS.
ye proposed Expedition to Crown point and Recommended the Matters to their Deliberate Consideration on Which they came into a Resolve* a Copy whereof I have herewith inclosed by which your Excellency will better See the Sense our Assembly have of y^ matter than by any account I could otherwise Give. Your Excellency will See of what importance the assembly Judge the Reduction or Demolish- ing yt fort is and therefore tho they cannot See it Advisable at this Season to proceed yet they have made provisison in case any Door shall be opened for y‘ purpose I must there- fore As I am greatly Desirous that place may be wrested out of y® hands of y® French Earnestly Desire your Excellency to acquaint me of it in case you should have any intelligence Relating to this grand point I am with Great Respects your Excellencys most obedient
Humble Servant
J. L.
Governour Shirly
[Indorsed by Law] Copy of a Letter to G^ Shirly January 30 1746-7
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston Feby. 7. 1746
Sir,
Your Honour will not think it strange that after so great & unexpected a Disappointment as I rec^ in the Resolutions of your Geni Assembly, concerning the Attempt against Crown Point, I should use any further Importunity with you on that head, when I inform you of the present
*The Assembly resolved that because of the difficulties of a winter campaign, the danger of small pox being brought into the army from the southern colonies where it was reported to exist, the lack of sufficient provisions at Albany for the Connecticut troops and the want of some general agreement or of authority from the king for such an expedition, its success was doubtful and they “could not see it practicable and advisable at this time.” The desirability of the reduction of Crown Point was, however, recognized and the governor and committee of war were impowered to act in the matter “ in case the troops raised in this Colony for the expedition against Canada by any proper orders be called or ordered forth into his Majesties service against the French, before the sessions of this Assembly in May next.”
Colonial Records.
WILUAM SHIRLEY.
1 1
situation & Circumstances of that Affair. Yesterday M*" Lydius came to Town with Advices from the Army on Hudson’s River that there were twenty nine Companies of the Southern Colonies, which he judg’d would make out 2400 Men, all in health & good Spirits, & generally well disposed to the Service, & expecting forthwith to march against the Enemy; And he has shew’d me a Letter w^h he has rec'i from L‘ Col° Johnson just before he left Albany; w^h shews the Proceedings of Gov'' Clinton since the date of his last Letter to me, a Copy of which I sent your Honour, & the Expectations & good Disposition of the six Nations, & the forwardness of some of the Tribes, & that the rest were sent for by Gov' Clinton to attend this Service ; a Copy of this Letter I have herewith inclosed. These Advices I communicated to the two Houses, & yesterday Evening rec<^ the inclos’d Message from them, w^'' pass’d in both Houses almost unanimously: For this we esteem to
be so critical a Conjuncture ( more especially in respect to the disposition of the six Nations & the Danger of losing them for ever if this Opportunity is neglected ) that we are now determin’d to run all hazard in a Matter of this Importance, upon w'^i’ the future Prosperity of the Northern Colonies does under God depend more than on any other Scheme or Project whatsoever: And as I am fully satisfied
that this Enterprize has a favourable Aspect greatly to promote his Majesty’s Service & that it is perfectly agreable to his Majesty’s Instructions; In Conforming to which M' Warren & I, pursuant to the Power therein given, have determined it to be for his Majesty’s Service & for promoting the general design of the Reduction of the whole Country of Canada; and that the Troops ought to be so employed at this Juncture & that they should do something to answer the great Expence his Majesty is at in supporting them: And as your Assembly seem in their Resolve you sent me to have left open a Liberty for your Council of War to join your Forces with ours in so extraordinary an Emergency as this, & in wci' Providence seems to smile upon us in the long Continuance of the cold and frosty weather I must once more strongly urge your Honour to have the Troops of
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your Colony forthwith assembled & employed in this Service; Not that I shall wait for them one Moment, being determined to proceed with or without them as Providence shall order: In the mean time you and the Gentlemen of
your Governm* will do well to consider how his Majesty may resent it if this design should miscarry for want of a thousand brave men in his Pay, who are at home following their own private business, whilst the rest of the Troops are acting vigorously against his Enemies. It is design’d that our Forces should build Forts above the Carrying Places & as near Crown Point vas may be, that in Case the Enemy should be stronger than we apprehend, our Forces may still maintain their Post till his Majesty’s Pleasure be further known. And upon any Emergency that may happen we shall make further demand of your Assistance : I depend upon your Honour’s laying this Matter as soon as possible before your Council of War, with whom I have not the Pleasure to be acquainted, nor know where to send to ’em.
I hope your Honour & the Gentlemen of your Council of War will have a due Consideration of this important Matter, & if we unite in our Sentiments, & Proceedings in it, I doubt not but that the same Success will attend it, as has done the joint Proceedings of the two Governmts which have hitherto been most happily united in the Interest of the common Cause.
I am Sir
Your Honours most Obedient Humble Servant
W SHIRLEY.
The Honbie Jonathan Law Esqr
[Indorsed] Gov^ Shirleys Letter of 7*^ of ffebr 1746-7 1000 brave men in his Maj**®® pay
EIJSHA WILLIAMS AND SAMUEL TALCOTT TO JONATHAN LAW.
Weathersfld Febry 13th 1746-7
Sir,
We understand by L‘ Lyman that your Hon^ has called the Commit® of War together. Upon a Late Express received
WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
13
from his Excellency Govr Shirley, Wherein he Urges That the regiment raised in this Colony for his Majesties Service, may be Ordered to join the Forces in the other Govern- ments, now about to proceed in an Expedition against Crown Point. And having heard. That it has been rumour- ed in Some Places, That the officers of the regiment were unwilling to Engage in Such an Expedition, which may possibly have reached your Hon''s Ears. We Thought it our Duty to assure your Hon'' That We know of no Foundation for Such a report. And that on proper Provision made for us and the Souldiers, to proceed on that Business, We are Free to go. And have had opportunity of Conver- ing with Several of the Captains and other officers, who have all expressed their willingness to go, and Know of no one but is So. And take Leave to Subscribe Your Hon's
Most Obedient Humble Servants E: WILLIAMS SAM^l TALCOTT
The Honourable Jonathan Law
[Superscribed] For The Honourable Jonathan Law Esq' Govern' &c At Milford
[Indorsed] Williams & Talcott of ffeb' 13 1746-7
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston Feby. 14. 1746.
Sir,
Since my last sent to you by Express I have received Dispatches from the Governour of New York, by which to my Surprize I find that, that Government is determined against their Forces proceeding to Crown Point this Winter; upon which I have Countermanded the Orders I had given for our Troops marching to Hudson’s River. This I judged proper to acquaint your Hono.ur with, not knowing what Measures your Government may have taken, that so no Inconveniencies may arise for Want of your
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LAW PAPERS.
Understanding this State of Our Affairs.
I am Sir
Your Honour’s most obedient, Humble servant W. SHIRLEY
The honbie Jonathan Law Esq^
[Indorsed] Goyf Shirley’s ffeb^ 20 1746-7
JONATHAN LAW TO DUKE OF NEWCASTLE.
Milford ffeb'' 17 1746-7
May it please your Grace
The Remoteness of our Situation and our want of a Trade directly to great Britain leaving us wtii out any Intelligence from England excepting only what comes thorow neighbouring Provinces will apologise for our being somewhat later in our Address to his Maj‘y when you shall be persuaded That we are all Protestants and that our Interest ( w<=*^ never lyes ) dos endear us to such a Prince as is by way of Eminency justly stild the Protector and Maintainer of the Liberties and Properties of all his Subjects.
The trufh of the first Proposition I can assert w‘^ the Greatest Confidence and that a firm belief of the other is universally fixd on y® minds and hearts of us all, is evident by our chearfull Obedience
would therefore humbly ask your Grace’s favour in presenting our Address to his Maj‘y with the highest Assurance of its proceeding from a people whose hearts are find with Gratitude to the King of Kings who has Orderd and brought about so great a Salvation to his people against all Attempts of earth and hell, and conclude with begging Leave to reckon my self among the number of your Grace’s
most obedient humble servants
J L
the right hon^e Hollis New Castle [Indorsed] Copy of a Letter to the D of New Castle ffebr
17 1746-7
JONATHAN LAW.
15
6>
JONATHAN LAW TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
Milforo ffeb^ 20 1746-7
I had the favour of yours of y® 7‘>’ Instant and forthwith sent for y® Council of Warr but they were of Opinion that the Clause in the Act of our Assembly did not direct them to advise me to send the Stores unless proper Orders should come for the Souldiers proceeding on the Expedition and thot it might be well to call an Assembly to give Orders for it in Case the Judges of the Circuit should be of the same mind
but before they came, came Coll> Roberts with Instruc- tions from Govr Clinton and his Council to delay ye Proceeding till further Orders from his Maj‘y w**’ w=h you are acquainted by this time
I am Your Excellencies Obedient humble Servant
J L
Gov‘‘ Shirley
P S I just now reci yours of ye 14th Instant
J L
[Indorsed] Copy of a Letter to Gov"" Shirley feb^ 20 1746-7
JONATHAN LAW TO ELIAKIM PALMER.
Milford ffeb*" 1746-7 S’'-
I have herewith inclosd to you an Address to his Maj‘y with a Letter to the D of New Castle of we^ I send a Triplicate wheh you will please to cover or in ye most proper maher hand to his Grace
I also send to you herewith an Order of our Assembly to receive a Reimbursement of our Charges in ye Reduction of Louisburg as well as an Act for your soliciting for y® whole of our Expences therein of w®h I have but one Copy*
♦ See Colonial Records, IX, 217, 264.
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LAW PAPERS.
I also send by a Messenger y® 250^1 granted in May last for your Psallery to your Correspondents Msi®"rs Balston & Palmer Merc^^t® att Boston
I make no Doubt of your making the best Defence in Masons Case if that must come forward, you will have money in your hands if a Reimbursement be granted
a Duplicate of yours of y® 14*11 of July Adams is just come to my hands
from your very humble Servant
JONTH law
Eliakim Palmer Esq*
PS I have heretofore desired you to give my Thanks to Dr Avery and the Com*®® for yr good Advice, but not knowing whether it got safe to your hands I repeat it
J L
[Indorsed] Copy of a Letter to Agent Palmer febr 20 1746-7
HEZEKIAH HUNTINGTON TO JONATHAN LAW.
Norwich Feber 28*11 1746-7
May it Pleas your Honour
This Waits upon your Honour In favour of my Eldest Son and Cap* Peter Harrison & others of our friends and Neighbours, of this and the Neighbouring Governments Who are Prisoners In Quebec in Canada of which we are well assured by the Inclosed Copy: of the Declaration of Jesher Crowel & Cap* Truman: Which with other Circum-
stances makes the fact to me Certain that they are there under Disconsolate Circomstances about what wey shall be found out for their Deliverance from Captivity.
I thought it my Duty: as well as Intrist to acquaint your Honour, with this peace of News; and the Piteyous Circomstancys of those prisoners; and would Humbley propose it to your Honour & Councels Wise Consideration Whether there may Not be some way Devised to Send a flag of Truce by the Way of Crown Point or Some other Way to Canada Early this Spring : Whereby Some at Least of the
HEZEKIAH HUNTINGTON.
17
Prisoners may be Releaced before the Somer Season Comes on; Which might of Necessity make it very Distressing for Such a Nomber to be Confined in Close Prison in one House as I understand they are.
This Declarant Informed me of many Circomstancys ommitted in S<^ Declaration too many to troble your Honour with; to mention a few: (viz) that our people Who have been taken from the frontears this War; were there; that those who Were taken from fort massechusets y® Last summer & With them the Reve<i mr Norton the minister: that some of the Prisoners had been Confined in Prison fifteen Months before he Lef them : that where they was Carreyd into Chebucto Harbor: they found there a Nother french man of Warr of 50 Guns and Several English prizes taken by him That when he was In Prison he was Informed that y® French Governour Declared that he had Sent Several Letters to the Governour of Boston: to have the Cartela Settled that the Prisoners Might be Releaced; but that he had no Return ; Knew Not Whether his Letters had Ever reached him.
I should have Waited on your Honour in this affair but that traviling at this season is very Diffecult & understanding that the Assembly are to Sit at Boston y® 5‘h of Next Month and that a Great Nomber of the Prisoners are of that Province advice Leads me to Wait on his Excelency Govern- our Shirley & their Assembly, In hope Something may be Done In this Important Affair by them.
I hope your Honour Will Excuse me in Giving your Honour this Troble Since the Case is What Does So Nearly Effect and Consarn
Your Honours Most Obedient and very Humble Serv*‘
HEZ: HUNTINGTON
To the Honourable Governour Law [Superscribed] To The Hon^® Jonathan Law Esq^ Governour of Connecticutt att Milford
2
i8
LAW PAPERS.
SAMUEL WELLES TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston, March 3<i 1746.
Sir,
Yrs of the 20*^* ult° I had the honr of yesterday, with the Packet for Mr Palmer original. Duplicate & Triplicate, The original I have Sent by Capt. Watts & the Duplicate by Capt. Power, Capt. Watts sails this day & Capt Power in a very few days; the triplicate shall go by the first good opportunity, I am with my very hum* Services to your Hour & Lady.
Your obed‘ Hum* Serv*
SAMUEL WELLES.
The Hont>*e Govr Law.
[Superscribed] To The Honourable Jonathan Law Esqr In Milford
[Indorsed] M^ Wells’s March 9 1746-7
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston March 4**^ 1746
Sir,
Not long since I represented to your Honour the State of Affairs in Nova Scotia, & the great Importance of preserving that Province from falling into the hands of the Enemy, and earnestly requested you to send some of the Kings Troops in your Colony to act in Conjunction with those I sent from hence for that Service ; And I am now to inform you of the Disaster, which has befallen the Forces sent from this Province for driving the Enemy out oj Nova Scotia, w‘=*’, tho I would attribute in part to some Neglect of Duty in the Officers in not keeping a good Watch to prevent a Surprize, yet I must be of Opinion that the principal Cause of this Misfortune is, that the neighbouring Governm*® have not afforded us due Assistance against the Enemy in this important Enterprize. The particular Circumstances of this Misfortune you will understand by the inclosed Papers & Print, which contain authentick Accounts that I
WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
19
shall not take up time in repeating here; Our Business being now to look forward, & do every thing in our Power to strengthen our Forces in Nova Scotia, by making them an Overmatch for the Enemy; And as Mr Mascarene appre- hends it necessary to make up the Number twelve or fifteen hundred, I am fully of Opinion with him, that less than twelve hundred will not be sufficient, but that it will be more convenient to make up the Number to fifteen hundred; which, with the arm’d Vessels belonging to the several Colonies in New England, would I hope (by the Blessing of God) make the Conquest easy and expeditious, & discourage the Enemy from any future Attempts: The absolute Necessity of making such a vigorous Attempt for driving the Enemy out of that Province, & the vast Interest w^^^ all the Colonies in New England, as well as the Crown of Great Britain have in this Event must, I think, be obvious to every thinking Man, that has the least Affection and Zeal for the common Cause of his Country; And it is no less evident that the present Season is the very critical Conjuncture for the effectual Execution of this design ; which if once lost may never be retreived, & so the Neglect of improving it be attended with such Calamities and Disasters as will not be fully understood ’till they are felt. This being the Case, I must press your Honour in the strongest manner to make up as large a Body of Troops as you can, & send them well appointed with all possible Expedition, with your Colony Vessel of War, for this Service. There are now three hundred Men remaining at Annapolis fit for this Service, allowing for a hundred & fifty Men of the Garrison who can be spared while our Men, who are restrained by Capitula- tion from acting against the Enemy up the Bay, may keep Garrison in their room : Besides which three hundred men
I have three hundred more ready to send, provided the several Governments in New England will do their parts to make up a Body of twelve hundred Men, or if they will make it up fifteen hundred Troops, I shall much more chearfully bear my Part of that Number: I am aware that some may object against this Proceeding, that the Troops may be
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called for on the Expedition against Canada, before they can return from Nova Scotia; But as it is not probable that that will be the Case, especially if we be expeditious in this Business, so they will be in as great or greater Readiness to proceed from Annapolis Royal than from their respective Colonies, be better secur’d from Desertions, & be more inured to the Hardships and Discipline of War, and conse- quently the more fit for Service than they will be if they stay at home. I hope the Expence of Provisions & Trans- ports will be no Obstacle to your sending a Reinforcement to Nova Scotia upon this extraordinary Emergency; If your Assembly should refuse to bear that, which I hope they will not, I am perswaded your Honour may in such Case safely take up Provisions and Transports at the Charge of the Crown upon this particular Occasion, and that your Honour’s Bills of Exchange upon the Lords of the Treasury in favour of such Persons as .shall advance a Sum in Bills of Credit for this Service, will be duly paid. And as an Inducemt to the Men to go more chearfully upon this Duty, I am determined to advance sixteen Pounds old Tenour to every Man whom I shall send upon it, and to draw Bills of Exchange upon the Lords of Treasury; And as for the Officers who shall proceed in it, I doubt not but they will greatly recommend themselves to his Majesty thereby.
Your Honour will be pleas’d to consider upon this Occasion that your Government is the only one in New England, which has refus’d hitherto to give any Assistance for the Protection of Nova Scotia; and will therefore, I doubt not, think it fit and advisable that it should now be the most ready to join in retreiving a Misfortune, which has happen’d very much for want of it’s Assistance before.
You must be sensible. Sir, what immediate Dispatch this Business requires, & that not an hour’s time should be lost for effecting it: I purpose to have the Reinforcem‘
which I shall send from this Province at Annapolis by the End of this Month at farthest ( if possible ) to be ready there to proceed to Minas or Schiegnecto, as the Case shall require.
JEAN PAUL MASCARENE.
2 I
before de Ramsey’s Vessels can get away from thence; and I must desire the favour of your Answer by the Bearer.
I am Sir,
Your Honour’s most Obedient Humble Servant
W. SHIRLEY.
The Honourable Jonathan Law Esq^
[Indorsed] Gov Shirley’s March 1746-7
JEAN PAUL MASCARENE TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
Extract from Lieutenant Governour Mascarene’s Letter to Mr Shirley, Dated Annapolis Royal February 8‘h 1746-7.
Major Philipps left Manis on fryday 30‘h Jan^v last, and the Same night the Canadians who were at Chignicto and had gathered about 50 Indians with Some of the S‘ John’s Island Inhabitants, and other runegates or disaffected Inhabitants after a march of three weeks in the most bitter Season, and almost Impassable ways, arriv’d at Manis, and fell on Our people in the night, the Inclos’d will give your Ex^y an Acco‘ of the Issue, which in the main tho’ unfortu- nate has been of no dishonour to Our Troops, Since tho’ they were Surprized and in that Confusion which such a Surprize naturally causes the Enemy had the greatest advantage, and kill'd most of the men we lost, yet when day came, and our Officers and men had joined, they acted their parts So bravely as to make the Enemy desireous to part with them, and afford them honourable terms. The first Detachment of them arriv’d last night, at the head of our River, the rest are to be there to night.
The too great Security, and the not even Securing their houses well, was the Occasion of their Misfortune as well as what we are & Shall be always lyable to amongst these Inhabitants, their not having Intelligence of the motions of the Enemy ’till they had them upon them, for they all agree that if they had had but a Quarter of an hour’s warning they would have been able not only to have Cop’d w^i’ but to have worsted the Enemy their numbers being
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LAW PAPERS.
rather greater as all acco‘s I have had Seem to agree, tho’ the Inclos’d from Cap*^ Goldthwait makes the Canadian’s exceed our’s, but even if So that excess would have been over ballanced by the Courage & resolution our Troops expressed. I had warn’d the Officers to Secure their Quarters and watch against any Surprize, The Block house indeed they Say could not be Sett up, the frost Setting hard So Soon But Some pallisadoe fence or such like might have Stop’d the first Surprize. However S^ this is not to be recall’d.
There must be means us’d however to take or destroy five or Six Vessells the Enemy have now up the Bay. Capt Rous promises to fit his Ship as Soon as the Season will permit. Giddings must be sent immediately back, and any other force y^ Ex^y thinks fit to add Should go up by Sea, for the Landward will be impracticable for our men, as Soon as the thaw Setts in.
I do not think it an Easy thing to ridd our Selves of all this people, and cannot think it could be in Justice answer’d without further proofs of their delinquency in general, or positive Orders from home, but however on the fair pretence of pursuing our Enemys much might be done to humble them, and punish those who might be found to have favour’d the Enemy. There must be a great force to bring this to pass. Col° Gorham who came away with Major Philipps with Cap* Cobb and three or four Subalterns and about 120 men many of them Sick are all exempted from the Capitulation the others may fight here, and help to defend the place, and I could in that case Spare 150 men out of the Garrison, to go up the Bay on such an Expedition there must be at least twelve or fifteen hundred men for Landing.
Extract from Lieuten‘ Col° Gorhams Letter to Shirley, dated Annapolis Royal February 1746.
It must be allowed by all hands that this Attack and Advantage Gained upon us by our Enemys was most wholly Owing to the certain advices and Intelligences, that was given by the Traitorous disaffected, among the Inhabitants,
ACTION OF MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.
23
towards the English, and by their Keeping all true Intelli- gence from us which is no Small part in Warr.
True Copies
W SHIRLEY.
[Indorsed] Extracts from Lieu' Govr Mascarene’s, and Lieu' Col° Gorhams Letters.
ACTION OF MASSACHUSETTS COUNCIL.
At a Council held at the Council Chamber in Boston upon Fryday February 27'h 1746.
His Excellency having communicated to this Board Advices he has receiv’d from Nova Scotia, by which it appears that the Enemy has obtain’d considerable Advan- tage over his Majesty’s Troops rais’d in this Province, & sent thither for the defence of that Province ; And the Board being of Opinion that the Preservation of that Country is of the utmost Importance as well for the Interest of the Crown as the Safety of his Majesty’s Northern Colonies.
Advised that his Excv send to the Governors of this neighbouring Colonies, to inform them of the State of Affairs in Nova Scotia, & in the most pressing manner to desire that they would without delay prepare a Number of Troops, & transport them to Nova Scotia, & send their respective arm’d vessels thither to join with the King’s Troops raised in this Province & such vessels as may be sent from hence, that so there may be a sufficient force for the driving the Enemy out of that Country.
Copy examined ^ J Willard Secry
SAMUEL WELLES TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston, Mar, 4'^ 1746/7.
Sir,
I wrote yesterday by this Conveyance what I had done with your letter & duplicate, but when I delivered it, I told your Express that Govern^ Shirley had Just told me, as he
24
LAW PAPERS.
had finisht his London Letters, he should now imediately answer those from Connecticot & that they would be done last night, I therefore advised your messenger to tarry, which he has accordingly done & Just now rec<i his dis- patches from Gov*' Shirley; it can’t be tho’t strange that our Gov^ is forced to delay persons sometimes, he has such a variety of affairs & of mighty importance lying upon him, that it is rather strange he can go through them at all, I am as yesterday & always
Your most obed‘ hum' Serv‘
SAMUEL WELLES.
Gov>^ Law.
[Superscribed] To The Honourable Jonathan Law Esq*"
In Milford.
[Indorsed] M^ Wells’s March 1746/7
ELIAKIM PALMER TO JONATHAN LAW.
Copy
London ii March 1746/7 The Jonathmi Law Esq'
Hoit^ S'
Not having been favour’d with any from your Honour since the foregoing Copy of my last, *I have now only to Acquaint you that upon a Report made by the Lords of the Committee of Council after taking into Consideration the Address of the Colony of Connecticut praying for a Reimbursem‘ of the Expences they were at in taking Cape Breton, His Majesty has thought fit to refer the Papers & Accots relating thereto to the Lords of Trade & Secretary at War, who are to Examine & Liquidate the same as Appears, by a Copy of an order from his Majesty in Council for that Purpose here Inclos’d. I shall not be wanting in my Endeavours to get the Acco‘® pass’d as soon as Possible, & shall Advise you from time to time of my Proceedings
♦Dated 30 Oct. 1746, as is shown by another copy in which the two are found on one sheet.
ELIAKIM PALMER.
25
therein. I must again repeat what I formerly Mention’d to your Honour Viz‘ that it may be Necessary to send me a Particular Power to Receive the money in Case it is paid this Session of Parliam‘ at least would recommend it as prudent to Guard against any such Objection I am
Yr Honrs & the Colony’s
most Faithf* hum'® Serv‘ ELIARM PALMER
P S There has yet been no hearing on the Mohegan Affair [Superscribed] To the Hon^ie Jonathan Law Esqr Governr of the Colony of Connecticut New England [Indorsed] Agents Letter March 1746-7 ab‘ Cape
Breton Expences
ELIAKIM PALMER TO JONATHAN LAW.
London 13 March 1746/7 The Honf>^‘ Jonathati Law Esq^
I have already wrote you by this Conveyance & I have but just time to Acknowledge the Receipt of your Honours Letter of the 26 Nov^ Accompan®^ a Letter to his Grace the Duke of New Castle in Relation to the Regiment rais’d for an Expedition to Canada which I have Deliver’d, & am orderd to Attend another Day for an Answer thereto. I am Apprehensive from a Conversation I have lately had with one of the Lords of Trade, they will Require an Authentick Copy of the Muster Rolls of the Forces employ’d in ye Expedition against Cape Breton, with the best Proof that can be had of their Service, which would recommend to have Attested by S'" W“ Pepperell, or some good Autority, & believe it will also be Necessary to Compleat the Acco‘ to the of June, the time your Estimate Extends to, which is all I can add at Present but that I am
Yor Honrs & the Colony’s
most FaithP hum® Serv‘
ELIAKM PALMER
26
LAW PAPERS.
Coppy
[Superscribed] To The Hon*® Jonathan Law Esq'' Governr of the Colony of Connecticut in New England [Indorsed] Agents March 13 1746-7 ab‘ Canada Expedition
JONATHAN LAW TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
Milford March 21st 1746/7
Yours of ye 4th Instant I rec^ on y® 9th and observe that either Your Excellencies Memory or mine is very treacherous when you say you earnestly requested my sending some of the Kings Troops in this Colony to act in Conjunction with yours in nova Scotia but I remember you signifyd to me That the Govts had nothing to do with the Kings forces save only to provide for them, and you under- took to direct all the forces here on an Expedition against Crown point, and those of Rhoad island. New Hampshire and some of your own to Annapolis, so that we have not comitted any fault in this matter which needs to be expiated as Princes were wont to do theirs by going into the holy land, however I condole with you for your Misfortunes, and hope we shall all remember, there is no trust to be putt in them, who say no faith is to be kept with Hereticks
I advised with my Council on your Motion who for sundry Reasons they gave me shewed their Indisposition to the calling an Assembly for that purpose and as for my procuring money and drawing on y® L<Js of the Treasury I dare not presume upon it think it more safe for your Excellency who may have also power to comand the men specially since I am informed that M^ Prince has wrote to his brother here That the Parliament have disallowd a Reimbursement to us
I would inform your Excellency That here has been taken some Counterfeit Plates among which are a 40s or 8i and a 9^ or 3® Plate of your money and ’tis thot great Use have been made of them, one man now in Irons (who has since delivered up the Plates) is secured in New haven Goal
WIU.IAM SHIRLEY.
27
As it was Conjectured at New York, so it was supposd here That your Excellencies Paquett containd the Officers Com”® but your not sending them makes me conclude it was a Mistake.
I take Leave to subscribe
Your humble obedient Servant JONTH LAW
His Excellency GoV Shirley
P S ; The Reason of my delaying my Answer to yours was an Expectation of y® Comissions &c being in your Paquett J L
[Indorsed] Copy of Let[ ] Gov*" Shirley March
2i®‘ 1746/^7
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston April 25‘h 1747.
Sir,
I herewith inclose the Copy of a Letter from One of our Officers upon Connecticutt River, who has the Command of a Fort at the Place called Number Four, the highest Settlement upon that River. Your Honour willl under- stand by this Account as well as by others which from Time to Time you may have lately had, how much our Western Frontiers are continually harrassed by the Enemy. Our Inhabitants in those parts as well as in the Eastern Frontiers are continually removing from the Settlements. In this State of our Affairs we are making all the preparations we can for our Defence & for driving off the Enemy, who are very Numerous & in every part of our Frontier.
Therefore at the Instance & Request of our General Assembly, I must earnestly desire your Honour immediately to send Five hundred Men into the County of Hampshire to be employed there against the Enemy, & to be under the Direction of Col° John Stoddard. I must request you to give this Affair all the Dispatch that is possible I am Sir,
Your most Humble Servant W SHIRLEY
Gov'' Law
[Indorsed] Gov'’ Shirley’s rec<i May at night
28
LAW PAPERS.
GEORGE CLINTON TO JONATHAN LAW.
New York May 1747 Sir
I have but just time to tell you that since I sent away y^ express I have received another acc‘ from Albany that the Mutiny increases. I am Sir
Your very humble ser*
G CLINTON
[Superscribed] On his Majesty’s Service To The Honour^ie Jonathan Laws Esq^ Governour of Connecticut [Indorsed] Gov^ Clintons May 4^^ and Copy 7*^
JONATHAN LAW TO GEORGE CLINTON.
Milford May 7*^ 1747
I rec^ you of the 4*^' Instant am sorry to have such an Acc‘ and dread the Consequenses of it but I can do no more than Lay it before the asembly are to mete the nex week Where a more absolute Authority will not answer what can a lesser do? the greater the Priviledges of the people, the lesser is the Prerogative.
I hope your Wisedome will direct to such Measures as may prevent the fatal Effects of a french Intreague to expose our fortresses and Stores if any such should be or by what Meanes soever this Difficulty has taken its Rise I remain S'' Your
very humble and obedient Servant JONTH law
Gov' Clinton
JOHN STODDARD TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
Extract of a Letter from John Stoddard Esq*" to Governour Shirley, dated the i3h of May 1747. from Northampton.
JOHN STODDARD.
29
“I Send yon the Letters I lately rec<i from Albany by which your Excellency will perceive that the Six Nations are thoroughly Engaged, & that most of them together with some others of their Allies are likely to Join in our Service; I think with your Excellency and the Council that the Encouraging these Indians is a thing of great Importance.
The Several Governments have been Endeavouring for near three years past to perswade these Tribes into a War wherein they had not any Concern but to Serve their Friends, and they seem generally got into it and have left their Hunting and other means of living, & Expos’d them- selves and families for our Sakes, and can we Expect they should fight for us, and devote themselves to that Service, and we Suffer them to Starve, or can we Expect that they go a Warfare for us at their own Charge, or can we Expect that Col° Johnson & Lydius should pay the Reckoning, they have taken a great deal of Pains to get the Indians into the War, & have Effected more than the Governments could in a Course of years, and can it be thought that they should Spend all their Substance in rewarding the Indians for their service, it will cost them about 6 or 700 pounds to fit out 100 men for War in York Money as may be seen by Lydius Letter of March 26‘h and how many hundred will soon be out, and how many times they will go out this Summer, others can guess as well as I.
To let the design drop now we have a hopeful Prospect of distressing our Enemy would be fatal, for the Indians may well say as they often suspected beforehand, that our design was to get them into the War, & then leave them in the Lurch, and then we should fail of their Assistance, and no wonder if they should Reconcile themselves to the French, which they would be glad of, and then take part with the French against us, for the Indians are of Such a Humour, that if we deal Justly and kindly by them, they will put their Lives in our hands, but if we deal deceitfully with them, that will soon raise an Abhorence of us. Col° Johnson and Mr Lydius are now under a necessity of going forward and fitting out the Indians, so long as they have any
3°
LAW PAPERS.
Substance remaining and when that is gone the Affair will be at an End.
Therefore I see no way but for the several Govern- ments to send Supplys of Money or Goods to Enable those Gentlemen to carry on the War. I think it altogether just that the several Governments do Contribute toward the Charge, and doubt not but Several of them would chearfully agree to it, upon a proper Application being made to them, and tis probable that the Money so Expended would do us twenty times as much Service, as what we have heretofore Expended in the War. were it in my Power I would send a Thousand Pounds in our new Bills or in suitable Goods to those Gentlemen for their present Necessity, this would revive their drooping Spirits ( whilst they are full of Expectations of being undone ) and would greatly animate the Indians. Such Causes ought not to be Starved, for want of a little Oyl to keep the Wheels in Motion.
[Indorsed by Law] Extract of Colh Stoddards Letter 13*!' of
May 1747 abt Indians
GIDEON WANTON TO JONATHAN LAW.
Newport ye 14th May 1747
I am to Informe you that our Gen^ Asembley has ordered our Collony Sloope to be put in Commision and maned as Soone as Posible in order to Cruize in Consortship with yours this Sumer and have Given Orders this Day to Cap“ fones to Inlist his men as fast as [ ]ble for the
Servis
I Shall Remaine your
Honners Asured Frind GID: WANTON.
P. S I shall aquait Cap“ Burnham when we are Ready
The Honie Jonathan Law Esq^
[Indorsed] Gov^ Wantons May 14‘h 1747
JOHN STODDARD.
3
JOHN STODDARD TO ROGER WOLCOTT.
N"*'” Hampton May 14 - 1747
You are knowing to the Endeavours of Several Goverments to bring the six Nations into the War with the Canadeans, which seems to be pretty well Effected, I perceive there has Eleven Parties gone out to War this Spring, and I heard of the Return of one only, who killed six french men and one Indian, near Crown Point, thirteen of them attacked 27 french, and 3 Indians, our Maquas had two men Wounded, one of them ( I hear) is since dead, that Party are gone out again, som of the Parties are small, some large; Hendrick is gone with upwards of 60 men and one Isaac with 46. there are some white men in Several of the Parties, they Consisted Chiefly of Maquas, till of late there has some Onidoes, Kieugas, Annondagas, and some Tuskaroras, gone out, the six Nations seem generally Spirited to go and are making preparation, as are some other Tribes that I am not acquainted with.
This Government has Ordered me to Pay a Bounty for Every Scalp and Prisoner that should be brought in by any Parties that should go out by my direction, and likewise five Pounds to each man to Equip them that should take their departure fro hence, and I have been Endeavouring to draw some Parties hither, but it has hitherto been fruitles, those People seem to be in good earnest, and are unwilling to loose so much time as it would take them to come hither, and when here they are further from their business than when at Home, Co** Johnson, and Majf Lidius have been Chiefly Active in bringing the Indians to Action, and have been at great Charges in Belts, in treating, and Equipping those that go out, and in making some Provision for their families whilst absent. I am Satisfied that the fitting out every Hundred men Costs them 6 or 700’' York Money, and its looks probable that many Hundreds will go out this Summer, and that many of the Parties will go out divers times in one Summer.
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LAW PAPERS.
I can’t Imagine that when the Governments endeav- oured to Engage these Indians in a War wherein they really had no Concern, that they should leave their Hunting ( as they have done ) and their other means for a livelyhood, and Hazard their lives, and families to free us from our Distresses, in Expectation of freeing themselves from the Charge of the War, and laying that Burthen on the Indians, who seem to devote themselves to the War, which will render them uncapable of providing for themselves and families, neither can we expect that CoD Johnson and Lydius should be at the Charge of the War, I know not what Assurance those Gent““ have that they shall be Reim- bursed what they have, or shall advance for the Publick Service, & it cannot be Imagined that their Estates will hold much longer to Defray such a constant and great Expence as they are at, so that we must expect that in a Short time the fair Prospect we now have of Distressing our Enemies will utterly fail unless the Governments do assist these Gent““ by speedily Supplying them with Goods or Money, and those Indians will be Obliged ( to our Shame, and ruin) to make the best terms for themselves, with the french, if we don’t Enable them to Continue the War. There has lately one French man and 7 Cagnawagas been at Onnon- taugee, under pretence of Condoleing the Death of some of that Nation, but Chiefly to Enquire who it was that Bruised their Brethrens Head ( as they termed it ) with y® Ax last fall, and to make up that break, and they laid down a Belt 6 Inches wide and Seven feet long, the Sachems, and Chief Capt“® of War told them, that they could not be Ignorant that the six Nations had (last Summer) taken the Gov°rs Ax, and that what they had done last fall was but a Whet to the Ax. upon this the french man Hung his head, said nothing, and Marched off.
I have written Pressingly to Boston that there may be at least a thousand Pounds of our New Currency remitted to these Gent“° with all Speed, and untill the Governments shall agree on some Method how to defray that Charge, and I presume that will be worth twenty times so much
WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
33
Expended in the Methods heretofore taken, I hope your Assembly will by no means Starve a good Cause but will generously Contribute to the Promoting a design from which we have the best Prospect.
I am S'' with greatest Regard your very Humble Servant.
JOHN STODDARD, the Honbie Roger Woolcott Esq'
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston May 15**' 1747
Sir,
This goes to inform your Honour, that by Dispatches I have received from Albany & Northampton, I find that the Indians of the Six Nations are generally spirited to go to War against the French of Canada, that divers Parties are now out & others daily offering themselves, which is a Point the Governments of New England (especially those of the Massachusetts & Connecticutt) have been labouring to carry ever since the first of the War, and if this Spirit be duly cherished & properly managed & directed, it may, by the Blessing of God, prove of unspeakable Benefit for the Safet)' of these Colonies. I refer your Honour to CoD Stoddard for a more particular Account of this Affair, only I would observe, that Col° Johnson & M' Lidius, whose Influence on the Indians has brought about this great Event, are under such Engagements as they are not able to fulfil without proper Supplies from these Governments, & if for want of that the Indians should suffer any Disappointment, it is more than probable that they will be disgusted at their being left in the Lurch by us, & will fall entirely into the Interests of the French, which will be more fatal to these Colonies, than any that has yet befallen us. Now as there is no General Court in being in this Province, we can do Nothing at present for the furnishing these Gentlemen, tho Our General Court have intrusted M' Lidius with this Affair, & have undertaken to supply him with a Consider-
3
34
LAW PAPERS.
able Sum for this Service, & he has made his- Draught for the Payment, which will be done, but the Parties of Indians came so fast upon him & Johnson to be fitted out for this Service, that what they will receive at present from this Governmt will be a very inconsiderable part of what they are under Engagements for, & the Gentlemen seem to ap- prehend that there is great Danger of their being ruined & the common Cause suffer the greatest Damage that we can conceive of, unless they be releived from these Governm*®. And as your Government have all along distinguished themselves in the Service against the Enemy, & have actual- ly joined with us in several of our late Treaties with the Six Nations; I can have no Doubt but your General Court will, in this critical Conjuncture, readily make such Supplies for the Encouragement of the Indians of the six Nations for prosecuting this War, & for keeping these Gentlemen in heart till an Agreem* may be made between the Govern- ments to apportion the Charge that has arisen or may arise in this important Affair among themselves. And I shall lay this Matter before our General Court at their first Meeting, & doubt not but that they will chearfully fall into all the Measures necessary for promoting this important Interest, & think it adviseable that your Governm* should send to all the other neighbouring Government to join in this Business, which I shall do likewise. You will please to lay these Matters before your Assembly as soon as possible & let Col° Stoddard know their Resolutions on this Affair.
I am Sir Your Honour’s most Humble Servant
W SHIRLEY
Inclosed I send you an Extract from Colonel Stod- dard’s Letter to me
The honourable Jonathan Law Esq^
JONATHAN LAW.
35
JONATHAN LAW TO GEORGE CLINTON.
Hartford May 20‘h 1747 S’’
Yours of the Instant, In compliance with what I wrote you, was laid before our Assembly, the last Week but there hath been no Resolve made upon it. The Gent" think it not safe to make any Order concerning the Levies of this Colony Intended for the Expedition against Canada; not knowing how soon we may have Orders from his Majesty concerning them ; and the raising of Others for that particular Service, seems very difficult. Especially Considering the Dependence had upon us In the Massachu- setts, to help on any Emergency In the County of Hampshire.
I am likewise to Inform your Excellency, that by an Express from Gov'' Shirley, a Motion is made to Our Gen- eral Court, for Making Some Supplies for the Encouragem' of the Indians of the Six Nations for prosecuting this Warr ; Representing the Indians of the Six Nations generally Spirited to goto Warr against the French of Canada, & that diverse parties are now Out, and Others daily Offering themselves, and that Col" Johnson & M' Lidius have been very Serviceable In bringing about this Event, and that the Province of the Massachusetts have Intrusted M^ Lidius in the Affair, & have Undertaken to Supply him with a Con- siderable Sum, to Encourage & fitt out the Indians for this Service; but the Parties of Indians Came so fast upon him & Col" Johnson, to be fitted out, that What they will receive at present from that Government will be but a very Incon- sederable part of What they are under Engagem'® for; and that Some Speedy Supply is Necessary, and therefore Moved for to this Government, that these Gentle" may be Enabled to fulfill their Engagem'® to the Indians, and so the Coinon Cause Secured. Upon Which Representation Our Assembly have Desired Me to Write to Your Excellency, to know more fully the State of the Affair respecting the Spirit & Disposition of the 6 Nations, and what may be'*'
*These two words underscored and “is” written above them
11285C4
36
LAW PAPERS.
thot Necessary by y^ Governm‘ to be Done to Encourage their prosecuting this War with Vigour; It Seems a Matter of Great Consequence & may prove of Great Benefit for the Safety of these Colonies; and more Especially of Your Governmt; and We Should gladly Hear, & Chearfully assist & do something Agreeable to our Circumstances & Scitua- tion to Encourage them to undertake & prosecute the War, and As You are best Acquainted with what may be the best Expedients to be used In the Affair of forwarding them In it ; Should therefore take it as a favour to know from you the State of the Affair with Your Sentiments thereon and how agreeable ’tis with You & y^ Governm‘ to have those Gentle“ Improved; and that an Answer may be returned by this Express
I am Sir &c
In the upper House
The aforegoing Draught for a Letter to be sent Express to the Gov’’ of New York read and approved
• Test George Wyllys Secty
Concurred with in y® Lower House
Test Jn® Fowler Clerk
[Indorsed by Law] Copy of a Letter to Govr Clinton May 2i®t 1747
GEORGE CLINTON TO JONATHAN LAW.
S’-
It gives me the greatest pleasure that you & the Neighbouring Colonies are now sensible of the good effects of my Treaty with the six United & other Indian Nations last Summer & of the constant endeavours I have since that used to make the best use of the good disposition they were at that time brought into. This has been attended with a very grate expence to the Crown, not only at that Treaty but likewise Since in fitting out the Several Partys w‘=*’ have been sent out & in rewarding them on several occasions for their loss of Hunting & for particular Services, as well as
GEORGE CLINTON.
37
for the Pay of the Officers w‘=’’ I have since that time continu- ally employed among them, this charge has since I left Albany amounted to at least five Thousand pounds this Currency. It must therefore be very agreable to His Majesty that your Colony give a suitable assistance in this Service contributes so much to the safety of all the Brittish Colonies in North America & no doubt His Majesty expects it of you; You may send such persons as you shall think proper to see any money or goods distributed by Col° Johnson who has my Commission to manage the Affairs of the Indians so far as relates to the War, & in what manner that money shall be destined by you to encourage the Indians in Prosecution of the War You seem sensible of that Gentlemans services in this most fatigueing as well as dangerous employment & w'^h requires great eourage as well as fidelity & address & therefore I hope among other things you will consider his services & place that confidence in him wc*! he deserves.
But after all our Indeavours for encourageing the Indians in this manner I am apprehensive that unless we join with them at least in some notable enterprise against the Enemy their Spirit & Zeal will flag & they may intertain a Jealousy that we design to make them the Cats paw & it will be much easier to guard against this Jealousy than to remove it after it has risen. However as in my Opinion no particular Scheme can be entered into till His Majestys pleasure to known with respect to the use he intends to put the Forces which were levied for the Expedition against Canada.
I shall keep the Assembly of this Province by short adjournments in readiness to meet on any Emergency, & in the mean time you may have your thoughts to make pro- posals according to what ever Orders may eome from His Majesty & you may be assured that I will heartily concur in every thing that tends to His Majestys Service.
I am in great hast
Sir Your very humble Servant
G CLINTON
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LAW PAPERS.
Hon^ie Govern Lawes
[Superscribed] On bis Majesty’s Service To The
Jonathan Laws Esq^ Govemour of Connecticut at Milford
[Indorsed] Gov'' Clintons Letter May 1747
ELIAKIM PALMER TO JONATHAN LAW.
Copy
London 28 May 1747
The Jonathan Law Esq^
S' I have the Honour of Acquainting you that Since the foregoing Copy of my last the Lords Commiss'® of Trade & Secretary at War have in Pursuance of an order from his Majesty in Councill Examind the Acco^s of the Colonys Disbursem‘s in the Expedition against Cape Breton & have reported thereupon that for want of Sufficient Vouchers, they have not been able to Liquidate the same, which report being by no Means Satisfactory to his Majesty, he has thought proper to refer the said Acco*® to the Lords of Treasury, who we hope will think the Sanction of the Legislature of Connecticut an Authentick proof of the Equitableness of our Demand & that we shall be able to get it included in the Estimate of the Expences of the Gov' for the next Year & have no reason to Expect any thing better will be done for us after a years unwearied Application. However these Expectations need not prevent the Colonys transmitting any Vouchers they can without to much Diffi- culty & Expence be able to procure, altho I hope there is reason to believe there may be no Occasion for them
I have not been wanting in my Pressing Application to the Ministry in behalf of the Forces rais’d by the Colony for the Expedition against Canada & am sorry to Acquaint your Honour there is as little hopes of their being paid any money from hence this Year, & as I understand those troops are, or are to be Discharg’d, all that can be done at Present is to have Strongly Attested Acco'® particularly specifying
DUKE OF NEWCASTLE.
39
the time of their Service setled to the time of their Dis- charge under the Sanction of the Gener' Court setting forth their being rais’d by their order in pursuance of a Letter from his Grace the Duke of New Castle signifying his Majestys Pleasure that they should be put upon his pay & those Acco‘s sent over in order to an Application for the Money next Sessions the Demands on the Governm* this Year prior to ours being already Greater than the Supplys voted by Parliam‘ are Sufficient to Discharge
I am Yor Honours & the Colonys Faithfull Hum* Serv‘
ELIAKM PALMER
[Superscribed] To the Hont>'e Jonathan Law Esq'' Governour of the Colony of Connecticut New England [Indorsed] Agent Palmers Letter rec<i Aug®‘ i6 1747
DUKE OF NEWCASTLE TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
Extracts of a Letter from His Grace the Duke of New- castle to Governour Shirley. Dat Whitehall May 30^^ 1747.
His Majesty has been pleas’d to direct me to Signify to You His Pleasure that you shou’d Immediately appoint a Meeting with Commodore Knowles at such place as shall be agreed upon and Consider with him the present State of Nova Scotia and Louisbourg, and take the proper Measures for the defence of those Places.
It is His Majestys Pleasure You should endeavour to Compleat, from out of the Americans which are now rais’d for His Majestys Service, Sir William Pepperells Regim* and Your own.
Lieu‘ General Phillipps Regim^ is I am afraid very Weak I will however send him His Majestys Orders to send what Recruits can be got from hence, And You will also endeavoiir to have His Regim‘ Compleated out of the Amer- icans.
As it is His Majestys Intention that the Americans shou’d be Immediately discharg’d except only such few as
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LAW PAPERS.
are Mention’d above the manner of discharging them the Satisfaction for their Time &c^ must be left to Commodore Knowles and Yourself The King however is persuaded You will do it as cheap as possible.
And as these American Troops have done little or no Service hitherto It is to be hoped they will not expect to be paid in the Manner they would have been had they Actually been employ’d on Service : And as it seems highly reasonable that such of these Troops as have remain’d in the Provinces when they were Inlisted shou’d be Contented with less Pay than such of them as may have March’d into other Prov- inces.
When You and M^ Knowles shall have met and fully Considered the Service to be undertaken in the manner above directed and shall have agreed what Number of Americans it will be Necessary to keep in Pay for that Pur- pose it is His Majestys Pleasure that You shou’d procure an Account of the whole Expence Incurred on Account of the American Troops from the Time of their being Levied to the time of their Discharge and when the same shall be fully Adjusted and Liquidated You will Transmit it to me with the proper Vouchers from the several Govern ours that it may be laid before Parliam‘ to the end that Provision may be made for the Payment And in the mean time in order to prevent any Complaint amongst the Men that have been Inlisted (as well those that shall be discharg’d as those that shall Continue in Service) for want of Imediate Pay You will recommend it to the Governours of the Provinces where these Levies have been made to procure Creditt from the Respective Assemblies for that Purpose which His Majesty hopes may be done without Difficulty
It is also His Majestys Pleasure that M^ Knowles and You shou’d Consider what Number of Americans will be realy wanted for the Service above mention’d and the King wou’d have You retain so many as may be absolutely Neces- sary for that Service and no more and the King hopes that a small Number of the Americans with His Majestys Forces which You have may be Sufficient for that Purpose as the
BENNING WENTWORTH.
41
Expence of those Americans is very great and as to the Americans in General except only such as may be wanted for the Service above mention’d It is His Majestys Pleasure that You in Conjhinction with Commodore Knowles shoud thank them in such Manner as You think proper and Immedi- ately discharge them upon the best and Cheapest Foot You Can and in Order thereto You will Consult with the respec- tive Gov‘s upon the manner of doing it and You will Trans- mit to His Majesty an Imediate Account of what You shall do therein
N B This Paragraph shou’d have been Inserted between the Fourth and fifth Paragraphs.
(A Copy) W SHIRLEY CHAS KNOWLES. [Indorsed] Extracts of Y® Duke of New Castles Letter to
G^s Sherly &c
BENNING WENTWORTH TO JONATHAN LAW.
Portsmouth May 30th
Sir,
His Majestys Service haveing made it necessary for me to appoint an officer in your Government, to prevent the destruction of the Kings woods on the Several branches of Connecticut River & the parts adjacent, & M^ William Prout haveing been recommended to me as a fit person to be Imploy’d on this occasion, I have Impower’d him to take Care of the Kings woods in that Quarter, I must therefore recommend him to your Honour, hopeing he will meet with all Necessary assistance in your Government, where His Majestys Interest requires it, and if there should be any Impediment in the way you will be very kind in Signifying it to me, that I may have an opportunity to remove it.
Mr Prout has my Instructions to behave prudently & discreetly in his office, & to Show all proper Respect to your Honour & those in Authority under you, which I am
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LAW PAPERS.
hopeing he has duly observed. I am with great respect
your Honours most obedient & humie Serv‘
B WENTWORTH
The Honie Jonathan Law Esq^
[Indorsed] Gov^' Wentworths May 30 1747
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston June i^t 1747
Sir,
I wrote to your Honour the 15*^ of May last to inform you of the State of Affairs in relation to the Six Nations & the general Inclination among them to prosecute the War against our common Enemy, & thereupon to desire that your Government would encourage this Spirit in those Indians by making such Supplies for fitting them out & rewarding their Services as may be necessary for that End. Since the Date of my Letter Our General Court are met, & having taken the same Matter under Consideration, have Voted One Thousand Pounds New Tenor to be put into the Hands of Col° Stoddard to be employed in this Service, which together with ^750 before remitted to him in Goods by Order of the Governm‘ being added to the many Presents which this Governm^ have made to those Indians, since the beginning of the War, may justly be esteemed so large a Proportion of the Charge necessary in the most effectual manner to encourage the six Nations, to prosecute this War, that if the other Governments in North America, would grant proportionable Sums for the same Service, It is highly probable that the Success of these Attempts would more than Answer our Expence, it being the most likely way to weaken & distress the French at present, & to make Way for the Reduction of Canada, when ever it may be attempted.
This I write to your Honour at the Request of our General Assembly (who are much concerned to have this Affair Succeed) as well as from my own earnest Desire to promote an Affair which I think His Majesty’s Interests &'
JONATHAN LAW.
43
the Safety of his good Subjects in these Colonies is so deeply concerned; And therefore I must pray yr Honour to lay this Matter before your Assembly & use your Influence for bringing them in to join with us in promoting this Service I am Sir
Your Honour’s most
obedient humble Servant W SHIRLEY
The hon^iie Jonathan Law Esqr
JONATHAN LAW TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
Hartford June 3'^ 1747
Upon the Motion of Col° Huntington that some method for the Redemption of his Son, now in Captivity with many other New England People at Canada, may be provided; I am Desired to Send to you, to know whether a Carteel may be Settled between New England, & the French at Canada, to go up the river S* Lawrence, and by that way obtain the Redemption of Our Captives; and what hath been done already towards it; that if any Flag of Truce should go from Boston, we may have Opportunity to take Benefit thereby, and if none can be obtained that way then whether a Settlement may not be made for the Exchange of our Prisoners by Land, and what method may have been tho’t off by you for this Purpose ;
Your Answer hereto will Oblige Your Excellencys Obedient Humble Servant
His Excellency W™ Sherley Esq^
[Indorsed by Trumble] Copy of Letter to Gow Shirley
June 4‘h 1747
44
LAW PAPERS.
JONATHAN LAW TO GEORGE CLINTON.
Hartford June 1747
.S>
On the Motion of Col° Huntington, that Some Method may be provided for the Redemption of his Son, now in Captivity with many Other New England People at Canada; I am Desired to write to your Excellency to Know whether a Settlement may not be Obtained for the Exchange of Prisoners by Land, between those Governments, and the French at Canada, and whether any Measures may have already been used towards it, and what method is thot of by you for this Purpose; Your Answer in this regard will oblige
S^ Your Excellency’s
Obedient Hum® Servant
His Excelpy G. Clinton Esq^
[Indorsed by Law] Copy of a Letter to Gov*" Clinton June 3d 1747
[Indorsed by Trumble] Copy of Letter to Gov*" Clinton June 4*1^ 1747
ELIAKIM PALMER TO JONATHAN LAW. *
Copy
London 4^^' June 1747
The Jonathati Law Esq^
Sr
Having already wrote your Horn by this Conveyance I have only to add thereto Copies of the Report made to his Majesty by the Lords of Trade upon examining the Acco‘® of the Colony’s Disbursements in the Expedition against Cape Breton and the order of Reference to the Lords of the Treasury whom I shall accordingly attend thereupon & am
* This letter preceeds, on the same sheet the letter of Eliakim Palmer to Law dated London 26»h Augt 1747
GEORGE CLINTON.
45
ORDER IN COUNCIL
At the Council Chamber Whitehall the 27‘h Day of May 1747 Present
The Lords of His Majestys most Hon’ble Privy Council Whereas there was this Day read at the Board a Report made by the Lords Commissrs for Trade & Plantations, and His Majesty’s Secretary at War dated the 14 of this Ins‘ upon Examining into the Account of the Expences of the Colony of Connecticut arisen from the Expedition to Cape Breton & for the Defence & Security of Louisburg after it’s Reduction to His Majesty’s Obedience, Which Expences the said Colony pray’d to be reimburs’d. It is thereupon order in Council, that the said Report together with the Accounts thereto Annex’d, Be, and they are herewith Trans- mitted to the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty’s Treasury who are to Call the Agent of the said Colony before them, & to Settle and Adjust the Demand made by the said Colony, & to prepare an Estimate of the Expence in order to be laid before the next Session of Parliament
[Indorsed by Law] Order of the King & Council to y® L^s of the Treasury May 27 1747 rec^ March 21st
GEORGE CLINTON TO JONATHAN LAW.
5th June 1747
I have the favour of yours of 25th of last Month by Mr Justice Whiting I immediately gave directions and proper Orders, and referr you to Mr Whiting for particulars I am in great hopes to be able to put a Stop to these villain- ous proceedings and make an Example of Some
I am Sr very much your humble Serv‘
G CLINTON
To the Hon^’i® Govr Laws [Indorsed] Govr Clintons June io‘h 1747
46
LAW PAPERS.
JAMES WADSWORTH TO JONATHAN LAW.
Durham June 1747
May it please Your Honour
to excuse me for troubleing you Soone with these lines, after my parting with Your Honour at Hartford, I intended to mentioned it in the Assembly to consider whether the act of parliament, in reference to Canvas would not hurt this Govern I feare it will discourage Industery, & put a Hardship upon the tradeing part of this Colony. I would humbly propose it to Your Honour to write to our agent m^ Palmer, whether that act as now explained will be understood to extend to the plantations, if So whether by a proper aplication we may not be allowed to cloath our own vessells with canvas made amongst our Selves. Not further to ad, but to ask your Honours pardon, and to Subscribe my Self
your verry humble & obedient Serv‘
JAMES WADSWORTH
[Superscribed] For the Honourable Jonathan Law Esq’’ at Milford.
[Indorsed] James Wadsworths Letter June 1747
ISRAEL WILLIAMS’ LETTER
Hatf^ June 19. 1747
To the Chief Military Officers of the Several Companies in the Regiment of the Militia in the County of Hampsh^
Gent“,
I have this minute by Express from Mr Lydius, rec'^ Information that eight days before ye date of this, that near three hundred Canoes and Battoes then arriv‘d at Crown point, with 8, 10, & 12 men in each, discov<i by Some of our friend Indians who were at Crown point, waiting for an Opportunity to Catch some of our Enemies. Its probable the Enemy have or will take their
WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
47
Rout to our Frontiers. This is therefore to direct you to See to it that your Companies be all Equip’d and in the Utmost readiness to march for ye relief of those that may be in distress, or Stand in need of help.
If Maj*' Pynchon be in the County I desire he would Write Gov'' Wolcott, the news, and desire they woud be ready & afford us their Assistance. I am now sending to Boston and cant write.
I am, Yr Hume Ser‘
IS^ WILLIAMS
To be sent to ye sev> officers forthwith.
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston June 20‘h 1747
Sir,
At the Desire of Our General As.sembly, I send your Honour by Express the Advices, I have just now received, of a great Body of French and Indians assembled at Crown Point, & from thence on their March towards Our Fron- tiers, or the Frontiers of the Province of New York, or both; (as we must necessary conclude) and as We have the utmost reason to expect an Attack from the Enemy every Moment, I must desire your Honour, forthwith to send a good Body of Forces out of your Government, for the Pro- tection of Our Western Frontiers, with orders to your Commanding Officer to act with the Utmost Care & Diligence in this Affair, & to follow such Directions as he shall receive from Col° John Stoddard, or in his Absence from Brigadier Dwight for his proceedings herein. It is thought adviseable that a great Part of your Soldiers be sent to Stockbridge & the Places in that neighbourhood which will be much exposed to the Enemy. If your men can carry a good Quantity of Provisions without much Delay, it will expedite their March, & there will be danger of your not finding sufficient Provi- sions there, & they may depend upon this Government’s
48
LAW PAPERS.
paying them for it.
I am Sir, Your Honour’s
most obedient humble Servant W SHIRLEY
Gov^ Laws
[Indorsed] Govr Shirley’s Express concerning a Discovery of a Body of French & Indians receiv‘d June 24‘h 1747
JOHN H. LYDIUS TO JOHN STODDARD.
Col° Stoddard,
Sr
According to Orders I sent a party of 14 Indians against the Enemy. One of the said Party meeting with a Mischance got lame, with whom four others returned, so that but nine proceeded & came as far as Crown Point where they lay in wait two days for an Opportunity to try to make an attack. They espied in the Lake a large body of Canoes & Battoes of about or near three hundred 8, 10 & 12 men in each. Seeing them in a Body appeared as an Island in the Lake when they came near Crown Point Fort, they were Saluted with 12 great Guns which was returned by their small Arms. Those Indians thinking this a matter of great importance found good speedily to return, in order to give us intelligence of that large Body coming as they think against some of the Frontiers. S^ taking this to be a matter of such Importance incumbent on me to give your Honour information I have as speedily as possible forwarded this by Express, this is the sixth day since they have seen the aforesaid Army arrive at Crown Point. I have also this day jointly with CoF Roberts sent Six of the same Indians and one white man in order to make a further discovery of their motions & if to your parts shall if possible give advice. In the mean time I beg of your Hon*" to send orders to all the western Frontiers to be on their guard for fear of a surprize. Hend^ & his party is not arrived but momently
JOHN n. l.YDIUS.
49
expected, I am with due regards to y Hon'' & all friends yr Hon's
most humble & Obed‘ Servt
JOHN H. LYDIUS
Albany June 17, 1747.
P. S. S' The article of Virmilmion is not to be had at New York nor Philadelphia & is exceeding necessary, I beg all that is to be had at Boston may be sent here without delay. Just now came to Town one Tiscauorora Indian having also with a party of Six been fitted and was gone three of whom turned back, the other three proceeded, & being got as far as Teyondaroge where from a mount they see the abovementioned Enemy going by towards Wood Creek so that it appears to me it is meant either for Hosack or Saratoga.
They was on said hill they heard the fire of a Gun, they put their Packs off and went down the hill, they see some of the Enemy’s Canoes who had perceived, and they called to them who they were Ours answered Tiscororas on which several Shot was fired at our Indians who then fled, being as they said but three in number One of them see an Indian Enemy on the Land at whom he fired and killed him and as he was going to take his Scalp he was shot by some others laying concealed he crying out to the two others, I am killed, at whom several Shot was also fired the one that is arrived does not know what is become of the third, he farther says he see and spoke to some Cognewagers who said the French had a Fort at Teyonnonderoge and at the Lake S‘ Sacrema and on the hearing that the two Tiscaroros was killed they said they would not proceed further but return directly. I am as abovs<i
Y' Hon's most humb^ Obed‘ Serv' JOHN H LYDIUS
Copy Examined
^ J Willard Secry
4
5°
LAW PAPERS.
[Indorsed] John H Lydius’s Advice of Arrival of a Large Body of French & Indians at Crown Point on the iith June Instant rec^ June 24*^' 1747
JOSIAH WILLARD TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston June 20‘*’ 1747
Sir,
I am directed by the General Court of this Province to acquaint your Honour, That his Excellency our Govern^ has determined (at the request of both Houses) to send a Flag of Truce to Canada, with Commissioners to proceed therein to Quebeck, in order to effect the Redemption of all .such English Prisoners belonging to this Governm* and the Gov- ernmts of New Hampshire, Connecticut & Rhode Island as may be within that Government, and to use all possible Care to recover such of the said English Captives as may be in the hands of the Indians ; And that all the french Prisoners that may be obtained within these Governments be sent in the s'! Flag of Truce to Canada; And I am further to inform your Honour, that the Resolution of this Governmt in the said Affair is taken in Confidence that the said Governm^® of New Hampshire, Connecticut & Rhode Island will join in the Expence that will arise by the sending the said Flag of Truce in proportion to the Number of Prisoners belonging to each Governm^ that may be redeemed; And it is also desired that your Honour would give Orders that whatever french Prisoners are within your Colony be forthwith got ready to be sent hither in order to their being transported to Canada in the said Flag of Truce. Your Honour will please to let this Goverm* know your Determination on this Affair as soon as you can with Convenience.
I am Sir,
Your Honour’s most Obedient
and most Humble Serv‘
JOSIAH WILLARD Secry The honb'e Governour Laws
[Indorsed] Secry Willards Letter ab‘ a flagg of Truce June 20th 1747
GKORGE CLINTON.
51
GEORGE CLINTON TO JONATHAN LAW.
New York 21 June 1747
La.s night I reed by Expres.s from Coll Roberts an account, that on the 10“’ Inst arrived at Crown point about 300 Canoes with French & Indians the major part Indians, with two large white flaggs & Drums beating, & that the Fort saluted them with 12 Guns, which they return’d with small arms, & that a Tuscorara Indian came to Albany last Wednesday in the afternoon, he was part of a party of 3 that went a Scalping about 30 mile on this side Crown point, & says that on Sunday last he met the Enemy in a great number of Canoes coming the way toward Wood Creek, & that they were attacked by six Indians, that were a Shoar as Scouts, that they killed his Brother & he escaped by flight, & that it is believed this Expedition is against some part of new England.
I am S'" with great respect
your Honours most humble Ser‘
G CLINTON
P S I am this moment embarking for Albany [Superscribed] On his Majesty’s Service To The Honble Jonathan Laws Esq’' Governour & Commander in Chief of Conecticut
[Indorsed] Gov^ Clintons rec<i June 24 1747
ROGER WOLCOTT TO JONATHAN LAW.
Hartford June 23. 1747
The Enclosed Letters with Letter from Gov’' Shirley to me Came by Express from Gov’' Shirley Last Night upon viewing the Contents I thought best to Call the Comittee for the War and Lay the [ ] before them before I sent it to
your Horn that you might know what was done by them The Comittee have Met this day and Resolved to send
52
LAW PAPERS.
400 men to Stockbridg-e and our north western fronteers Your Horn will Consider what is further to be Done from Whome I shall alwaies hope to Directed and am
your Honrs
very Humble serv*
R WOLCOTT
the Honabie J.oNATH Law Esqr [Superscribed] To The Honabie Jonathan Law Esqr In Milford
[Indorsed] Goyr Wolcotts concerning Comte of War at Hartford Order to Detach Men. June 23^ 1747
NATHANIEL STANLY TO JONATHAN LAW.
Hartford June 27*^ 1747
Honbi^
I rec<t yours by Capt Elihu Hall and the two Comissions Inclosed, and also a dozen of Blanks which I have Sent back by Cap* Hall desier your Hounr will put your Seal to them & Send them, to Hartford by the first Opertunity ; I think that these Comissions Should have your Hounds Seal and not the Seal of the Corporation; being ofisors not appointed by the Assembly but by your Houn^; as to what your Hounr mentions of being at a Loss what was Intended by wrighting for Commissions for three Companeys when there was four to be Raised, the reason was this; we got two blanks of the Secretary which we filled up for the two Commission Officers in this Regement, and we thought that the others might be Sent from your Houn^ Sooner than any other way our men marched from on thirsday last for Stcck- bridge, the Comette of Warr have Ordered Eight barrels of porke of the Goverments Stores in Co’i Wells hands to be taken into baggs and transported on Horseback to Sheffield for the Support of our forces, which went a long yesterday, by 12 Horses & Six men to Convey it, we hear nothing further of the Enemy but are in hourly expectation of hearing Something about them ; I hear they are verey much allarumed in the uper Towns, & have drawn the Men in the Lower
NATHANIEL STANLY. — WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
53
Towns up into there fronters, a Small party I hear have lately ben discovered at Dearfield, if all that we hear is true I fear there is Great dainger of the Enemys doing great Spoyl on Some of the English Setelments unless by an Over Ruleing hand of providence they are prevented As to what your Hounr mentions Concerning the Goverments Stores, I am of the Opinion it is best Spedaly to dispose of the greatest part I fear the porke hath taken Damage allredey and if it lies much longer unsould, I fear will be Lost, Capt Halls is now waiting, and I shall not further Add but that I Remain your Hounds Most Obedient Humble Ser^tt
NATHLL STANLY To the Hon*’*® Jonathan Law Esq''
[Indorsed] Coll* Stanlys July 3^ 1747
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston June 29**1 1747
Sir,
This will inform your Honour that this Government taking into Consideration the great Danger which all his Majesty’s Colonies in North America are in (as well as their own particular Danger) of being in Time destroyed by the French & Indians under their Influence, without a firm Union between themselves for their mutual Defence, & for weakening & destroying the Power of the Enemy, and more especially for driving the French from the Borders of the Province of New York & this Province have appointed Commissioners to meet in a Congress to be held at New York on the second day of September next, with such Com- missioners as may be appointed by all his Majestj^’s Governments from New Hampshire to Virginia inclusively, then & there to treat & agree upon Measures for encourag- ing the Indians of the six Nations vigorously to prosecute their Incursions on the Enemy, as also to agree upon the Method & Proportion of raising Men «& Money for carrying on the War both offensively, & defensively, and to project &
54
LAW PAPERS.
settle such Enterprizes & Plans of Operation as the Com- mon Interest shall require
Your Honour will I doubt not duly consider the great Importance of this Matter & represent it in the strongest Light to your Assembly that they may see not only how deeply his Majesty’s Interest in General is concerned, but that their own particular Safety will be soon much affected by the growing Power of the French, & more especially the Hazard there is, that they will bring the Six Nations into their Interest, in Case they are not forthwith most vigor- ously supported by the English; without which it will be but a very little while before the Southern as well as Northern Colonies, will be exposed to their Fury; And therefore I would earnestly recommend it to the several Governments separately to make Provision without Delay for the Encouragement of the Six Nations, ’till the Congress can be held; This Government having already advanced many large Sums of Money & still continuing to do more for this Service. Your Honour will be pleased to give me Seasonable Advice of the Resolutions of your Government on this most important AfEair I am Sir
Your Honour’s most
obedient & most humble Servant W. SHIRLEY
The hon^ie Jonathan Law Esq^
JONATHAN LAW TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
Milford June 30*’’ 1747
Yours of the 2o‘*’ I rec^ on y® 24‘h with Advise from his Hon*" the D. Govemour that he had called the Corn*®® together and that they had agreed to Send 400 men and I gave Commissions accordingly for that purpose who were Soon upon their march. I had advice from Gov*" Clinton of the arrival of a body of French and Indians att Crown point just before I rec<i yours: I have Since a Rumour from up
JONATHAN LAW. WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
55
Country and from new York of 64 persons being killed and taken att Surratoga which I fear was all that Remained there the Rest haveing deserted
Our assembly have granted 6oo" to be Sent to Coll* Stoddard for Incouraging the Indians and more to be drawn out by me and my Concil if occasion should So require, not Exceeding 2000" this is all present the needful from Your Excellencies most
humble & obedient Servant JONTH law
his Excellency Gow Shirley
[Indorsed] Copies of Letters to Gov'’ Shirley & Secry Willard June 30‘h 1747
JONATHAN LAW TO JOSIAH WILLARD.
Milford June 1747
In Answer to yours of the 20‘h Instant I send you a Copy of the Act of our Assembly in May last on the Memorial of Hez: Huntington Esq^ which affords an
Answer to yours so far as I am able to give w^h is as follows
Att a Gen* Assembly &c*
I am S*' Your humble and obedient Servant
JONTH law
JosiAH Willard Secrv
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO DUKE OF BEDFORD.
Extract of a letter from Gov'' Shirley to the Duke of Bedford dated July 2^ 1747.
As to the Connecticut & Rhode Island levies, I think it may be proper to apprize your Grace that the Soldiers of the
*The resolution of the Assembly directs the Governor to see what can be done about arranging for an exchange of prisoners; and to prosecute that design he is authorized to draw from the public treasury so much money as he with the advice of the Council shall judge necessary.
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LAW PAPERS.
Regiment rais’d in the firstmention’d Colony, & consisting of ab* looo Men, were dismiss’d to their respective homes after their Arms being deliver’d up to their Officers, ab‘ twelve Months before the time of their being discharg’d by Mr Knowles & me on the 31®* of October last, there to remain till farther Order; so that they were employ’d oli no Duty all that time, but follow’d their several Occupations in in their own Dwellings, subject to the Inconvenience of be- ing oblig’d to hold themselves in Readiness to return to his Majesty’s Service, when call’d upon; The whole Pay of these Officers & Soldiers for this Space of time will amount to ab‘ ;,Ci5ooo Sterl®^; & what Deductions sh<i be made out of the pay of the Noncommission Officers & private Men, or rather what Allowance should be made ’em for their remain- ing so long under the Terms of their Enlistment, at their own Houses, I thought would be proper for your Grace’s Consideration; as also what Saving might be reasonably made out of the Pay of the Commission Officers, whose Case seems to be different from that of their respective Com- panies ; it having been, as they urge to me, ag* their Consent that the Men were thus dismiss’d, but a voluntary Act in the Men; & besides it seems very considerable in their favour, that they were at an Expence in raising their Men, & put themselves out of their former Course of Business, & may probably be Losers upon the whole, even if they sh^ receive their full Pay without Deductions for this time, & the En- couragement or Diseouragement of the Officers in general to exert themselves on future Emergencies in his Majesty’s Service, by the Treatment, they receive from the Crown upon this Occasion, seems to be likewise a Matter that deserves your Graces Consideration.
Copy,
W SHIRLEY
[Indorsed by Law] Extract of a Letter from Gow Shirley to D of Bedford July 2^ 1747 rec<^ June 28 1749
JONATHAN LAW.
57
JONATHAN LAW TO NATHANIEL STANLY.
Milford July 3^^ 1747
Yours by Cap‘ Hall of the 27‘h Last I received Sent for my Comte that I might give Orders to the Comissaries and I rec^i a Letter from Gov^ Shirley a Copy whereof I Inclose to to you and on Consideration thereof thot it adviseable to deferr giving out those Orders ’till the coming of the Post from York when I might possibly be further ad- vised of the present State of Affairs to the Northward, and Considering the Provision already made for encouraging the Indians, and the Care and Authority for protecting the Frontiers Lodg’d with the Com‘e being the speediest Rem- edy on any sudden Emergency and there having been pro- vision made (with good caution) for a general Congress at Nw York. We thot it not likely to be of any real Service to be at the Charge and fatigue of an Assembly in so busy a Season, yet I would ask the Sentiments of you Gentlemen above whether the Provision above mention’d may not answer the Ends proposed as well & as fully as any thing which might further be done by an Assembly ?
Not knowing how soon you may have special Occasion for Comissions I have added my Seal & sent them not thinking it safe to delay it for an Accidental Opportunity. I also Inclose to you an Extract of a Letter out of one of the Nw York News Papers of this Week
My Service to his Horn and the Rest of the Gentlemen to your Spouse & accept the same from Y^ Friend & Ser‘
JONN LAW
Nath Stanly Esq
Copy
PS. I sent on the 30th of Last Month to Gov*" Shirley an acc‘ of what was for Encouragement of the Indians and of the 400 Men sent
J LAW
[Indorsed] Copy of a Letter to Col> Stanly & concerning
Gov^ Shirley® Letter July 3*1 1747
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LAW PAPERS.
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston July 1747
Sir,
Upon the Advices I have received this Day, by Express from Our Western Frontiers, of the great Appearance of the Enemy upon Hudson’s River, & the Attack they are making upon the Fort at Sarahtogo, and the Danger I apprehend the Indians of the Six Nations are in, as well as all the English Colonies, in Case of the Enemy’s Success, I have thought it necessary to give Brigadier Dwight Orders, that if the Forces on Hudson’s River should want any Succours to drive the Enemy out of those Parts, & to defend the Six Nations, that he should go with such a Detachment, out of his Regiment, as might be spared without endangering our own Frontier; And I must earnestly recommend it to your Honour, to send such a Force out of your Government, as being joined with those of New York, & such as might be spared from Our Frontier, may, by the Blessing of God, give some notable Repulse to the Enemy, & hearten Our Friend Indians; for it is better encountering the Enemy at some Distance than in the Heart of Our own Country ; This Affair must be proceeded upon without Delay; For if we should succeed herein, nothing will more effectually secure the Six Nations in Ox:r Interests, But if the Enemy should succeed, there is the utmost Danger of our losing the Six Nations, wch would be of the most fatal Consequence to Us.
I am Sir,
Your Honour’s most
obedient humble Servant W SHIRLEY
The Honbie Jonathan Laws Esq*'
[Indorsed] Gov^ Shirleys July 10 1747
DEPUTY GOVERNOR AND ASSISTANTS.
59
DEPUTY GOVERNOR AND ASSISTANTS TO JONATHAN LAW.
Norwich July 6*^ 1747
Col° Huntington moving us to give our Thoughts upon what money shall be drawn by your Honour for The Settling the Carteil To Canada for The Redemption of our Prisoners from Thence, and Informing us That on our Motion They are proceeding upon it at Boston, and have Chosen Coinissioners To Go, and Intend to Send Speedily, and That There is No Time to be Lost; and Considering The Difficulty of your Honour’s getting the Council To- gether upon it; We have Therefore presumed To Inform of our Opinion, That Col° Huntington be Entrusted with One Thousand pounds old Tenour To be Improved for That purpose, and That he be directed Concerning it That if Less may Answer The Intention That he Return what is over; Tho according To our Small Acquaintance with .Such Affairs, we are apt To Think That will not be more Than will be Expected from us; and We should be tinwilling To have it Fail Tho more should be Wanted; Which is Submitted By your Honour’s
Obedient Humble Servants
SAMUEL LYNDE JONTH TRUMBLE I Concur ROGER WOLCOTT WM PITKIN NATHLL STANLY JNO CHESTER To the Honbie Jonth Law Esq*"
[Indorsed] D Gov'' &c for Coll' Huntington July ii"' 1747 to draw a 1000" old Tenour
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LAW PAPERS.
JOSIAH WILLARD TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston July 6*’’ 1747
Sir,
On the 2 2<i of last Month I wrote to your Honour, by Order of the General Court of this Province, referring to a Flag of Truce Governour Shirley is sending to Canada: The only thing I have to inform your Honour of, on that Head is, that it is expected that the Flag of Truce will sail from hence about the Middle of next Week, & to desire, that if there be any French Prisoners in your Government which your Honour proposes to send to Canada by this Flag of Truce, that you would please to send them to Boston so that they may be ready to embark by the Time appointed I am with great respect Sir, your Honour’s
most Obedt hum® Servant
JOSIAH WILLARD
I have reed your Honour's Letter by the last Post Gov*" Laws
[Indorsed] Secry Willards July 10 1747
NATHANIEL STANLEY TO JONATHAN I.AW.
Hartford July 8*11 1747 S^
yours by Cap* Hall Came last night to my hand about Eleven a Clook I have not yet had oppertunity to Acquaint the Dept Gov^ with it, but shall take the first opertunity for it, I have this minit Rec't your Hounr® of y« 7*^^ Instant with what is Inclosed; there will need nothing to be done re- lating to the Deficulty Complaind of by Cap* Andrew Tuttle, respecting his men at Sheffield, for the Comitt® of Warr have Sent an Express yesterday to Call them all of, we have Co'i Stoddards advise for it, I am Sorrey your Hounr or Co^^ Eeles Should be troubled with Such Com- plaints from the Officers, I think if they had wanted any Provitions they Should have Sent to y® Comitte of Warr hear who would have taken Care to have Supplied them, I
NATHANIEL STANLEY. JAMES WADSWORTH.
6l
hope they have not Suffered, much by reason of want, we have Sent them 12 barels of pork, and 1200 wait of Bread, and have Ordered that if it be not all Spent to leave the remainder with Aaron Sheldon ; a person who Co” Stoddard Desires it may be left with for the use of that Goverment As to what your Houn'' mentions Concerning the Assemblys being Called to meet, I can Say onely for my Selfe, that I am of the Opinion it is not nessarey to Call the Assembly to Meat at this time, for as much as the Assembly have All redey Appointed, Gent men Comissioners to Meet in a Congress as is proposed by Gov*" Shurley and as to the Affairs of the Warr I hope the Comitte of Warr hear will not be wanting to do Evereything that lyes with them to do for ye publick good. The Dep‘ Govr was at Hartford yester- day who is lately Come from North Hampton, and has had a great deal of discorse with Co” Stoddard respecting the Manegment of ye Warr the Co” thinks it may be best that our men return that are at Sheffield & Stockbridge thinking they ar not in more dainger then Some other places; it is Said that at N° 4 they hear Guns fiered in the woods all most everey day which they Conclude are done by the Enemy; there being no English persons there; the Co” I perceve is of the minde that the Enemy will Stear there Corse Chiefly towards the Dutch & the Six nations this Sumer, but is not without fear that Some of the Uper Towns may Suffer by them
I shall not further Add but with my Hearty Regards to your Honour, & Servise to Maddam your Spouse, I sub- scribe my Selfe your Honours Humble Serv^
NATHLL STANLY
[Indorsed by Law] Coll Stanly’s July 9^” 1747
JAMES WADSWORTH TO JONATHAN LAW.
Durham July 174^.
May it please your Honour
Capt E : Hall is with me, he proposeth to me from your Honour, whether at Gov*" Sherrly desire a Gen” Assy be
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LAW PAPERS.
called to appoynt Comrs to Joyne those of the Mass*® &c. I can not give in to the opinion of calling an Assembly for that purpose, if it be thought proper to Joyne our Com^s doubtless it will be time enough next October, for as yet (as I Supose) the more western have not yet appoynted theire Commas; wishing your Honour health & prosperity, the barer waits & may not enlarge
I remaine your Honours most humble Serv‘
JAMES WADSWORTH
[Superscribed] To the Honourable Jonathan Law Esqf At Milford
[Indorsed] Colh Wadsworth’s July 8^^ 1747
JAMES WADSWORTH TO JONATHAN LAW.
Durham July pti’ 1747.
Honourable Sir:
Colonel Huntington is now with me, and hath Shewen to me a letter Signed by his Horn the Dep‘ Gov^ &c, therein a Sum of money mentioned &c I believe that Sum there mentioned will be (as to quantety) expended before we get our Captives home, but I am Informed that the matter is undertaken by the Gove‘ of the Massa‘s with an expectation, that we be our proportiable part according to the number of Captives will be found there belonging to this Colony & Shall be Redeemed So it dont look like that any money will be now wanted, but if your Honour thinkes it Necesary, I consent to the drawing out the Sum mentioned in the above letter, being the needfull from
your Honours
Most humble Serv‘
JAMES WADSWORTH
[Superscribed] To the Honourable Jonathan Law Esq^ at Milford
EUllU HALL. JONATHAN LAW.
63
ELIHU HALL TO JONATHAN LAW.
Wall<i 1747
May it please your Hon''
I have sent this to convey Col* Wadsworth’s Letter being disappointed of any other Oppurtunity Whereby y honour may be advised of Col' Stanly & Co' Chesters Senti- ments on the Contents of Gov'' Shirley’s Letter 29 June Ult: who both express themselves that the Matter is well provided for without Limitation of Time as to any past Period, guarded with due Caution, & as to Co' Wadsworths your Honr will have it before you. I am your Honrs Dutiful & Obedient Serv' to comand
E HALL
The Hon' Govr Law [Indorsed] Cap' Hall’s July 10"' 1747
JONATHAN LAW TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
Milford July ii"' 1747 Si’-
In answere to that of m*" Sectry Willards of the 6"' Instant: We have not any french Prisoners In this Colony
at present: that I Can Learn yet hope we may have all propper benifit by the Flag of Truce your are Sending to Canada. We have had many french Prisoners here since the Reduction of Cape breton who have been Rele[ ]<i to Return to their several places: Without any In Exchange for them: Which may be as an argument for the Redemp- tion of ours at Canada.
And as we Expect to be at our proportion of Charge agreeable to tirmes proposed by your General Court: So that there be a Remembrance of all our Captives there. Especaly of M*" Hezekiah Huntington Jun*" Cap' Samuell Storey Peter Harris Jun^ Edy Trap & Lemuell Martin
I rec'^ yours of y^ 6"' Instant on y® 10"' as also that of y® 29"' of June on y® 3d Instant and remembering that the Assembly here had appointed Comrs for a Congress at the same place on y® same Acc' and that y® Assembly had
64
LAW PAPERS.
ordered money for y® encouragement of ye Indians (as I hinted to you before) and appointed a Com‘ee of Warr at Hartford for ye Defence of our frontiers and your western ones I doubted of any adventagious addition to be made by an Assembly, however sent by an Express to the D. Governour and other Gentlemen above to know their Senti- ments about it as also to send provisions to our Troops gone into your Gov* where the people could not support them. I reel an Answer on ye 9th dated on ye Sti’ That nothing could be added by an Assembly in the Articles proposed and that provisions were sent and directed that what should not be used by our forces should be left with Sheldon according as Colh Stoddard had desired for the use of your Gov‘ and that an Express was sent yesterday to call off our forces, done by Coll Stoddards Advice.
Now your Excellency knows the motion you make for joyning Brigadier Dwight cant be without an Assembly which makes it impracticable to be done without delay. Colh Skuyler is got safe to Surratoga tho Majr Williams’s Scout were there before him and returnd to fort Massachu- setts without seeing any Enemy, but that I might not be tedious I Subscribe
Your humble, obedient Servant
J L
his Excellency Gov^ Shirley
[Indorsed] Copy of a Letter to Gov^ Shirley July 11* 1747
JOHN STODDARD TO ROGER WOLCOTT.
Hampton July 13-1747
when you was here I Informed you that I had laid out the Six Hundred Pounds you wrote to me of, according to the best of my Power, and that the Goods were purchased with other Goods bought with Money Granted by our Gov- ernment, which your Hou“r thought not worth while to distinguish by Parcells.
JOHN STODDARD.
65
I have Inclosed a Copy of the Invoice Sent to Lydias, with a Copy of my last Letter to him, wherein you will observe that I propose that the Goods be Employed agreable to my Letter of June i: wherein I directed those Gent™" to use the (ioods in fitting out the Indians, and rewarding them for Scalps & Prisoners according as had been accustomed by the Government of New York, always taking an accompt of the Numbers of each Party sent on our account, with the Names of their Commanders, and transmitting these things to me ^ first oppertunity, taking Care not to Exceed the Sum Granted.
This I thought a safe way, and would not lay the Gov- ernment under a necessity of more Expence than they Pleased hereafter to be at.
I have given my Note for the Goods bought for Con- necfct Government, and if you Please to send the Bills ^ Mr Benj" Alvard his receipt shall Discharge you.
There will doubtless be the Charge of freight &c which I can’t at Present particularly Inform you of.
you are Sencible that the usual Commissions are five cent.
my Express returned from Albany on Saturday last by whom Mr Lydius wrote largly. I perceive that 5 Senecas and one Dutch man left Hendrick (two or three days before their misfortune) and Went to Isle Pero near Montreal, and killed or took three Persons and burnt Several buildings, Hendrick landed on the same Island, but was obliged to lye Concealed two or 3 days then 26 determined to return and 12 designed to make tryal for an oppertunity near Montreal, and before they had been long parted, the 26 attempting to land on the Southern Shore the French and Caguawagas Called who is there, they answered Maquas and Albanians, then the Enemy fired on our People who lost Seven Blacks and 3 whites. Hendrick was within hearing, and they pre- tend to know and call by name several french Maquas, that were present and that such a man Said he had taken two another one &c they say a french man had taken two, who happened to kill their Master & Escaped.
6
66
LAW PAPERS.
Hendrick Complains greatly to Gov»*' Clinton of the negligence of the Several Governments in loosing divers oppertunities to take Crown Point &c.
but I must break of, think the easiest way is to send my Letters that you may Peruse them before I send to Boston, and
Remain your very Humble Obedient Servant JOHN STODDARD the Honi^ie Roger Wolcott Esq^
INVOICE OF GOODS.
Invoice of Two Cases & Three Bales Merchandize, Eleven Piggs & Thirty Barrs Lead, & Two Chests Arms, Ship’d by the Hont>’e John Stoddard Esq'', on board the Brigt Success Tim° Standley Master for New York, & consigned to M^ Robert Livingston J unr Merchant there, to be Forwarded to Maj'' John H Lydius at Albany, Mark’d and Numbered
|
^ Margent Viz‘ |
|||
|
S a Case Cont® viz' |
|||
|
I 3 p Strip’d Duffills |
® £20 60 |
— |
— |
|
S V H Garlets N° 2 |
® 71/3 17 |
16 |
3 |
|
14 p Ditto 3 |
75/ 52 |
10 |
— |
|
25 p Ditto 4 |
78/9 98 |
8 |
9 |
|
16 p Ditto 5 |
82/6 66 |
— |
— |
|
5 doz Jack knives |
12/6 3 |
2 |
6 |
|
26“ Vermilion |
25/ 32 |
10 |
— |
|
hundred red Lead |
® 90/ I |
2 |
6 331 10 — |
|
2 a Case Cont^ 2 p® & 8 Strip’d Duffill Blankets ® £20 50 |
13 |
4 |
|
|
I p® White Cotton 96 yds |
® 3/9 18 |
I |
io>^ 68 15 2J^ |
3 a Bale Cent® 5 p Strip’d Duffills
@ £20 100 — —
4 a Ditto Conta
I p» "Wliite Cotton 97 yds @ 3/9 18 3 9
10 p“ Garlets N° 6 @ 86/3 43 2 6
9 p» D° 7 ® 90/ 40 10 — loi 16 3
INVOICE OK GOODS.
67
5 a Bale Cont“
I p» blue broad Cloth N« 8 245^ y‘''
115 13
57 2 io>^
144 18 9
— 6 — ^^■920 2 ii^
Invoice of One Case Merchandize Ship’d i>y the Hon^ie John Stoddard Esq'’ on board Sloop Weymouth John Conk- ling Master for New York & goes consigned as the within viz‘
Xjf S a Case Cont*
N° 8 I p“ White Cotton N° 39 93 y<*» 3/9 178 9
2 p“ finer Ditto N° 25 94 56 99
193yds 4/l^d 39 16
40 Leather handle Cutlasses 6/3 12 10 —
Carting aboard i 3
The Foot of the Invd on the other Side New Tenor
To an Order from Gov' Shirley to Moses Emerson Commissary at Albany for 14 barrels Gun Powder for which I paid the Hon^'e John Osborn Esq'
New Tenor 1147 9 i
Boston June 27^'' 1747 Errors Excepted
John Stoddard
69 16 i}4
920 2 I I
989 19 I
157 10 —
|
@ |
20 |
24 10 |
— |
|
|
2 p» Ditto |
N« 13 3i>^ |
|||
|
14 34K |
65^ yds @ |
22/6 |
73 19 |
4K |
|
I p> red Coating |
26 y‘‘’ @ |
13/ |
17 4 |
6 |
|
30 bars [ ^3" @ llh'M |
56 17 |
io>^ |
||
|
Trucks the Lead aboard |
— 5 |
— |
||
|
1 2 Chests Cont» i 34 Small arms |
@ |
50/ |
85 - |
|
|
8 Ditto |
@ |
47/6 |
19 — |
— |
|
2 Ditto |
@ |
90/ |
9 — |
— |
|
7 Ditto |
@ |
60 |
21 — |
— |
|
5 Ditto |
43/9 |
10 18 |
9 |
Trucking the above
Copy
68
LAW PAPERS.
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston July 20. 1747
Sir,
It being represented to me, that there is great Necessity that a strong Scout should constantly pass between Sarah- toga & Hoosuck, which may prevent the French & Indians from making Incursions upon upon the exposed Places on the West Side of Connecticut River, especially those that ly most to the Southward, which are a Barrier to the Colony of Connecticut, I do at the desire of his Majesty’s Council of this Province desire that your Honour would order a Party of one hundred Men to be sent from your Govern- mnt, to be paid & subsisted at their Charge, to scout between the Fort at Sarahtoga and Massachusetts Fort & back, for a few Months in the Summer Season, or untill some Agreemt be made at the proposed Congress upon these Matter's, and that they may have Provisions & other things needful for their Refreshment lodged at those Forts ; and the S<J Scout may sometimes pass between Stockbridge & Hoosuck, which may also be of good Service. I have wrote pressingly to Governour Clinton recommending it also to him to order a Scout from his Province of the same Number of Men to do the same Duty by scouting between the two Forts abovemention’d. These two Parties of Men faithfully employed in this Service may be a sufficient Security for the Fronteer Towns between Connecticut River & Hudsons River; And as this Province is so griev- ously burthened & almost destroyed with the Expence of the War, & your Colony will hereafter feel all the ill Conse- quences of the Enemy’s Acquisitions upon us especially on that Quarter, I doubt not but your Honour will see the Justice & good Policy of your Governm^® undertaking this Service, and use your Influence that the thing be effected & that without delay.
As I can see no reasonable Prospect of Security to the Western Frontier from the continual Incroachm*® and Devastations of the Enemy, without effecting the Reduction of the french Fort at Crown Point, I shall press it upon the
WILLIAM SHIRLKY.
69
Assembly of this Province at their next Meeting the 12‘h of August in the strongest Terms to join forthwith in the most vigorous measures for making an effectual Attempt against it. This ought, nay it must be done at all Events, cost what it will, in order to drive the Enemy out of our Borders, to cover the Country against their present & future Incursions, and (which is a point that most nearly concerns the Honour, Justice, & more especially the Inter- ests of the Colonies) to protect & support the Indians of the six Nations against the Hostilities & Resentm‘ of the French, w^h they have provok’d by their faithfull Alliance to us, & taking Part in the War with us, depending in a particular manner upon our Promises to ’em to dispossess the Enemy of Crown Point. In the mean while I shall have it at heart to make all the Preparations for this neces- sary Enterprize that it is in my power to do before the Meeting of the Assembly, that this Province may be in as much readiness as may be, not only to join in it, but to promote & set it forward, & doubt not but your Honour will act the same Part in your Government, and concur with me in all prudent Measures to bring forward this Attempt in the most speedy & effectual manner.
I am Sir
Your Honour's
Obedient, Humble Serv‘
W SHIRLEY
The hone's Jonathan Law Esq*"
[Indorsed] Gov^ Shirley’s July 24 1747
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston July 24‘h 1747
Sir,
As it appears to me by the latest Advices, I have received from Albany as well as, from what is contained in the New York Prints that there is the utmost Danger of a total Defection of all the six Nations from us to the French Interest, unless we do speedily & vigoursl}'^ join with them
70
LAW PAPERS.
in prosecuting an Expedition against the French for dis- lodging them from Crown Point, as well as from the Fort they have built much nearer to the English settlements, I have issued a Proclamation for summoning every member of the General Court of this Province to Attend the consulta- tion, that will be had on that affair upon the 12^^ of August next ; and as the least loss of time will greatly hazard the success of this Enterprize, if we should engage in it, I must intreat your Honour to have the Assembly of your Province sitting at or before that time, & lay before them the Danger there is of all his majesty’s Northern Colonies being soon depopulated & Swallowed up by the Enemy; unless we now join with the Six Nation without Delay in pursuing the War against the Enemy, and I must pray your Honour to give me early advices of the measures your Government shall take in this Affair.
I am. Sir,
Your Honours most Obedient
and most humble Servant.
W. SHIRLEY.
The honbie Jonathan Law Esq^
[Indorsed] Gov*" Shirleys July 26 1747
JONATHAN LAW TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
Milford July 28 1747
I acknowledge the favour of yours of the 24*^' Instant on Lords day 2 of the Clock PM. I forthwith advisd upon it with the Council near me when it was observd that altho your Excellency sais it appears to you by Advices from Albany and N York papers that there is the uttmost danger of a total Defection of the six Nations unless we speedily Joyn them to dislodge the fifrench out of their forts &c. That you do not say what those Advices were nor from whom and the N Y paper only sais We have advice That some Dep: of the six Nations &c of which the other N Y papers are silent, and that without doubt had y® Circum-
JONATHAN LAW.
71
stances required it Gov'' Clinton would not have been silent, but would have apprizd me of it as he did of the Mutinies and asked for help. That nothing was oiferd me to press the Assembly with, and it was feard That Dutch Men here were of the same Disposition with those in Europe who have appeard to regard nothing but their own private Interest till that was threatend and when they shall be sensible of it here we shall hear from them and could not therefore think it advisable for me to call an Assembly without further Information.
I remember the Council at N York were not for an Expedition against Crown Point on ye like Reasons with our Assembly (as Gov'' Clinton signifyd to me) and till I under- stand they are disposd that way, our people will be afraid least they should be exposd by ill minded persons as the British forces &c were att Sluys and Hulst some people there shewing their Resentments (as ’tis reported) att what has been about and above Albany.
At your Motion our Northern Com'®e have lately sent up 400 men into your Frontiers where y® people were more afraid of a famine than the Sword and by y® Advice of your Gentlemen were suddenly recalld
I should chearfully fall into any Measures with your Excellency for the Defence of our Countrey or the Anoyance of our Enemyes on any fair prospect, yet I am not disposed to act purely on an implicit faith and shall therefore alwayes expect to be informd of y® grounds of every proceeding wherein I have Assent and Dissent that I may Act on a solid foundation and then (according to my Ability) I would ever keep pace with your Excellency and remain
Your most humble and obedient Servant
JONTH law
P S 29th 10 o Clock A. M.
The N York Prints say Gov^ Clinton is returnd to N Y I dont find any dark thing from Albany and I have not a word from him Soldiers are brot from Albany tho its feard least they should be sent back
J
the Excellent W Shirley Esq^
[Indorsed] Copy of a Letter to Gov^ Shirley July 28'h 1747
72
LAW PAPERS.
JONATHAN LAW TO JONATHAN BELCHER.
Milford Angst j^th
These come to congratulate your safe arrival to the American Shoar cloathd with that Authority by which you may serve his Majtr and some part of your native land, Neighbouring Provinces and in '^ticular this Colony, from whence one half of you did descend and in which you are greatly interested specially in the hearts of the people whom you have served with the warmest Zeal and purest Integrity, tho the greatest Application may sometimes issue in Abor- tion. Yet not doubting of your good Offices in our favour wherever your Influences may reach, I conclude with sin- cere desires That your Situation may be Comfortable, Prosperous and Successful! to the highest Satisfaction of your own mind and of the people you have to govern, many of whom are Descendants from a new-English Stock, Adventuring to enroll my self among your most hearty well wishers
I Subscribe
Your most humble
obedient Servant
JONTH law
P S I should be very proud of some Correspondency with you
J L
his Excellency Jonth Belcher Esq""
Copia
[Indorsed] Copy of a Letter to Gov'' Belcher Augst 14 1747
JABEZ HAMLIN TO JONATHAN LAW.
Middletown August 20^^ A D 1747 May It please Honr
I have Tho’t it probable y' Hon' might Appoint a Collector of y® Duty on Lumber &c^ (Agreable to Act of May Last) at or Near This place; I Beg Leave to Recom- mend to y' Hon's Consideration for that Service Cap‘
JABEZ HAMLIN. WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
73
Matthew Talcott of This Town who Is a Gentleman well Affected to the Law & Scheme ye Colony Is Come Into & who has Turn’d His Trade to Europe; & I Doubt not will be very Diligent and faithfull in y® Business He will wait on yf Hon^ Shortly, I ask y Hon^s Pardon for Inter- medling in This Affair and Beg Leave To Subscribe my Self
Your Honrs most Obedient Humble Serv‘
JABEZ HAMLIN
Hon^'e Jon" Law Esqr
[Superscribed To The Hon^ie Jonathan Law Esqr In Milford
[Indorsed] Majr Hamblin
WILLIAM SHIRLEY TO JONATHAN LAW.
Boston August 20th 1747.
Sir,
I send now to Inform your Honour that on the six- teenth Instant arrived here a Flag of Truce from Quebec with 17 1 English Prisoners belonging to this Province and divers other of His Majestys Colonies in North America, By which Ship I received a Letter from the Marquiss of Beauharnois Governour of Canada a Copy whereof I now inclose by perusing of which you will understand that I wrote to him a Letter dated the iSt*! of march last therein proposing a General Exchange of Prisoners without having a Regard to the inequality of Numbers on either side and that each Governour should bear the Charge of the Trans- portation of their own Prisoners, This I undertook (abso- lutely) only for my Self yet presuming that it would be acceptable to all the rest of the English Governours ; and in Consequence of which the said Governour of Canada has now released all the English Prisoners with him except a few that were not in such Health as to allow them to be Transported without Danger & that the said Governour does fully Agree to my proposal, expecting that the other
74
LAW PAPERS.
Governours will also come into this Agreement desiring that I would let him know their Resolutions by the Return of this Flag of Truce which is limited to the term of fifteen days for his stay here which will Expire the last of this month ; Therefore I must intreat your Honour to send me your answer upon these Points by this Express that I may forward it to the Governour of Canada agreeable to his desire expressed to me in his Letter, and as there are now and maybe hereafter English Prisoners belonging to Great Britain and others Places at a Distance from these Provinces brought in by the Flags of Truce, it will be expected that your Government will bear their part of this Charge so it may not be wholly thrown upon this, and I must further desire that you would appoint some agent here who may from time to time answer for the Charge of the English Prisoners of your Province that may be Released from Captivity in Pursuance of this agreement and brought in hither, and as there are now brought in this Flag of Truce Three Prisoners that you wou’d pleas’d to take such measures that in proportion to the Number aforesaid your Province may bear their part of the Charge of this Flag of Truce You will also send me your answer respecting the Governour of Canada’s proposal as to the Purchasing Prisoners out of the Indians hands, I have likewise Enclos’d a Copy of the Agreement made for the Hire of this Flag of Truce which you will find to be 10,000 Livres I am Sir
Your Honours most Obedient and most humble Servant W SHIRLEY
Hon*5ie Jonathan Law Esq^
[Indorsed] Gov^ Shirley’s Letter rec^ August 23 1747 and
Copy of answer on 2 6‘i>
LIST OF PRISONERS RETURNED.
A List of Prisoners belonging to the Colony of Con- necticutt returned to Boston in the Flag of Truce from
RECORDS OF THE COMPTROLLER OF THE MARINE.
75
Quebec Angst 1747.
Peter Harris Eddy Trapp Hugh Bradford Extract
Examined J. Willard Secry
RECORDS OF COMPTROLLER OF THE MARINE.
Extract from the Registers Kept at the Office of the Comptroller of the Marine at Quebec.
This Day being the 26th of July One thousand seven hundred and forty seven We Gilles Hocquart Chevalier, Kings Counsellor Intendant of Justice Police & the finances in New France, in Presence of Mons^ Varin Commissary and Comptroller of the Marine in this Country have made with the S'' Amiot Factor for the Sieur Sumbrun Merchant at Rochelles, Owner of the Ship the Vierge de Grace of the Burthen of two hundred Tons, the Sieur Larregny Capt° the Agreement & Conditions following Viz:
first
The Sieur Amiot Obliges himself to furnish the King with the Ship the Virgin of Grace with her Tackle, Apparel, Crew of Provisions to Transport as many English Prisoners as she can from this Road to Boston on the Coast of New England.
2<i Art:
That his Majesty shall be Obliged to put nothing else on Board but the necessary Provisions for the said Prisoners during their Passage.
3<i Art.
If there be at said Boston any french Prisoners, and an Exchange be made of them, The Cap* of the said Ship shall take them on board without Difficulty By the permission and Orders of M*" Shirley Governour of said Boston, to bring them to Quebec.
4th Art:
The Cap‘ of said Ship shall not be Obliged to tarry above fifteen Days to make the said Exchange at Boston.
?6
LAW PAPERS.
S‘h Art:
There shall be pay’d in Moneys of his Majesty in form of Freight to the said Amiot for the Voyage from hence to Boston, and from said Place to this Port the Sum of ten thousand Livers.
6‘h Art:
In Case of the entire Loss of said Ship by being cast away or otherwise, His Majesty over & above the ten thousand Livers freight, shall be Obliged to cause to be paid to said Amiot in said Name, the Sum of Eighteen thousand Livers to make good all Damages.
7*1^ Art:
If from any unforeseen Reasons, said Ship be detained by force at s<i Boston, so that she cannot return to Quebec this Year, and have the benefit of a Freight which she may make, and of which she is Assured, there shall be paid in Moneys of his Majesty twenty thousand Livers to make good the Loss of said Freight.
8th Act:
The S*' Amiot shall be obliged to pay 4 Deniers Liv : for the use of the Invalides of the Marine upon the Pay- ments made him.
9th & last Article.
All the said Conditions have been accepted by us the Intendant aforesaid. In Presence as above and by the said S*" Amiot in said Name, who has Subjected himself there- unto, as for the Proper Moneys & Affairs of his Majesty, done at Quebec the Day & Year above.
Sign’d AMIOT HOCQUART and VARIN
a Copy Varin Seen Beauharnois
Copy Attest
J Willard Secry
[Indorsed] Extract of ye Registers Office of Marines att Quebec
MARQUIS DE BEAUHARNOIS.
77
MARQUIS DE BEAUHARNOIS TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
Quebec July 26. 1747.
Sir
I receiv’d the Letter you did me the Honour to send me of May & which was delivered me by the Sieur La Groix formerly a Prisoner of War at Boston but releas’d by you.
I must freely confess I expected to have receiv’d at least in the Spring of the last year an answer from you to the proposals made by me for the Exchange of the English Prisoners which I then had at Quebec for as many french Prisoners as I presum’d you had at Boston, I concluded afterwards that the Delay this met with from you could proceed from nothing but the circumstances of the times, this you are pleas’d to explain to me, and I am sensible S'" as I ought to be, of all the obliging things you say on this Occasion, & which regard me personally
The Sieur la Groix by his services & good Qualities merited some Distinction from me, but I cannot but dis- approve his having broke his Parole, as you assure me he had done. He can blame no body but himself that he was put under a more close confinement, I am not the less obliged to you for your goodness to him on my account, this particular he has not failed to inform me of. It is from you only S'' that I have learnt most of the Facts relating to the French Prisoners carried into Boston since the War, and the Returns you made of them either to France or to Louisbourg before the taking of that Place. I must believe that upon the Advices you sent of it, our French men have serv’d to Exchange so many of the English, and that there is a just compensation made between the two Nations; you are not at all the less generous for this, and if I had an opportunity to let you know my sentiments I assure you you should not have Surpass’d me.
Before the Receipt of your last Letter I had propos’d to send to France the Prisoners belonging as well to Old as New England and which are here at my Disposal, as I saw no means nor could imagine any other way for their
78
LAW PAPERS.
Return to their own Country & Families, In the mean time I must observe to you that in the Autumn of the year 1745 I sent to France at their own Request about ten or twelve, and I had then hopes that the Spring following you would send to Quebec the Prisoners belonging to Canada, In con- sequence whereof I wrote to France, that those Prisoners might be sent to England without Ranson, I sent likewise the last year about the same number to Martineco to go from thence to the English Colonies & from thence to their own homes I understood this Spring that several of them had in Fact returned to their Families. You will easily judge from this Detail that it was not owing to me that the poor unhappy People whom I now send away were Released no sooner. Particular reasons relating to the Service of the King my master have not permitted me to allow them dur- ing their Abode here the Liberty of going abroad in the Country But in Lieu of this I caus’d particular care to be taken of them. The House they were put into contained a great Number of Rooms serving formerly for Soldiers Lodgings enclosed in a large Yard, where they might give themselves as much Exercise as they thought proper. This Building was Consumed by Fire the 7*^ of last may not without some suspicion of being set on Fire on purpose by some of the Prisoners. It is certain the circumstances of that accident gave Reason to conclude that all were not innocent of the Crime laid to their Charge, the thing was carried no farther But to avoid for the future the like inconveniences, & being also invited by the fineness of the season, I caiis’d a convenient camp to be laid out for them of a sufficient extent where they have abode since that time I have to add that the Epidemical sickness which has pre- vailed among them, & which they brought among us from Louisbourg & which has likewise made some progress in the Colony would have made a greater Devastation without the Succours of all kinds which were abundantly furnished the Prisoners in the Hospital that I caus’d to be provided on Purpose, as soon as I was inform’d the sickness began to spread, nothing was spared that was necessary for the
MARQUIS DE BEAUHARNOIS.
79
health of all of them, happily the sickness appears to have intirely ceas’d.
You will permit not to discuss the motives you laid down for the foundation of a cartel to be setled between us for a general Exchange of Prisoners belonging to your Government and this I Subscribe to it & come into it with Pleasure, I speak only of the Prisoners belonging to your Government not knowing yet whether the Governours of the other Provinces, to whom you should write forthwith, will be of the same sentiments with you. In the mean time as you are pleas’d to observe to me that you do not doubt but they are so, I design to send you by the same Flag of Truce the greatest part of the Prisoners belonging to New York, Pensilvania & others that are here at my Disposal, & will hereafter take the most convenient measures with the Governours of those Provinces for the mutual benefit of both the Nations, I shall send with this Letter a List of the Prisoners which are to embark as soon as may be on board the Ship la Vierge de Grace fitted out by my order as a Flag of Truce, you will have also annexed a Copy of the agreement made with the Captain for their Passage to Boston, & they will be delivered to your order, I see S'" you consent to pay the Expence of this Transport for those only which belong to your Government, This is just, I likewise on my part will in the same manner pay for transporting the French Prisoners from Boston to this place and I sup- pose you will send me them by the same Flag of Truce if you have any.
The Governours of other Colonies will not fail of answering the Letters which you shall write them, I depend upon it you will be so good as to Favour me with their answers by the Return of the same Flag of Truce. These Gentlemen must be the better able to Judge of my good Intentions as I begin by sending back the Prisoners belong- ing to their respective Governments, In Confidence however that upon what you shall have wrote to them they will have sent you the Canada Prisoners to the Number of 35 or 40 which have been taken in different quarters of the Govern-
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ment of Montreal in the year past by mix’d Partys of English, Dutch & Indians. Mons*" de la Boularderie has informed me of all your Goodness to him, and that you released him without any Conditions, unhappily for this Officer he had not provided himself with a Certificate from you to Verify his being free I have the Honour to inform you by the way that this want of Precaution occasioned Monsr the Count de maurepas to look upon him as one that was released upon his Parole of Honour, and whatever assurances he gave that he was at Liberty to enter into the Service again he was refused till last Spring when he Obtained a Permission to Return to this Country where he is employed as a Capt° in the Kings Troops.
You will observe S'" that in the Agreement made with the owner of the Ship la Vierge de Grace Art 6 & 7 there are no more than 15 days allowed him for his Stay at Boston, I pray you not to detain him a longer time tho there should remain after that some French Prisoners scattered about in your Province, who could not be got in by you, otherwise Capt° Larreguy may be in Danger of not returning to Quebec this year, where he has a freight engaged & a Penalty Stipulated of 20 m’l The 16*^ of this month I receiv’d a Letter from Knowles dated at Annapolis Royal May 27 O. S. in which he proposes to me to send to him by a Flag of Truce not only several Soldiers taken Prisoners at the Island of S‘ Johns but likewise such other Prisoners as I shall judge proper at the Charge of a Ransom, or else to settle a mutual Exchange of Prisoners. In Consequence of this I am fitting out another Flag of Truce to send to him the said Soldiers & the Crews of some Vessells taken last year by our Ships, to the Number of 80 Persons.
The Distribution of all these Prisoners in the two Flags of Truce shall be such S^ as I shall think the most Con- venient both for you «&: M^ Knowles as well as for the Prisoners themselves.
I have been informed lately that it has been insinuated to the People of Boston that the Prisoners have been very ill treated here I can Assure you that nothing has been
MARQUIS DE BEAUHARNOIS.
8l
wanting that was necessary for them, and there was a particular Regard had to those who were in any Degree of Office, But in the Number of both the one and the other there were several turbulent Spirits that the most kind treatment could never Content.
I wish it were in my Power intirely to eradicate from the hearts of the Indians that Barbarity which seems to be innate to the most of them, and to arrive at this I have, when they have come to ask my Leave to go to War, given them as far as I could Officers that were Canadeans, whom I ordered to Protect the Prisoners against all Kinds of Insult, I have done more touch’d with the unhappiness of those who have fallen into the hands of the Indians I have bought several of them at the Charge of the King, as many as I could get out of their hands, but I could not Conquer the Obstinacy of some of them to keep their Prisoners, you know how greedy they are of having men either to make them their Slaves or to increase their Families by them into which they adopt them.
So soon as there is Peace (which all of us ought to desire) I shant be wanting to facilitate the Negotiations which shall be entered into to engage the Indians to deliver them all up. The Knowledge you have of all that Past of this Nature in the Antient Warrs presents you a Picture very different from every thing that has happened hitherto in this. And I depend upon your doing me the Justice of having at least considerably lessened those Acts of Inhuman- ity, If I have not been able to abolish them entirely. But I cannot conceal from you that the Price set in several Governments of N, England of 5^ upon a Scalp & 20-^ for a Prisoner, as I have seen it in some English Letters that have fallen into my hands is an evident Proof that every Body does not in this affair think in such a Christianlike manner as you do. And I hope your advice will Prevail to abolish in those Governments such Dispositions as all Christian Princes and their Subjects ought as you observe to have in Obhorence
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It cant appear to me to be just that the King should be at the Expence of what has been laid out by his majesty, as well at Quebec as at montreal and elsewhere to recover the Prisoners that were fallen into the hands of the Indians, I have not been able yet to Collect all these Charges I will do it out of hand. Be so good as to let me know your Inten- tions thereupon, & whether you understand the Governm* of N England will come into it. I should think it equally necessary for the good of y® Subjects of both Crowns, It will be a Service to me to be informed of your Sentiments & of those of the Governours of the other Provinces upon this Article, to the End that knowing what I may depend upon, I may from thence Regulate my own Conduct.
I am with all Possible Respect S''
Your most humble and
most Obed‘ Servant
BEAUHARNOIS Copy Attest J. Willard Secry [Indorsed by Law] Copy of Beauharnois’s Letter Gov' of Canada
JONATHAN LAW TO WILLIAM SHIRLEY.
Milford Augs‘ 26^^ i747
On the 23<i Instant by an Express I rec^ your Paquett. Yesterday att N Haven I calld the Council and laid before them the several Articles you proposd and they readily consented That I should draw an Order on the Treasurer for money to answer y® Charge of transporting the three Prisoners belonging to this Colony, so soon as you shall inform me of the Sum it amounts to in our Currency, tho they think it might save trouble to discount the money due to us for the Provisions We have at your desire, furnisht you with in your Western Frontiers
‘ As also for Reimbursing the Gov' of Canada, in '^Yansoming any Prisoners belonging to us which may fall ‘ into the hands of the Indians or that now are in Captivity with them, tho we know not of any one person that is so
JONATHAN LAW. ELIAKIM PALMER.
83
Likewise they chearfully complyd with the Marquis in the Article relating to the releasing Prisoners without Ran- some or Regard to number of persons and each ones bearing y« charge of their own people’s Transportation.
But as to our bearing any part of the Charge of trans- porting any belonging to the other Countreys or places and appointing an Agent att Boston, they would referr to the Consideration of the Assembly those two Articles not being delegated to me & the Council by y® Act of the Assembly
As for the giving Premiums for humane Scalps or any other Creatures not equally mischievous to a Wolf I must look upon to be unchristian, inhumane and barbarous with as great an Odium and Abhorrence as the good Marquis or any other Gentleman dos or can doe
I Subscribe Your Excellencies
most humble obedient Servant
JONTH law
W Shirley Esq*" Gov""
ELIAKIM PALMER TO JONATHAN LAW.*
London 26th Augt 1747 Sir
Since the foregoing Copy of my Last I am favoured with your Honrs Letter of the 20‘h Feby accompanying an Address to his Majesty upon the Success of his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland against the Scotch Rebels which agreeable to your Honr® directions have Delivered to his Grace the Duke of Newcastle. I have also received the Assembly’s order for receiving a Reimbursement of the Charges you were at in the Reduction of Cape Breton, and observe your having sent to my Correspondents at Boston ^^250 granted me in May last. I am in daily expectation of a Summons to attend the Lords of the Treasury in pursu- ance to the order of Council which impowers them to Liquidate the Acco‘® of Disbursements in the Expedition
This is preceeded by a copy of his letter to Law dated June 4.
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against Cape Breton, and shall timely advise your Honr of their Lordships proceedings thereupon
Meeting with great Difficulty in my Applications to the Ministry in behalf of the Forces raised for the Canada Ex- pedition I have presented a petition to his Majesty there- upon a Copy of which you have inclosed, and shall from time to Time acquaint you with the Steps that are taken in Consequence thereof
In the mean time I remain S^
Your Honrs & the Colony’s Most Obed‘ Humble Servant
ELIAKM PALMER
ROGER WOLCOTT TO JONATHAN LAW.
Hartford Sept*" 1747 Sir
After I was Informed That the Commissioners, from the Massachusetts, were on their Journey to New York, to meet with Commiss^s from the other Governm*® to Treat about Measures for Carrying on the present Warr, it lay on my mind with Some concern least the Commissioners, appointed by the General Assembly in this Colony would meet with blame if they did not upon notice of it proceed on the Same Design agreable to their appointment, & at length it appeared That the matter did very much affect the minds of most persons of Consequence this way, & many of them Signifyed to me in writing, their Ernest desires that the Commiss*'® would as Soon as possible proceed on their way to New York; Upon This I advised with all the Gentlemen of the Councell in Town, (There being Seven present) about the affair, and it was the prevailing opinion That The Commss*'® or Two of them at least Should go forward & Joyn the other Commiss*'® at N York & that a neglect Thereof might probably be Detrimental! to the Publick Interest & occasion matter of very great Uneasiness among the people, & that I Should advise Your Honour hereof & That a proper Commiss” (if Your Horn please) be
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85
prepared for the purpose afors'i. I find The act of assembly does Enable any two of the Commiss*’** to Engage in the affair, & Therefore the Journey being long & So Suddenly to be undertaken and the business I am now Engaged in requiring my attendance am not able to Say whether I Shall go my Self hope Col. Hall will proceed with Fitch if I Should not. I hope Your Honour will Excuse this Trouble and believe that I am Your Most Obed‘
Humble Ser‘
R WOLCOTT
Gov'' Law.
[Indorsed] D Gov*' Wolcotts rec'i Sept'^'' 5-1747
JONATHAN LAW TO ROGER WOLCOTT.
Milford Septem^r ye ^th vS'-
Yours of yesterday I just now Receiv^ by an Express M^ Wells told me that you Said you had forgott y® meeting propos’d for ye Comfs I Said I had not forgotten it but Con- eluded it was droppd by the Scheems Sinee projected as it was the Last year Cover'' Shirley never giveing me the Least hint y''of, Since his proposal in July last tho I had reciv^ divers Letters from him about different measures. I Said to him I would immediately Send to our Com^s Could I learn any prospect of a meeting of y® Comrs from other Provinces, he told me y‘