In these papers we see Colonel Thomas Temple acknowledges receiving a letter and cargo from Lord Fienes and Company through Captain Middleton. He expresses gratitude for their support and promises to send the cargo’s produce to London with a suitable profit as soon as trade permits. Nova Scotia, he believes, is valuable to England due to its potential in staple commodities like fishing, furs, minerals, timber, coal, and oil fishing.
Temple refers Lord Fienes and Company to instructions given to Captain Breedon, who represents him. He mentions concluding deals with various parties and outlines the necessity of managing the fishing trade wisely for future settlement success. Temple also discusses the need for a commission to preserve trade in Nova Scotia. He expresses concerns about rival bids from New England merchants and explains his financial situation and dealings with Captain Breedon. Instructions to Breedon include delivering letters, providing information on Temple’s debts and stock, and fitting out a ship for Nova Scotia. The document elaborates on Temple’s claim to Nova Scotia, mentioning its disputed history and his acquisition from Delatour. It also highlights the potential risk to Temple’s title if the dispute between France and England over forts and territory is not resolved.
Col. Thos. Temple to [Lord Fienes and Company]. Has received their letter and cargo by Capt. Middleton. Acknowledges their goodness in taking him and his affairs into their protection. The produce of the cargo, with a suitable profit, shall be sent to London as soon as trade will permit. Capt. Middleton has explored the country in a barque belonging to Col. Temple, with good pilots, but is now dangerously sick. Is emboldened to express his thoughts and knowledge of “this business.” Nova Scotia very considerable to England, from the staple commodities it may produce; the chief, fishing. Furs, all sorts of mines, timber, excellent coals, and oil fishing in great abundance. Refers them to the instructions he has given Capt. Breedon, one of the chief of the New England merchants; has empowered him to contract with the Company on his part. Has concluded with Col. Crowne for a portion of land that formerly belonged to Plymouth patent; paid the New England merchants 5,000l.; also Capt. Leverett and the State, as bound by articles to the Lord Protector, 2,300l.; and Mons. Delatour, the twentieth skin, as by agreement. Concerning Capt. Rea’s 200l. per annum, Capt. Breedon has orders to treat with him about it. Conceives three things necessary to a future settlement: If the fishing trade were wisely managed, thinks the Company would soon be master of much of the King of Spain’s revenues. Hopes his modest propositions will give satisfaction. Begs the [Sparrow] Pink may be speedily made ready.
Col. Temple to [Thos. Povey?] Necessity of obtaining a commission for preservation of trade in Nova Scotia, if again reinstated in his right and title to the country. Fears the merchants of New England will underhand bid money to Mr. Elliott, particularly one Mr. Horwood, “one of our Company.” Is sure they have been great gainers by him; came before knowing how to manage trade, which first cast him into debt. Explains the circumstances. Was at great expense in keeping 150 men the first and second years. Capt. Breedon has promised, if necessary, to lay down 1,000l. for him. [Copy, by Capt. Breedon.]
Instructions of Col. Temple, Lieut. to the Lord Protector “in Acadia or Nova Scotia,” to Capt. Thomas Breedon. To deliver Temple’s letters to Lord Fienes and Company, and inform them fully of the state of affairs in Nova Scotia. To give an account of his debts, amounting to 4,660l. 8s. 11d, and of his stock at St. John’s Fort, Port Royal, and Boston, worth 2,724l. 3s.; of the charges necessary to carry on the trade, and the produce that may be made of a good stock prudently managed; of his willingness to be incorporated with them in a Company, upon certain propositions, either of which he will agree to. To fit out the Sparrow pink, given to him by Cromwell, with all expedition, with goods suitable for his affairs in Nova Scotia. Powers to conclude with the Company on his behalf.
I. State of the case of Col. Temple as to his interest in Nova Scotia. Those parts continually in dispute between the French and English, given up to France by the treaty of 1632 [St. Germain]. Granted by Sir Wil. Alexander and also by the French King to Delatour, who built St. John’s Fort, “now the chief if not the only fort;” Port Royal having been lately demolished. Subsequently taken by Major Sedgwick. Delatour makes over his interest to Col. Temple and Col. Crowne on 20 Sept. 1656. Assaulted and taken by the French, but retaken by Col. Temple. Damages received on either side not yet determined. Whether the Kirkes or any other English have a title to that country. Claim of Col. Temple by a good and valuable consideration from Delatour. This “prudential consideration” is added. The blemishing of Col. Temple’s title before the difference is settled between the two Crowns concerning the forts and country may occasion his soldiers to abandon and sell them to the French.
“America and West Indies: December 1658.” Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies: Volume 1, 1574-1660. Ed. W Noel Sainsbury. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1860. 470-472. British History Online. Web. 2 April 2020. http://www.british-history.ac.uk/cal-state-papers/colonial/america-west-indies/vol1/pp470-472.