1750s

Proclamation, Province of Nova Scotia council chamber, Halifax, January 3rd, 1757

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1757 Proclamation

His Excellency the Governor, together with his Majesty’s Council, having had under mature Consideration, the necessary and most expedient Measures for carrying into Execution those Parts of his Majesty’s Commission and Instructions which relate to the Calling of General Assemblies within the Province, came to the following Resolutions thereon, Viz.

That a House of Representatives of the Inhabitants of this Province, be the Civil Legislature thereof, in Conjunction with his Majesty’s Governor or Commander in Chief for the Time being, and his Majesty’s Council of the said Province. The first House to be elected and convened in the following Manner, and to be stiled the GENERAL ASSEMBLY Viz.

That there shall be elected for the Province at large, until the same shall be divided into Counties: 12 Members

For the Township of Halifax4 Ditto
For the Township of Lunenburg2 Ditto
For the Township of Dartmouth1 Ditto
For the Township of Lawrence-Town1 Ditto
For the Township of Annapolis-Royal1 Ditto
For the Township of Cumberland1 Ditto

That until the said Townships can be more particularly described, the Limits thereof shall be deemed to be as follows, Viz. That the Township of Halifax comprehend all the Lands lying Southerly of a Line extending from the Westernmost Head of Bedford-Basin across to the North-easterly Head of St. Margarets-Bay, with all the Islands nearest to said Lands, together with the Islands called Cornwallis’s, Webb’s, and Rous’s Islands.

That the Township of Lunenburg comprehend all the Lands lying between Lahave-River, and the Easternmost Head of Mahone-Bay, with all the Islands within said Bay, and all the islands within Mirhguash-Bay, and those Islands lying to the Southward of the above Limits.

That the Township of Dartmouth comprehend all the Lands lying on the East Side of the Harbor of Halifax and Bedford Basin, and extending and bounded Easterly by the Grant to the Proprietors of Lawrence-Town, and extending from the North-easterly Head of Bedford-Basin into the Country, until One Hundred Thousand Acres be comprehended.

That the Township of Lawrence-Town be bounded on the Ocean, according to the Limits of the Grant to the Proprietors, and thence under the same Lines to extend into the Country ’til One Hundred Thousand Acres be comprehended

That the Township of Annapolis-Royal be bounded Northerly by the Bay of Fundy, and comprehend all the Lands from the Entrance of the Basin, to extend up the River as far as the late French Inhabitants have possessed, and all the Lands on the South Side of the Basin and River of Annapolis, under the fame Limits East and Weft, and to extend Southerly ’till One Hundred Thousand Acres be comprehended.

That the Township of Cumberland, in the District of Chignecto, comprehend all the Lands lying between the Ba/on formerly called Beaubasin, now called Cumberland-Basin, and the Bay Vert, and all those Lands lying within Seven Miles of the South-westward and North-westward of the Road leading from said Basin to said Bay

That when Twenty-five qualified Electors shall be fettled at Pisquid, Minas, Cobequid, or any other Townships which may hereafter be erected, each of the said Townships so settled shall, for their Encouragement, be intitled to send one Representative to the General-Assembly, and shall likewise have a Right of voting in the Election of Representatives for the Province at large.

That the House shall always consist of at least Sixteen Members present, besides the Speaker, before they enter upon Business.

That no Person shall be chosen as a Member of the said House, or shall have a Right of voting in the Election of any Member of the said House, who shall be a Popish Recusant, or shall be under the Age of Twenty-one Years, or who shall not at the Time of such Election, be possessed in his own Right of a Freehold Estate within the District for which he hall be elected, or hall so vote, nor shall any Elector have more than One Vote for each Member to be chosen for the Province at large, or for any Township and that each Freeholder present at such Election, and giving his Vote for One Member for the Province at large, hall be obliged to vote also for the other Eleven.

That respecting Freeholds which may have been conveyed by the Sheriff, by Virtue of an Execution, the Right of voting shall remain and be in the Persons from whom the fame were taken in Execution, until the Time of Redemption be elapsed.

That no non-commissioned Officer, or private Soldier, in actual Service, shall have a Right of voting, by Virtue of any Dwelling built upon Sufferance, nor any (unintelligible) Possession of Freehold, unless the fame be registered to him.
That all the Electors shall, if so required at the Time of the Election, take the usual State Oaths appointed by Law, and declare and subscribe the Test.

That any Voter hall, at the Request of any Candidate, be obliged to take the following Oath ; which Oath, together with the State Oaths, the Returning Officer is hereby empowered to administer.

A B. do swear, that I am a Freeholder in the Township of in the Province of Nova-Scotia, and have
Hereditaments lying or being at ____________ within the said Township; and that such Freehold Estate hath not been made or granted to me fraudulently, on purpose to qualify me to give my Vote; and that I have not received, or had, by myself, or any Person whatsoever in Trust for me, or for my Use and Benefit, directly or indirectly, any Sum or Sums of Money, Office, Place or Employment, Gift or Reward, or any Promise or Security for any Money, Office, Employment or Gift, in order to give my Vote at this Election and that I have not before been polled at this Election, and that the Place of my abode is at ____________

That a Precept be issued by his Excellency the Governor to the Provost-Marshal or Sheriff of the Province, requiring him, by himself or his Deputies, to summon the Freeholders of the Province to meet within their respective Districts, at some convenient Place and Time, to be by the said Provost-Marshal, or one of his Deputies, appointed, and of which he or they hall give Twenty Days Notice, then and there to elect (agreeable to the Regulations hereby prescribed ) such a Number of Representatives, as shall in the said Precept be expressed, agreeable to the preceding Detail.
That (on Account of the present rigorous Season ) the Precept for convening the first Assembly, be made returnable in Sixty Days from the Date thereof, at which Time the Assembly shall meat at such Place as his Excellency the Governor shall appoint in the Precept.

That the Provost-Marshal, or his Deputy, shall be the Returning Officer of the Elections, to be held by him with the Assistance of Three of the Freeholders present, to be appointed and sworn by the Returning Officer for that Purpose; and in Case a Scrutiny hall be demanded, the fame hall be made by them; and in Case of further Contest, the fane to be determined by the House Eight Hours from the Time of it’s being opened; and for the Province at large, the Poll after Four Days from the Time of it’s being opened for the Election, shall be sealed up by the Returning Officer for each Township, and transmitted to the Provost-Marshal by the first Opportunity, that reasonable Notice may be given to the Persons who shall, upon Examination, appear to have been chosen by the greatest Number of the said Votes.
Provided nevertheless, That if the Votes in the Townships of Annapolis Royal and Cumberland, for the first Members for the Province at large, shall hot be returned Eight Days before the Expiration of the time limited for returning the Precept, the Provost-Marshal shall, in such Case, proceed to declare who are the Persons elected from the other Votes in his Hands.

That the Provost-Marshal, or his Deputy, shall appoint for each Candidate, such one Person as hall be nominated so him by each Candidate, to be Inspectors of the Returning-Officer and his Assistants.
That no Person shall be deemed duly elected, who shall not have the Votes of a Majority of the Electors present,
That the Names of all Persons voted for, together with the Names of the Voters, shall, at the time of voting, be publicly declared and entered on a Book kept for that Purpose.

That in Case of the Absence of any of the Members from the Province, for the term of two Months it shall and may be lawful for the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, or Commander in Chief, (if he shall judge it necessary) to issue his Precept for the Choice of Others in their Stead.

That the Returning Officer shall cause the foregoing Resolution to be publicly read at the Opening of each Meeting for the Elections, and to govern the said Meetings agreeable thereto,

By His Excellency’s Command,
with the Advice and Consent
of His Majesty’s Council,
J. Duport, Secr. Conc.

Cha Lawrence.

“Proclamation, Governor Charles Lawrence – official announcement and details about the election of representatives to the new General Assembly”, Colonial Office and Predecessors: Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Original Correspondence. CO 21/16 ff. 154. 1757. https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/demo/pdfs/0053_1757-01-03_Proclamation.pdf, https://nslegislature.ca/about/history/timeline#event-proclamation-governor-charles-lawrence-official-announcement-and-details-about-the-election-of-representatives-to-the-new-general-assembly

Nova Scotia in the Critical Years 1775-6

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“That from 1758 until the end of the American Revolution, Nova Scotia was in essentials a New England colony is, of course, an elementary fact in the history of the province. Eaton, the local historian, estimates the number of inhabitants in 1775 at under 20,000, of whom three-quarters came from Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Since the people were in such large proportion New Englanders, and since they suffered from exactly the same restrictions on trade and navigation as the thirteen colonies to the south, the question has been raised why they did not join in the American Revolution. In view of two recent studies of this problem, one by Professor Martin in Empire and Commonwealth, and one by Miss Barnes in New England Quarterly for July, 1931, which emphasizes the attitude of the merchants, it may not be amiss to attempt to discover the exact state of opinion among non-merchant classes in the province during the critical years of the American Revolution.”

Kerr, W.B. “Nova Scotia in the Critical Years 1775-6” Dalhousie Review, Volume 12, Number 1, 1932 https://dalspace.library.dal.ca/bitstream/handle/10222/64201/dalrev_vol12_iss1_pp97_107.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

Journals of the Board of Trade and Plantations; French neutrals that have been transported from Nova Scotia to Virginia

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The Secretary laid before the Board a memorial prepared by Mr. Parker in behalf of Mr. Kilby, agent for the affairs of Nova Scotia, to be presented to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, praying that four thousand, seven hundred and forty six pounds and seven shillings may be issued to him upon account to discharge a warrant directed to him to pay William Baker, Esquire, for provisions supplied the troops there, and to pay bills drawn upon him by the Governor, and the said memorial having been approved, Mr. Parker was ordered to present it to the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty’s Treasury for their directions upon it.

Friday, June 4.

Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Talbot, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Hamilton.

Virginia.
Read a letter from Messrs. Lidderdale and Co., merchants of Bristol, dated June 14th, 1756, acquainting the Board with their expectation of the arrival in that port of three hundred of the French neutrals that have been transported from Nova Scotia to Virginia.
A letter to Mr. Fox, one of his Majesty’s principal Secretaries of State, inclosing a copy of the said letter, was signed.

Nova Scotia.
Read a letter from Charles Lawrence, Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board, dated Halifax, April 28th, 1756, relating to the present state of that province, and transmitting:—
List of Bills drawn on Christopher Kilby, Esquire, on account of the Government of Nova Scotia from February 1st, 1755, to April 29th, 1756.
List of accompts, etc., of stores and provisions.
Account of Colonel Hopson’s regiment, victualled between August 11th, 1755, and 21st March, 1756.
General account of provisions received and issued to settlers in the province of Nova Scotia between 21st February and the 30th of November following, 1755.
Thomas Saul, Esquire, his account of provisions with John Cunningham, on account of the settlers at Lunenburg in the province of Nova Scotia between September 8th and November 30th, 1755.
Contingent account for victualling settlers and military in Nova Scotia between February 24th and November 30th, 1755.
Accompt of provisions received from Messrs. Apthorp, etc., of Boston, towards victualling Governor Shirley’s provincial regiment at Chignecto to August 17th, 1755, inclusive.
General account of provisions received and issued on account of the augmentation of Colonel Hopson’s regiment between February 24th and November 30th, 1755.
Account of victualling 360 men at Annapolis Royal, etc., on Mr. Woodford’s contract between February 24th and November 30th, 1755.
General account of dry stores received and issued between February 24th and November 30th, 1755.
Governor’s order for Mr. Saul to receive the provisions found in the French forts at Chignecto, etc.
Account of provisions issued to the French inhabitants shipt out of the province of Nova Scotia, 1755.
Minutes of the Committee of Council appointed to audit Mr. Saul’s accompts, etc., between February 24th and November 30th, 1755.
List of settlers victualled at Halifax and Lunenburg between September 8th and November 30th, 1755.
List of settlers victualled at Halifax and Lunenburg in the province of Nova Scotia between June 30th and September 7th, 1755.
Naval office lists of ships and vessels entred and cleared at the port of Halifax between July 1st and December 31st, 1755.

Ordered, that the draught of a letter in answer to Mr. Lawrence’s letter be prepared.

The Secretary laid before the Board the following memorials prepared by Mr. Parker, in behalf of Mr. Kilby, agent for Nova Scotia, to be presented to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, viz.:—
Memorial of Mr. Parker in behalf of Mr. Kilby, agent for Nova Scotia, praying that the sum of ten thousand pounds may be issued to him to discharge a bill drawn upon the agent by Mr. Lawrence, Governor of Nova Scotia, for his Majesty’s especial service; and that the sum of seventeen thousand, one hundred and fifty five pounds, eighteen shillings and four pence, already received and paid in discharge of former bills drawn for such special services, may be charged in such a manner as not to interfere with the particular appropriation and grant of Parliament for the current service of the year.
Memorial of Mr. Parker in behalf of Mr. Kilby, agent for Nova Scotia, praying that the sum of nine thousand pounds may be issued to him to discharge bills drawn upon the said agent for the ordinary and current service of the year 1756.
The said memorials having been approved of, Mr. Parker was directed to present them to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury for their Lordships’ directions thereupon.
Plantations General.
The draught of a circular letter to the governors of Virginia, North and South Carolina and Georgia, acquainting them with Mr. Atkin’s appointment to be agent for Indian affairs to the southward, and recommending to them to give him all proper aid and support, having been prepared pursuant to the preceding minutes, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.
Nova Scotia.
The draught of a letter to Charles Lawrence, Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, in answer to one from him, having been prepared pursuant to the preceding minutes, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

“Journal, June 1756: Volume 63.” Journals of the Board of Trade and Plantations: Volume 10, January 1754 – December 1758. Ed. K H Ledward. London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1933. 238-246. British History Online. Web. 2 April 2020. http://www.british-history.ac.uk/jrnl-trade-plantations/vol10/pp238-246.

Journals of the Board of Trade and Plantations; French neutrals..lately removed from Nova Scotia to Carolina

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Read a letter from Mr. Fox, Secretary of State, dated the 3rd of April, 1756, signifying the king’s pleasure that this Board should acquaint him with their opinion, in what way it may be most adviseable to dispose of the French neutrals that have been lately removed from Nova Scotia to Carolina and sent over to England by Governor Glen.

Ordered, that the Secretary do inform himself what number of the said French inhabitants have been sent over by Mr. Glen, and what reasons Mr. Glen has given for so extraordinary a measure.

Read a letter from Mr. Belcher, Chief Justice of Nova Scotia, to Mr. Pownall, dated Elizabeth Town in New Jersey, December 24th, 1755, inclosing the following papers, viz.:—
Proposals for convening an Assembly in Nova Scotia, dated October 24th, 1755.
Opinion in Council as to the removal of the French inhabitants in Nova Scotia, dated Halifax, July 28th, 1755.

The Secretary acquainted the Board that he had pursuant to their lordships’ order, made enquiry what number of French, late inhabitants of Nova Scotia, had been sent over from South Carolina, and what reasons Mr. Glen had given for this measure; and that he was informed that the said inhabitants were six in number, and that the only reasons assigned by Mr. Glen were contained in a certificate transmitted with them, of which he had obtained a copy, and which is to the following effect, viz.:—

 

To all to whom this present writing of certificate shall come, greeting,
I, James Glen, Esquire, Governor, Captain General and Commander in Chief in and over his Majesty’s province of South Carolina, do certify that Bernard Goudier and Joseph la Blanc were subjects of his Majesty King George the Second, and were inhabitants of Beau-Bassin in Nova Scotia, and for their misbehaviour were sent to this place by Governor Lawrence, and are by me thought necessary to be sent to Great Britain to be dealt with according to his Majesty’s pleasure.
Given under my hand the 14th day
of January Anno Domini, 1756.
James Glen.

Their lordships after some time spent in the consideration of this affair, ordered the draught of a letter to Mr. Fox, one of his Majesty’s principal Secretaries of State, to be prepared in answer to that from him mentioned in the preceding minutes.

Read a memorial of Mr. Ainsley, praying an allowance for his trouble and expences in bringing some dispatches from Dover.
Ordered, that Mr. Kilby, agent for the affairs of the settlement, pay to the memorialist five guineas for his trouble and expence in bringing the abovementioned dispatches from Dover.

Tuesday, April 13.

Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Rigby.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Fox, one of his Majesty’s principal Secretaries of State, relating to the French inhabitants of Nova Scotia lately sent over to England by Mr. Glen, Governor of South Carolina, having been prepared pursuant to the minutes of the 7th instant, was agreed to and ordered to be transcribed.

Read a memorial prepared by Mr. Kilby, agent for the affairs of Nova Scotia, to be presented to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, praying that the sum of eight hundred, forty two pounds and tenpence may be issued to him, to be paid to Chauncy Townsend, Esquire, in consequence of his Majesty’s warrants directed to him for tht purpose; and the said memorial having been approved of, Mr. Kilby was ordered to present it to the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty’s Treasury for their Lordships’ directions thereupon.

The draught of a letter to Mr. Fox, one of his Majesty’s principal Secretaries of State, relating to the French inhabitants of Nova Scotia lately sent over to England by Mr. Glen, Governor of South Carolina, having been transcribed pursuant to the minutes of yesterday, was signed.

The Secretary laid before the Board a memorial prepared by Mr. Kilby, agent for the settlement of Nova Scotia, to be presented to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, praying that the sum of seventeen thousand, one hundred fifty five pounds, eighteen shillings and four pence may be issued to him to discharge bills drawn upon him by the Governor of the said province for especial services; and the said memorial having been approved, Mr. Kilby was ordered to present it to the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury for their Lordships’ directions thereupon.

Read a memorial of Finalia Lockman, wife of Charles Lockman, one of the surgeons in Nova Scotia, praying that directions may be given to the Governor to reimburse to her husband the sum of forty seven pounds, two shillings and six pence paid by him for medicines on account of the settlement.

Ordered, that a copy of the said memorial, and the vouchers thereunto annexed, be transmitted to the Governor of Nova Scotia, with directions to him to examine the same, and if he finds the account to be a reasonable and proper one, to reimburse Mr. Lockman his expences.

 

“Journal, April 1756: Volume 63.” Journals of the Board of Trade and Plantations: Volume 10, January 1754 – December 1758. Ed. K H Ledward. London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1933. 225-232. British History Online. Web. 2 April 2020. http://www.british-history.ac.uk/jrnl-trade-plantations/vol10/pp225-232.

Journals of the Board of Trade and Plantations; Townships, Elections

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Read a letter from Charles Lawrence, Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board, dated at Halifax, November 9th, 1757, transmitting the following papers, and containing his observations on some articles in the estimate for 1758.
Estimate of expence that will arise in supporting and maintaining the province of Nova Scotia in the year 1758.
Minutes of Council from the 3rd of October, 1756, to the 14th December, 1757.
Naval officer’s list of ships and vessels that have entered and cleared at the Port of Halifax between the 1st of July and 31st of December, 1756.
Letter from Mr. Saul, Commissary of Stores, to Governor Lawrence, dated November the 11th, 1757.
Ordered, that the said letter and papers be taken into further consideration on Monday next, and that Mr. Parker, acting as agent for the settlement of the colony of Nova Scotia, have notice to attend the Board on that day.

Monday, January 23.

Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Pelham, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Sloper.

The Secretary then communicated to the Board a letter he had received from Mr. Parker, acting as agent for the settlement of the colony of Nova Scotia, acquainting him that he was confined to his chamber by a severe fit of the gout, and not able to attend the Board as desired, but hoped to give his attendance in a few days.
Their lordships took into further consideration the letter from the Governor of Nova Scotia and the papers transmitted with it mentioned in yesterday’s minutes and made some further progress therein.

Their lordships made a further progress in the consideration of the letter and papers from the Governor of Nova Scotia mentioned in the preceding minutes.

Wednesday, January 25.

Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Oswald, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Sloper.

Their lordships made a further progress in the consideration of the letter and papers received from the Governor of Nova Scotia mentioned in the preceding minutes.
Ordered, that an extract be made of so much of the said letter as relates to the want of an immediate supply of bedding for the troops and cloathing for the Rangers, and also an account made out of the several particulars contained in the estimate for 1758, of what is represented to be necessary for the further security and defence of the province, and the service of the troops stationed there, for the further consideration of the Board at their next meeting.

Thursday, January 26.

Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Sloper.

The Secretary laid before the Board the following papers prepared pursuant to the preceding day’s minutes, viz.:—
Extract of a letter from Charles Lawrence, Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board, dated November 9th, 1757, relating to the want of an immediate supply of bedding for the troops and cloathings for the Rangers.
Account of several military services, the charge of which is stated in the estimate for Nova Scotia for 1758, transmitted by Governor Lawrence to the Board, and represented by him to be necessary for the further security and defence of that province and the military establishment there.

Friday, January 27.

Present:— Earl of Halifax, Mr. Jenyns, Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Stone.
Read a petition of Ferdinando John Paris, gentleman, to this Board, dated the 26th of January, 1758, in behalf of the freeholders at Halifax in Nova Scotia, complaining of several grievances sustained by the inhabitants of the said colony, and inclosing:—
State of facts relating to the complaint of the freeholders in Nova Scotia.
Appendix to the state of facts.
Resolved. that the said memorial and papers be taken into consideration on Tuesday next, the 31st instant; and Mr. Paris. the memorialist. attending without, was called in and acquainted therewith. and that the Board will be ready on that day to hear anything he may have to offer upon it.

Tuesday. January 31.

Present:—Earl of Halifax. Mr. Oswald. Mr. Jenyns. Mr. Hamilton. Mr. Sloper.
Their lordships pursuant to the preceding minutes took into consideration the memorial of Mr. Paris, agent for the freeholders of Nova Scotia. and the papers referred to therein: and Mr. Paris attending as desired with Mr. Forrester, his counsel, they were called in, together with Mr. Bower, an inhabitant of the said province, lately arrived from thence; and Mr. Forrester having opened the nature and effect of the several matters complained of by the said freeholders, and Mr. Bower having been examined touching the alledged declining state of the colony and some particular injury alledged to have been sustained by him from proceedings of the Governor and other officers of government there. Which he stated to be arbitrary and illegal, and several depositions made by persons resident in the said province, touching injurys sustained by them by the proceedings of the Governor and his officers, having also been read, Mr. Forrester then moved their lordships that they would be pleased to advise and recommend to his Majesty to issue his Royal Instruction to the Governor and Commander in Chief in Nova Scotia for the time being, that he do forthwith and without delay proceed to call a General Assembly or House of Representatives in that province under such qualifications and regulations as their lordships shall think fit to offer to his Majesty’s consideration.

That with respect to the plan proposed by the Governor and Council for calling an Assembly in their declaration of the 3rd of January, 1757. Mr. Forrester observed that the freeholders are intitled to such an Assembly as other colonies have, namely to have a free Assembly to be elected by themselves; but the proposition is so framed that the Governor really and in substance may nominate more than two thirds of the members.

 

That the declaration proposes that members should be returned for the province at large 12
For the township of Halifax 4
Lunenburg 2
Dartmouth 1
Lawrence Town 1
Annapolis 1
Cumberland 1
22

That as to the inhabitants of Lunenburg, they are foreigners, such as Germans, Swiss and French Roman Catholicks; the inhabitants at Lunenburg are more than all the other English inhabitants in the colony; many of them have been there seven years, and therefore under the Act of the 13th of his present Majesty, claim to be intitled to the privilege of subjects; but even freeholders, natural born subjects in their circumstances, it’s apprehended ought not yet to vote at all, in electing any members (more especially, not in electing 14 out of the 22 members) because they are upon the foot of poor persons subsisted by charity, indeed by the charity of this nation, though made to believe that they owe it to the Governor’s benevolence, so that to let them at present vote for 14 members would be effectually to give the Governor the power of nominating so many himself.

That as to the inhabitants of Lawrence Town, of Annapolis, and of Cumberland, it is proposed that each of these townships (as called) should elect one member for itself, and join in the election of 12 more, for the province at large; even now, while they are so inconsiderable, as that the inhabitants of Cumberland consist of five old serjeants and soldiers, all sutlers to the garrison there, and subject to military law (for none other was ever heard of in that place); Lawrence Town consists of three sutlers subject to the direction of the proprietors of that tract, and under their influence, and the town decaying every day; and Annapolis is a garrison, of the like sort of inhabitants and a place of no significancy to the Crown.

That it is humbly apprehended that the proposing that those three towns, in such circumstances, should send each their own particular member, and should also join in choosing twelve other members for the province at large, manifestly shews, either one or both of the following matters:—
1st. That the inhabitants are reduced to a very small number,
or
2ndly. That the Governor desires to have the nomination of the greater part of the Assembly.

That as to the qualification and disqualification of the electors and elected, one of the qualifications of the electors and elected is the having a freehold in the place, where voted for, or where elected; but the value of such freehold in either person is not at all limited; so that persons of the very lowest condition, if they have but any such freehold, of ever so mean a value, may elect or be elected, which is conceived not to be agreeable to the British Constitution, nor to the practice in other colonies, and whereby the members may possibly consist of the lowest and most unfit persons to the exclusion of those of the best property and substance; and it is submitted how reasonable or proper it may be to confine the member’s qualification to a freehold in that particular district, for which he is to be chosen, since a more proper person might be chosen, who has a proper freehold though not in that district. It is therefore humbly submitted whether the yearly value of the freehold to intitle a freeholder to elect, and the yearly value of the member’s freehold to make him capable of being elected should not be ascertained, and whether the member’s having a freehold of such value in any part of the province is not a reasonable and proper qualification.

That the declaration excludes non-commissioned officers and private soldiers from voting, by virtue of any dwelling built upon sufferance or by virtue of any possession of freehold, unless the same be registered to him, but it does not exclude even such from being elected members.
That under this head it may be proper to pray that no soldier may at any rate be allowed to vote, there being 3,000 soldiers there, and the inhabitants not more than half that number, so that if soldiers were permitted to vote, and any the smallest freehold (were it but the hundredth part of an acre) was to be a qualification, the other inhabitants can have but little hopes of being represented.

That the declaration provides that the voters, if required, should take the usual State oaths, and declare and subscribe the Test, and take the oath therein mentioned, but, which is very wonderfull, requires no such matter of the candidates or persons to be elected.

That the declaration provided that the precept for convening the first Assembly should be made returnable in sixty days, and the reason given for it in express words is, “On account of the present rigorous season,” from whence persons of plain understanding imagined the precept was to issue instantly during the then present, rigorous season. It is now thirteen months since the date of that declaration, and all the seasons of the year have succeeded, but the precept not issued.

That the freeholders rest assured that his most sacred Majesty and the Lords of Trade intended they should have an Assembly, not in name only, but in reality, to be freely elected by the persons of property settled there, and not to be either directly or consequentially nominated by the Governor or elected by the troops, and are perfectly satisfied that their lordships know what is best and most fit for the service of the province and will advise the Assembly to be constituted under such regulations as to answer his Majesty’s most gracious intentions.
With respect to the other matters complained of in the agent’s memorial, Mr. Forrester moved that their lordships would please to transmit the present petition, and the articles annexed thereto unto the several persons complained of, namely:—
Charles Lawrence, Esquire, the present Governor.

Captain William Cotterell, the Governor’s Secretary, the Overseer of the Works, the Clerk in Chancery, and the Collector of the Rum Duty.
Lieutenant Richard Bulkley, another Overseer of the King’s Works, the Commissary for Rum and Molasses, and a Disposer of Contracts for publick works there.

Benjamin Green, Esquire, one of his Majesty’s Council there, the Treasurer, the Naval Officer, the Receiver of the Rum Duty, and another Disposer of Contracts there, and to

Mr. Thomas Saul, Clerk or Agent to the Contractor, the Commissary of Provisions, the Commissary of Dry Stores and the Supplyer of Dollars,
and require them to return forthwith their answers thereto in writing to their lordships, and also to deliver a true copy of the same so soon as prepared to any agent there in behalf of the petitioners who shall request the same:

That in the meantime the petitioners or their agent may have free liberty to take out a summons from any judge, magistrate or justice in Nova Scotia, for their witnesses, whom they shall name, and to examine or take the affidavits or depositions in writing upon oath or affirmation, of such witnesses before such judge, magistrate or justice, to be attested by such judge, magistrate or justice:
That the petitioners or their agent may also have free liberty to examine, search and take copies of any records, and of the Acts and minutes of any court or of the Council, and also the entries in any books containing publick accounts, and to have the same attested by the respective proper officers upon payment of the legal and accustomed fees only for the same:

That the Governor or Commander in Chief there for the time being do instantly upon request sign and affix the province Seal to the usual testimonials to be affixed to all such papers, that such and such persons before whom the proofs shall be made, are such and such judges, magistrates and justices there, and that such and such persons who shall attest the copies of the records, Acts, minutes and entries, are the respective proper officers to attest the same, and that without the Governor, or any his Secretary, or Deputy Secretary, or other officer demanding, or having the same left with him in order to read over, or consider, or take copys or extracts of any one of the papers to be authenticated:

That their lordships will please to require that the freeholders, their committee and agents and witnesses and the judges, magistrates and justices and others who shall act herein, or any of them, be not any way molested, hindred, prevented or troubled in respect of presenting this complaint, or of any lawfull endeavours used, in order to the prosecution, proving or making out any of the several matters thereby complained of, and that the petitioners may have duplicates in the most authentick manner of their lordships’ orders and directions to be made herein.

Mr. Forrester having nothing further to offer he withdrew, and their lordships after some time spent in the consideration of this affair resolved to take it into further consideration on Friday next, the 3rd instant, and the Secretary was ordered to give notice thereof to Mr. Paris, and also to Mr. Cotterell, Secretary of the province of Nova Scotia, now in England.

Ordered, that the Secretary do examine the books of this office with respect to any complaints which may have at any time been made of mal-administration and oppression in his Majesty’s colonies in America and make report to the Board thereof and of the proceedings had and orders given thereupon.

 

“Journal, January 1758: Volume 65.” Journals of the Board of Trade and Plantations: Volume 10, January 1754 – December 1758. Ed. K H Ledward. London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1933. 360-370. British History Online. Web. 2 April 2020. http://www.british-history.ac.uk/jrnl-trade-plantations/vol10/pp360-370.

Journal of the House of Lords; papers relating to Nova Scotia

by

Paper relating to Nova Scotia delivered.

The Earl of Holdernesse, by His Majesty’s Command, delivered to the House, pursuant to their Lordships Address to His Majesty of the 13th of February last, “Copies and Extracts of Letters, from the 6th of March 1748/9, to the 1st of September 1751, relating to the Settlement of Nova Scotia; with a List thereof.”

And the said List was read, as follows:

  1. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of Trade, 6th March, 1748/9
  2. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of the Treasury, 8th March, 1748/9; enclosing an Inventory of Sundries, to be provided for 100 Families
  3. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of the Admiralty, 8th March, 1748/9
  4. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of the Treasury, 13th March, 1748/9.
  5. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of the Admiralty, 22d March, 1748/9.
  6. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to Governor Hopson, 23d March, 1748/9.
  7. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of the Admiralty, 24th March, 1748/9.
  8. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of the Admiralty, 8th April, 1749.
  9. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of the Admiralty, 13th April, 1749; enclosing Copy of a Letter from the Lords of Trade to his Grace, of the same Date.
  10. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of Trade, 28th April, 1749.
  11. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to Lieutenant Colonel Mascarene, 2d May, 1749.
  12. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to Colonel Hopson, 2d May, 1749.
  13. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of the Admiralty, 2d May, 1749; enclosing Copy of a Letter from the Lords of Trade to his Grace, 1st May, 1749.
  14. Copy of a Letter from the Lords of the Admiralty to the Duke of Bedford, 5th May, 1749; enclosing Copy of a Letter from the Navy Board to Mr. Corbett, 3d May, 1749.
  15. Copy of a Letter from the Lords of the Admiralty to the Duke of Bedford, 9th May, 1749; enclosing a Copy of a Letter from the Commissioners of His Majesty’s Navy to Mr. Corbett, 8th May, 1749; and Copy of a Letter from Captain Rous to Mr. Clevland, 8th May, 1749.
  16. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of the Admiralty, 12th May, 1749; enclosing Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace, 11th May, 1749.
  17. Copy of a Letter from the Lords of the Admiralty to the Duke of Bedford, 30th May, 1749.
  18. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Aldworth to Mr. Hill, 3d June, 1749; enclosing Copy of a Letter from the Lords of the Admiralty to the Duke of Bedford, 2d June, 1749; enclosing Copy of a Letter from the Navy Board to Mr. Clevland, 31st May, 1749.
  19. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of the Admiralty, 15th June, 1749.
  20. Copy of a Letter from Governor Cornwallis to the Duke of Bedford, 23d June, 1749.
  21. Extract of a Letter from Governor Cornwallis to the Duke of Bedford, 17th July, 1749.
  22. Extract of a Letter from Governor Cornwallis to the Duke of Bedford, 23d July, 1749.
  23. Extract of a Letter from Governor Cornwallis to the Duke of Bedford, 24th July, 1749.
  24. Extract of a Letter from Governor Cornwallis to the Duke of Bedford, 20th August, 1749.
  25. Extract of a Letter from Governor Cornwallis to the Duke of Bedford, 11th September, 1749.
  26. Extract of a Letter from Governor Cornwallis to the Duke of Bedford, 17th October, 1749.
  27. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of Trade, 1st March, 1749/50.
  28. Extract of a Letter from Governor Cornwallis to the Duke of Bedford, 19th March, 1749/50.
  29. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of Trade, 20th March, 1749/50.
  30. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of Trade, 29th March, 1750.
  31. Extract of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to Governor Cornwallis, 2d April, 1750.
  32. Extract of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to Governor Cornwallis, 19th July, 1750.
  33. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of Trade, 30th January 1750/51.
  34. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Aldworth to Mr. Hill, 26th March, 1751.
  35. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to the Lords of the Admiralty, 16th April, 1751; enclosing Copy of a Letter from the Lords of Trade to his Grace, 7th March, 1750/51.
  36. Copy of the Duke of Bedford’s Letter to Governor Cornwallis, 13th June, 1751; enclosing Copy of a Letter from Mr. West to Mr. Aldworth, 28th November, 1750; enclosing a Memorial from the Principal Officers of His Majesty’s Ordnance, of 16th November, 1750.
  37. Extract of a Letter from Governor Cornwallis to the Duke of Bedford, 1st September, 1751.

Ordered, That the said Copies and Extracts do lie on the Table.

More Papers relating to Nova Scotia delivered.
The Earl of Halifax also, from the Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, by His Majesty’s Command, delivered to the House, pursuant to their Lordships Address of the 13th of February last, “Several Papers relating to the Settlement of Nova Scotia; together with a List thereof.”
And the said List was read, as follows:

Copy of a Letter from his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, to the Board of Trade, dated the 6th of March, 1748/9; with an Extract of a Plan presented to His Majesty, for the Settlement of Nova Scotia.

  1. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated March 16, 1748/9.
  2. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated March 24, 1749.
  3. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated April 7, 1749.
  4. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated April 13, 1749.
  5. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of his Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated 20 April, 1749.
  6. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of his Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated April 26, 1749.
  7. Copy of a Letter from his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, to the Board of Trade, dated April 28, 1749.
  8. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated April 29, 1749; enclosing a Representation to His Majesty; with,
  9. Copy of the Draught of a Commission for the Honourable Edw’d Cornwallis Esquire, to be Captain General and Governor in Chief of His Majesty’s Province of Nova Scotia.
  10. Copy of the Draught of Instructions for the Honourable Edw’d Cornwallis Esquire, Captain General and Governor in Chief of His Majesty’s Province of Nova Scotia.
  11. Copy of the Draught of Orders and Instructions to the Honourable Edw’d Cornwallis Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, relating to the Trade and Navigation of Great Britain and His Majesty’s Plantations in America.
  12. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated May 1, 1749.
  13. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated May 11, 1749.
  14. Copy of a Letter to the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, from the Board of Trade, dated May 15, 1749.
  15. Copy of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated 22d of June, 1749.
  16. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Chibucto, July 24, 1749; enclosing an Extract of the Minute of the First Day’s Council held by the Governor, July 24, 1749.
  17. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated August 19, 1749.
  18. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Chibucto, August 20, 1749; enclosing the King’s Declaration to His French Subjects there, and a List of Civil Officers at Chibucto, with their Salaries.
  19. Extract of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated September 1, 1749.
  20. Copy of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Chibucto, September 11, 1749; enclosing the Copy of a Letter from the French Inhabitants to the said Governor, and his Answer; and the Trial of Peter Carteel, a Settler, for Murder.
  21. Extract of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated October 16, 1749.
  22. Extract of a Letter from the Board of Trade to the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, dated the 16 of October, 1749.
  23. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Halifax, October 17, 1749. Copies of the Resolutions of the Council at Halifax, October 1, 1749; of a Letter from The Micmacs to the said Governor; and his Proclamation against them.
  24. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Halifax, December 7, 1749.
  25. Extract of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated December 19, 1749.
  26. Copy of a Letter from his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, to the Board of Trade, dated December 20, 1749.
  27. Extract of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of his Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated January 22, 1749/50.
  28. Extract of a Letter from the Board of Trade to the Honourable Edw’d Cornwallis Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, dated February 16, 1749/50.
  29. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated March 2d, 1749/50.
  30. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated March 8, 1749/50.
  31. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated March 9, 1749/50.
  32. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Edward Cornwallis Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated 19 March, 1749/50.
  33. Nova Scotia Council Records, from July 14th, 1749, to the 2d of February, 1749/50.
  34. Copy of a Letter from his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, to the Board of Trade, dated March 29, 1750.
  35. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated March 29, 1750.
  36. Extract of a Letter from the Board of Trade to the Honourable Edward Cornwallis Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, dated April 2d, 1750.
  37. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Edw’d Cornwallis Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Halifax, April 30, 1750.
  38. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated May 23, 1750.
  39. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated May 24, 1750.
  40. Copy of a Letter from the Secretary of the Board of Trade to the Honourable Edward Cornwallis Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, dated May 29, 1750.
  41. Copy of a Letter from the Honourable Rich’d Leveson Gower Esquire, Secretary to their Excellencies the Lords Justices, to the Board of Trade, June 4, 1750.
  42. Extract of a Letter from the Board of Trade to the Honourable Edw’d Cornwallis Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, dated June 8, 1750.
  43. Extract of a Letter from the Board of Trade to the Honourable Edw’d Cornwallis Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, dated June 14, 1750.
  44. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to the Honourable Edw’d Cornwallis Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, dated June 26, 1750.
  45. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Halifax, July 10, 1750.
  46. Nova Scotia Council Records, from February 23d, 1749/50, to July 6, 1750.
  47. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Halifax, August 19, 1750.
  48. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Halifax, September 2d, 1750.
  49. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated September 3d, 1750.
  50. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Halifax, September 16, 1750.
  51. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Edw’d Cornwallis Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated September 22d, 1750.
  52. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Halifax, September 30, 1750.
  53. Extract of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated October 10, 1750.
  54. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated the 5 of November, 1750.
  55. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated November 27, 1750.
  56. Nova Scotia Council Records, from July 30, to November 15, 1750.
  57. Copy of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated January 1, 1750/1.
  58. Extract of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, January 16, 1750/51.
  59. Copy of a Letter from his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, to the Board of Trade, dated January 30, 1750/51.
  60. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated February 6, 1750/51.
  61. Extract of a Letter from the Board of Trade to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, One of his Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, dated March 7, 1750/51.
  62. Extract of a Letter from the Board of Trade to the Honourable Edw’d Cornwallis Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, dated 22d March, 1750/51.
  63. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated 14 June, 1751.
  64. Nova Scotia Council Records, from 20 December 1750, to 10 February 1750/51.
  65. Nova Scotia Council Records, from March 9, 1750/51, to May 27, 1751.
  66. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Edw’d Cornwallis Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Halifax, 24 June, 1751.
  67. Copy of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Halifax, 29 June, 1751.
  68. Copy of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Halifax, 1 July, 1751.
  69. Copy of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Halifax, 1 July 1751.
  70. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Halifax, 24 July, 1751.
  71. Nova Scotia Council Records, from June 1, to September 1, 1751.
  72. Copy of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated September 4, 1751.
  73. Copy of a Letter from the Honourable Edw’d Cornwallis Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated 31 October, 1751.
  74. Extract of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated November 3d, 1751.
  75. Copy of a Letter from the Honourable Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated 16 February, 1752.
  76. Extract of a Letter from the Board of Trade to the Honourable Edw’d Cornwallis Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, dated 6 March, 1752.
  77. Copy of a Letter from the Earl of Holdernesse, One of His Majesty’s Principal Secretaries of State, to the Board of Trade, dated 11th March, 1752.
  78. Extract of the Minutes of the Board of Trade, on Tuesday, April 21, 1752.
  79. Representation of the Board of Trade to their Excellencies the Lords Justices;” enclosing,
  80. Copy of the Draught of Instructions for Peregrine Thomas Hopson Esquire, Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over His Majesty’s Province of Nova Scotia.
  81. Extract of the Minutes of the Board of Trade, on Wednesday, May 6, 1752.
  82. Nova Scotia Council Records, from 26 September 1751, to February 29, 1752.
  83. Extract of a Letter from Colonel Hopson, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated 16 October, 1752;” enclosing,
  84. Estimates of Expense for Nova Scotia, from the 1st Day of August 1752, to the End of the Year 1753.
  85. Copy of the Answer of the Governor and Council of Nova Scotia, to some Proposals of Peace made by One of the Tribes of Micmac Indians, dated 16th September, 1752.
  86. Copy of Captain Scott’s Proposals with relation to the Micmac Indians, dated 17 August, 1752.
  87. Copy of a Report of a Survey, made by Order of Colonel Hopson, from the Town of Dartmouth, round the Sea Coasts, to a French deserted Settlement, called Shillencook.
  88. Nova Scotia Council Records, from March 31, 1752, to July 18, 1752.
  89. Nova Scotia Council Records, from August 3, to October 16, 1752.
  90. Copy of a Letter from Peregrine Thomas Hopson Esquire, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated 16 October, 1752;” enclosing,
  91. Copy of the Proceedings of a Council of War, in relation to the Proposal of giving 3 Pence per Day to the Troops, in Lieu of Provisions, dated at Halifax, 1 September, 1752.
  92. Copy of the humble Petition of the welldisposed German Settlers in Nova Scotia, to Colonel Hopson.
  93. Copy of Captain Brome’s Letter to his Excellency Governor Hopson, with relation to the Company of Artillery doing Duty in Nova Scotia, dated August 18, 1752.
  94. Extract of a Letter from Colonel Hopson, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Halifax, December 6, 1752;” enclosing,
  95. Copy of a List of Bills drawn by the Honourable Colonel Hopson, Governor of Nova Scotia, on Christ’r Kilby Esquire, Agent for the said Province, in the Month of November, 1752.
  96. Copy of the Memorial of the Officers of the several Corps doing Duty in Nova Scotia, dated (fn. 1) November, 1752.
  97. Copy of a Survey of a Quantity of Salt Pork in His Majesty’s Stores, supplied by Messieurs Aptharp and Hancock of Boston.
  98. Copy of a Cartel for the Exchange of Deserters, published at Halifax, 8 November, 1752.
  99. Nova Scotia Council Records, from the 22 October, to the 4 December, 1752.
  100. Nova Scotia Records of the General Court (on the Crown Side) of Halifax, on the last Tuesday in October, 1752.
  101. Extract of a Letter from Colonel Hopson, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board of Trade, dated at Halifax, 10 December, 1752.
  102. Copy of a Letter from the Board of Trade to Colonel Hopson, Governor of Nova Scotia, dated 22 December, 1752.
  103. An Accompt of the several Sums of Money that have been granted by Parliament, for Support of His Majesty’s Colony of Nova Scotia; and how the same have been applied.
  104. A distinct Accompt of the Annual Expense of the Civil Establishment of His Majesty’s Province of Nova Scotia.
  105. A distinct Accompt of the Annual Expense of the Military Establishment of His Majesty’s Province of Nova Scotia.

 

“House of Lords Journal Volume 28: March 1753, 11-20.” Journal of the House of Lords Volume 28, 1753-1756. London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1767-1830. 42-55. British History Online. Web. 2 April 2020. http://www.british-history.ac.uk/lords-jrnl/vol28/pp42-55.

Journals of the Board of Trade and Plantations as it relates to the Alderney and other settlement schemes, 1750-1753.

by

Monday, November 5.

Present:—Earl of Halifax, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Fane, Mr. Townshend.

Read the following letters and papers from the Honourable Edward Cornwallis, Esquire, his Majesty’s Governor of Nova Scotia, viz.:—
Letter from Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, dated at Halifax, the 16th September, 1750, containing his observation on the Board’s complaint against Mr. Davidson, Secretary of that province.
Letter from Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, dated the 22nd of September, 1750, containing an account of the success of the detachment sent to take post at Chiconecto and relating to other affairs of Government, transmitting:—
Report of the Committee appointed to examine Mr. Davidson’s accompts, etc., dated September 20th, 1750.
Chart of the Islands of Canso and Sable, describing part of the province of Nova Scotia.
An extract of so much of the last mentioned letter, as relates to the success of the detachments under Lieutenant-Colonel Lawrence, having been ordered to be made, the draught of a letter to the Duke of Bedford for inclosing the said extract, was prepared, agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Read a letter from Mr. John Dick, merchant, at Rotterdam, to the Secretary, dated the 13th of November, N.S., 1750, inclosing two letters from his agents in Saxony relating to their expectation of getting a number of foreign protestants to go to Nova Scotia.

Wednesday, November 7.

Present:—Earl of Halifax, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Fane, Mr. Townshend.

Read a letter from Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board, dated the 22nd of September, 1750, containing advice of several bills drawn by him for the service of the settlement in Nova Scotia.
Ordered that the Secretary do deliver a copy of the above letter to Mr. Kilby, agent for the said settlement.

Read a letter from Mr. Otis Little, Commissary of the Stores in Nova Scotia, to the Board, dated at Halifax, the 27th of September, 1750, inclosing the four following papers, viz.:—
State of the provisions on the contract of Chauncy Townshend, Esquire, for 3,000 people.

Account of provisions received and delivered from June, 1749, to 15th September, 1750, on the contract of Chauncy Townshend, Esquire.
Abstract of provisions charged to and issued from the stores in 1749, 1750.
Abstract of provisions issued from the stores in Halifax in 1749, 1750.

Thursday, November 8.

Present:—Earl of Halifax, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Fane, Mr. Townshend.

Mr. Davidson, Secretary to the province of Nova Scotia, lately arrived from thence, attending, laid before their lordships several accounts of money disbursed for the use of the settlement of the said province from August, 1748, to September, 1750.
The titles of the said accounts being read, their lordships required from him the vouchers thereof which he informed their lordships he had left with Colonel Cornwallis at his request not having been examined.
He then desired leave to take copies of the said accounts to be transmitted to the province, not having left copies there when he came away, which their lordships agreed to and recommended to him to take care that such copies be made as soon as possible.
Their lordships then informed him that several complaints having been laid before them touching his conduct in the execution of his office, they had ordered the particulars thereof to be delivered to him in writing to which they expected he should in like manner give in an answer.
Mr. Davidson then proceeded to give their lordships some account of the state of the said province and the progress of the settlement, and acquainted them that the two ships sent out from hence this year with settlers, as well as that sent by Mr. Dick from Holland, were arrived safe at Halifax, but that Mr. Dick’s ship was something sickly; that the Governor had contracted with the Palatines to work out their freight at 1s. per day, which was the occasion of other labourers refusing to continue, and by their insurrections the Palatines were made uneasy and demanded higher wages, and that he believed Colonel Cornwallis would allow them an additional sixpence; that the Swiss petitioned to go to Piziquid where there were several deserted houses and a mill.

That the Alderney’s people, consisting of about 300, were settled on the other side the harbour at the saw mill where there was a blockhouse; that they were supplied with provisions and had begun to clear the ground for a town; that they were allowed the use of the saw mill and some boards which had been prepared; that the people employed in the fishery were desirous of having a village there.
That the Swiss were employed at Gorham’s Point out of the town of Halifax.
That the people of the Nancy and Alderney were in good health at their arrival owing to ventilators, there being none on board Mr. Dick’s ship; that the principal person sent over by Mr. Dick died there.

That the old settlers were struck off their provision on the 22nd of September, there being then about 3,200 upon the books, of which about 2,700 were old settlers, but that many of them being necessitous, he supposed would be put on again; that the people were not discontented upon this occasion.
That the price of labour would be the same as in New England, at about 2s. per day, though the people were at first very exorbitant in their demands.
That there was much sickness on board one of the Irish transports when she arrived; that there were five large ships in all much crowded with women and children, who upon the regiments marching to Chigenecto were left in great distress.
That the climate was wholesome, always clear in the winter.
That there were 750 houses built and many of them very good ones; that they make 200,000 bricks this year, but that there was no limestone found as yet which obliged them to fetch it from Boston at a great price.
That several fires had happened at Halifax, but no great damage done, and that they had two engines which were of great use.
That little or no ground was cleared as yet without the town, occasioned by the high price of labour; that no method had been or could be thought of to induce the people to clear the ground; and that not one person had asked for his allotment of land; but that he apprehends they will hereafter find the necessity of clearing.
That the fishery had succeeded well, there being about 30,000 quintals cured this year, which he computes will bring £10,000 clear profit to Great Britain.
That about 1,000 people had come from the colonies; the best of settlers.
That but very few of those, which came from England, had left the settlement, there being a penalty of £50, which in one or two instances, however, had been paid.
That the people in general were much addicted to drink; that to prevent it there was a penalty of £20 and corporal punishment upon any one selling liquors without lycence, and those who had licences were under high penalties to observe the regulations prescribed them; but that there was no punishment for persons taken in drunkenness.
That there were several good Justices of the Peace of which Mr. Collier was chief, who constituted a County Court.
That there was only one clergyman, one being dead, that he behaved well and lived with the Governor; that the church was finished, and had been preached in once, and that the people attended divine service very regularly; that the dissenters were allowed a pastor of their own persuasion.
That the surgeons behaved well, but that only two apothecaries were struck off their pay.
That he believed there had been £100,000 of private money laid out in the colony.

That as to the state of defence of Halifax, he believed the entrance of Chibucto harbour could not be well secured by a battery upon Cornwallis Island; that ships might land men at Sandwich Point or in the river to the South of the town; that George’s Island had nine 32-pounders mounted upon it for the defence of the town, and that the strength of the place was such that he believed 2,000 men would not give any alarm.
That if the French and Indians were reduced the province could be perfectly secured; that in the last action at Chigenecto only seven or eight Indians were supposed to be killed and only one found upon the field; that 100 houses were deserted at Chigenecto by the inhabitants, which might be reckoned to contain 1,000 inhabitants who were gone over to la Corne; that 1,000 more were gone over to the Island of St. John’s, but it was apprehended that they would be necessitated to return.
That the French agent referred to in Colonel Cornwallis’s letter had been tried and condemned but not executed, Colonel Cornwallis intending to transmit his case home.

Friday, November 9.

Present:—Earl of Halifax, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Townshend.

Mr. Davidson attending, their lordships had some further discourse with him concerning the state of the province of Nova Scotia and of the settlements making there.
Ordered that Mr. Kilby be wrote to, to attend the Board on Monday next and that Mr. Davidson do attend at the same time.
The Secretary then laid before their lordships a paper containing articles of complaint against Mr. Davidson for his conduct in the execution of his office as Secretary of the said province of Nova Scotia, prepared pursuant to their lordships’ directions, which having been read and agreed to, was ordered to be transcribed and delivered to Mr. Davidson for his answer thereto.
Monday, November 12. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Fane.

Mr. Davidson and Mr. Kilby attending, as desired, their lordships had some discourse with them upon the subject of the state of the money granted by Parliament last year for the service of the settlement of Nova Scotia now remaining in the Exchequer unissued, and of the bills drawn and not paid or which may be drawn before the expiration of this year by Colonel Cornwallis for that service.
Ordered that Mr. Kilby do prepare a state of this affair in writing with his opinion of what may be proper to be done thereupon and lay the same before the Board as soon as possible.
Read a letter from Monsieur de Burger, pastor to the foreign protestants, lately gone to settle in the province of Nova Scotia, dated at Halifax, the 21st September, 1750, relative to the settlement of the said foreign protestants.
Read a memorial from Monsieur du Pasquier, lately arrived from Nova Scotia, containing proposals for transporting and settling 300 Swiss protestants in that province.

Ordered that Monsieur du Pasquier be desired to attend the Board on Friday next.

Read a letter from his Majesty’s Commissaries at the Court of France, dated the 7–18 November, 1750, containing a further account of their proceedings with the Commissaries of the Crown of France and inclosing:—
Mémoire des Commissaires Francois au Sujet des limites d’Acadie.
Read a letter from Mr. Shirley, one of his Majesty’s Commissaries at Paris, to Mr. Pownall, dated the 3–14 November, 1750, inclosing a duplicate of a letter to him from Cadwallader Colden, Esquire, relative to the boundaries of the province of New York.
Read a letter from Mr. Aldworth, Secretary to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, to the Secretary of this Board, dated the 12th of November, 1750, transmitting to him several letters and other papers from his Majesty’s Commissaries at the Court relative to the conferences with the French Commissaries concerning the limits of Acadia for this Board to consider and report their opinion upon.
Memorial containing a state of the evidences produced by his Majesty’s Commissaries.
Memorial proving his Majesty’s right to Nova Scotia or Acadie with its’ ancient limits.
A letter from the Commissaries to the Duke of Bedford, Paris, 7–18 November, 1750, inclosing:—
Mémoire des Commissaires François au Sujet des limites d’Acadie.
A letter from Mr. Shirley to the Duke of Bedford, Paris, 7–18 November, 1750.

Ordered that the draught of a letter to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, desiring a copy of Monsieur Durand’s memorial relative to the limits of Acadie, referred to in Mr. Shirley’s letter to the Duke of Bedford, dated the 7–18 November, be prepared.

Tuesday, November 13.

Present:—Earl of Halifax, Mr. Grenville, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Fane, Mr. Townshend.

The draught of a letter to his Grace the Duke of Bedford desiring a copy of Monsieur Durand’s memorial, relating to Nova Scotia having been prepared pursuant to the preceding day’s minutes, was agreed to, transcribed and signed.

Read the following letters and papers from Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, viz.:—
Letter from Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board, dated 18th August, 1750, containing advice of bills drawn by him upon Mr. Kilby for the service of the settlement.
Letter from Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board, dated September 2nd, 1750, giving an account of the arrival of the Anne having on board the foreign protestants from Holland.
Letter from Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board, dated the 24th of September, 1750, containing advice of bills drawn by him upon Mr. Kilby for the service of the settlement.
State of cash expended, due and drawn for and of the grants of Parliament, 1749 and 1750.
Ordered that copies of the aforementioned letters from Colonel Cornwallis containing advice of the bills drawn by him be delivered to Mr. Kilby.
Read a letter from Messrs. Delancy and Watts to the Board, dated at New York, the 4th October, 1750, relating to money advanced by them for the service of the settlement of Nova Scotia and inclosing several papers relative thereto.
Read a letter from Mr. John Dick to the Secretary, dated at Amsterdam, the 20th of November, N.S., 1750, inclosing copy of one from Captain Spurrier of the Anne, dated at Halifax in Nova Scotia, the 21st of September, 1750, containing an account of his arrival and of the reception of the foreign protestants.
Ordered that extracts be made of such parts of the several letters received from Colonel Cornwallis since the last year as any ways relate to the disposal of publick money and the credit of the colony.

Their lordships took into consideration the memorial of Monsieur du Pasquier, mentioned in the minutes of the 12th instant, and the memorialist attending, their lordships had some conversation with him upon the subject matter of the said memorial and he was ordered to attend again at another opportunity.

The Secretary laid before the Board the two following papers, which he had received from Mr. Aldworth by order of the Duke of Bedford, in consequence of the Board’s letter to his Grace, mentioned in the minutes of the 12th instant.
Memorial of Monsieur Durand, respecting the limits of Acadie.
Answer to the said memorial.
Read a letter from Mr. Aldworth by order of the Duke of Bedford, dated the 19th of November, 1750, inclosing two papers his Grace received from Governor Shirley at Paris, for the Board’s report upon them and the other papers, transmitted in a former letter from Mr. Aldworth.
Letter from Mr. Shirley to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, dated Paris, November.…, 1750.
Paragraphs intended to have been inserted in the memorial containing a state of the evidence in proof of the limits of Acadie or Nova Scotia but omitted.

Their lordships then took the said papers into consideration, and after some time spent therein ordered the draught of a letter to the Duke of Bedford thereupon to be prepared and also the draught of such a memorial upon the subject of the Crown’s right to Acadie or Nova Scotia, as may be proper to be presented by his Majesty’s Commissaries to the Commissaries of his Most Christian Majesty.

The Secretary laid before the Board the following paper received from Mr. Charles, viz.:—
Mr. Charles’ account of disbursements and expenses as agent to the transports hired for carrying settlers to Nova Scotia in 1749 and as agent to the Board at Rotterdam in 1750.
Ordered that Mr. Kilby do make enquiry at the Navy Office whether any allowance was made there to Mr. Charles for the extraordinary services charged by him in the above account.
Read a letter from Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to the Board, dated at Halifax, the 1st September, 1750, relating to the difficulties he is under in getting dollars for the service of the colony and the failure of the credit of his bills.
The Earl of Halifax communicated to the Board:—
An extract of a letter from Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of Nova Scotia, to his Lordship, dated at Halifax, the 31st August, 1750, containing several particulars relative to the state of the settlement.

Read a letter from Mr. Davidson, dated the 21st instant, transmitting the accounts of expenses incurred in his Majesty’s province of Nova Scotia, from August, 1749, to September, 1750, and relating to some errors in the summing up the said accounts.
Ordered that the said accounts be delivered to Mr. Kilby and that he be directed to examine the same and make a report to the Board of such observations as shall occur to him thereupon.

Monday, November 26.

Present:—Earl of Halifax, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Fane.

Read a letter from the Duke of Bedford, dated the 26th instant, inclosing an extract of one from Lord Albemarle, dated at Paris, November 22nd—December 2nd, 1750, and signifying his Majesty’s repeated orders that the Board do make their report upon the papers relative to his Majesty’s title to Nova Scotia before referred to them.
The draught of a letter to his Grace in answer thereto was prepared, agreed to, transcribed and signed.
Wednesday, November 28. Present:—Earl of Halifax, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Fane, Mr. Townshend.

Read a letter from the Duke of Bedford, dated the 27th of November, 1750, signifying his Majesty’s orders that the Board do not take any notice of the Islands of Cançeau in the memorial they are preparing, with respect to his Majesty’s right to Nova Scotia or Accadia.

Their lordships took into consideration the draught of a memorial, containing a state of the proofs relative to his Majesty’s right to the province of Accadia or Nova Scotia, prepared pursuant to the minutes of the 20th instant, and the same having been agreed to, was ordered to be transcribed, as was also the draught of a letter to the Duke of Bedford containing the Board’s observations thereupon.

Thursday, November 29.

Present:—Earl of Halifax, Lord Dupplin, Mr. Fane, Mr. Townshend.

The draught of a letter to his Grace the Duke of Bedford inclosing a memorial to be delivered to the Commissaries of his Most Christian Majesty containing a state of the proofs of his Majesty’s right to the entire province of Accadia or Nova Scotia, having been transcribed pursuant to yesterday’s minutes, was signed.

Read a letter from Mr. Davidson, Secretary to the province of Nova Scotia, dated the 26th instant, containing his answer to the articles of charge against him in the Board’s letter to Colonel Cornwallis, Governor of the said province.

“Journal, November 1750: Volume 58.” Journals of the Board of Trade and Plantations: Volume 9, January 1750 – December 1753. Ed. K H Ledward. London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1932. 109-126. British History Online. Web. 2 April 2020. http://www.british-history.ac.uk/jrnl-trade-plantations/vol9/pp109-126.

From Benjamin Franklin to Isaac Norris, 19 March 1759

by

“As to the Board of Trade, you know who presides and governs all there (George Montagu Dunk, Earl of Halifax (1716–1771), was president of the Board of Trade, 1748–61), and if his Sentiments were no other ways to be known, the fruitless Experiment he has try’d at the Nation’s Cost, of a military Government for a Colony, sufficiently shows what he thinks would be best for us.

(In 1749, Halifax had sponsored the colonization of Nova Scotia with British subjects and the establishment of a civil government there. The new colony had a distinctly military flavor, most of its early governors were army or navy officers, and it had no elective assembly until October 1758—an omission which led some settlers to leave in discontent. Yet the colony was not ruled by martial law and its settlers were promised “all the liberties, privileges and immunities enjoyed by His Majesty’s Subjects in any other of the Colonies and Plantations in America.” Thomas B. Atkins, ed., Selections from the Public Documents of the Province of Nova Scotia, I (Halifax, 1869), 709–42; John B. Brebner, New England’s Outpost Acadia before the Conquest of Canada (N.Y., 1927), chap. 7.)”

“From Benjamin Franklin to Isaac Norris, 19 March 1759,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-08-02-0077

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