“That poor, unhappy, and ill-governed province”

Is informed that one Mr. Burrows has been sent express to Lord Dartmouth by Governor Legge, and with, perhaps, very wrong representations of many individuals of that poor, unhappy, and ill-governed province, ever since the settlement of it, and much more of late years. Prays Lord Dartmouth, therefore, not to determine anything on any complaint made by Governor Legge against any of the inhabitants of Nova Scotia, particularly those in Halifax, who have been long much injured in their characters when they have wished and endeavoured to act the honest part for themselves and their fellow subjects. Would be wanting in duty and loyalty to His Majesty if he did not stand forth an advocate for the inhabitants whose loyalty has been so conspicuous in the present crisis in North America, and that owing in some measure to the good advice he has given them at all times from the passing of the Stamp Act, with which they complied implicitly, and have done to all other Acts passed since by the Parliament of Great Britain, which they have never thought a burthen. The other colonies being much displeased with this province, the provincials may endeavour to strike a blow at Halifax by way of the Bay of Fundy, and, there being no troops to oppose them, they may easily destroy the naval dockyards, &c.—Southampton.

In answer to letter of the 16th inst. Will lay it before Lord Dartmouth the moment he returns from Staffordshire, persuaded that from his veneration for truth and love of justice he will never suffer any representations against individuals to have any effect to their prejudice without hearing their justification. Is also persuaded that anger, ill-humour, and resentments among the servants of Government in Nova Scotia cannot be very pleasing to our gracious and good King, more especially at a time when public danger calls upon them to unite with cordiality for the common defence. Explains the measures taken for the safety of Halifax, &c.—Whitehall.

“George III: October 1775.” Calendar of Home Office Papers (George III): 1773-5. Ed. Richard Arthur Roberts. London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1899. 422-456. British History Online. Web. 2 April 2020. http://www.british-history.ac.uk/home-office-geo3/1773-5/pp422-456.