CO 194/60

CO 194/60 [Reel B-687]
Page	Date	From whom(where)	To whom(where)	Contents or nature of the document
4-4v	10 Apr. 1817	J. W. Croker (Admiralty Office)	Henry Goulburn	Concerning the handling of one moiety of the proceeds of the American ship Triton
6-7	2 Mar. 1817	Capt. J. W. King (Arundel Street)	J W. Croker	Concerning the division of spoils from the American ship Triton to the crew and captain of HMS Jason.
8 -8v	7 Mar. 1817	Capt. J. W. King (Arundel Street)	J W. Croker	Regarding claims made upon the remains of the derelict ship Triton by the members of HMS Jason.
10	?	Capt. J. W. King	?	Account for the appraised value of the Triton and its cargo which was found derelict by HMS Jason.
11	9 June, 1817	Mr. Croker	Henry Goulburn	Acquainting Mr. Goulburn that the flagship for Newfoundland is ready to sail upon Lord Bathurst’s orders
14	17 June, 1817	J. Barrow (Admiralty Office)	Henry Goulburn	Ordering Vice Adm. Pickmore, Commander-in-Chief of Newfoundland, to his station.
16	21 June, 1817	J. W. Croker (Admiralty Office)	Henry Goulburn	Informing of orders given to postpone the departure of Vice Adm. Pickmore.
18	2 Oct. 1817	J. Broom (Admiralty Office)	Henry Goulburn	Concerning the issuing of provisions for the poor in Newfoundland.
21	3 Nov. 1817	Joseph Smith (Agent’s Office, Chelsea)	Henry Goulburn	Transmitting enclosed letters regarding the commissioners for auditing the public accounts.
23	29 Oct. 1817	John Lewis Mallett (Audit Office, Somerset Place)	Joseph Smith	Enclosed letter transmitting decisions from the commissioners for auditing the public accounts regarding queries into Mr. Smith’s account as Agent for Newfoundland for the year 1816.
25	29 Oct. 1817	Commissioners for Auditing the Public Accounts	Joseph Smith	Enclosed letter with decisions from the commissioners for auditing the public accounts on answers to queries on the account of Joseph Smith, Agent for Newfoundland, for the year 1816
28-29	27 Jan. 1817	Prince Regent in Council (Privy Council?)	?	Response to petition from merchants to Lord Bathurst; authorizes the importation of goods such as livestock, corn, and tar into Newfoundland from the United States. (Signed by James Buller)
30-32v	24 Apr. 1817	Thomas Lack (Office of Committee of Privy Council for Trade, Whitehall)	Henry Goulburn	Concerns about the state of trade and the fishery in Newfoundland: allowing British ships to import flour into Newfoundland from Portugal, the proposed disposal, by emigration, of some of the surplus population of Newfoundland, the cultivation of soil in Newfoundland, and the adopting of a new system of government.
34	5 June, 1817	Thomas Lack (Whitehall)	Henry Goulburn	Requesting the accounts for the amount of the duties collected in Newfoundland on goods imported into the island during the last five years.
36-36v	11 Aug. 1817	Thomas Lack (Whitehall)	Henry Goulburn	Concerning the stocking of food and provisions to aid the people of Newfoundland in case of distress during the winter months.
38-39	30 Dec. 1817	?	?	At the Court at Brighton: Approving the importation of provisions from the United States into Newfoundland. (Signed by Chetwynd).
40-41v	10 Jan. 1818	?	?	Authorizing, by warrants, the importation of provisions from the United States into Newfoundland during times of necessity.
43	25 Jan. 1817	? (Horse Guards)	Henry Goulburn	Transmitting a copy of a letter from Major King, senior military officer at St. John’s, and requesting Lord Bathurst’s opinion on the subject related to the registry of vessels on the island
44-44v	29 Oct. 1816	F. Pickmore (Fort Townshend)	Capt. Buchan	Authorizing Capt. Buchan to sign certificates of registry for vessels during Governor Pickmore’s absence. (Countersigned by P. C. LeGeyt).
46-46v	20 Dec. 1816	Maj. A. J. King, 98^th Reg’t (CO, St. John’s)	Sir H. Torrens	Requesting information regarding the registry of vessels and offering the names (in margins) of those who successively have signed registers.
48	11 Mar. 1817	? (Horse Guards)	Henry Goulburn	Transmitting petition of Timothy Murphy requesting passage to Newfoundland.
50	7 Mar. 1817	Timothy Murphy (London)	?	Requesting passage from Poole to Newfoundland in order to gain work to help support his family
52	13 June, 1817	? (Horse Guards)	Henry Goulburn	Transmitting an enclosed letter from Lord Dalhousie covering copies of a correspondence between Major King of the 98^th Reg., Senior Officer of the troops at Newfoundland, and Capt. Buchan, the Senior Naval Officer on the Station, in the absence of the Governor
55	13 Jan. 1817	H. C. Letchfield (?)	Henry Goulburn	Respecting two prisoners arrived at Portsmouth
57	28 Jan. 1817	S. Shepherd (London)	-	Requests advice on a marriage performed by a Methodist minister in Nfld; the question arose before under Adm Pickmore but the legal opinions cannot be found
59-62v	4 Feb. 1817	W. Garrow & S. Shepherd (London)	Lord Bathurst	Offer a legal opinion on the marriage performed by the Methodist minister. Provides a detailed history of previous cases involve the legality of certain marriages. They conclude that England’s Marriage Act does not apply to the colonies. They then expand on their opinion in detail
63-64v	3 March 1817	Christopher Robinson (Doctors Commons)	Lord Bathurst	Offers questions and concerns regarding whether the marriage performed by the Methodist minister is a legal and valid marriage. If marriage is considered to be illegal are the married individuals liable to penalties.
64v extra	3 March 1817	-	-	The case of inheritance disputed by reason of Bastardy (this is a document in Latin pasted onto p. 64v)
65	3 April 1817	W. Scott	-	Concludes that the general principle of the law of England requires the performance of marriage to be conducted by the clergy and according to its proper ceremonies.
68	2 May 1817	W. Hamilton (Foreign Office)	Henry Goulburn	Requesting the opinion of Lord Bathurst regarding a letter sent by the Marquis D’Osmond respecting the right of French subjects to cut timber in Newfoundland.
69v (extra)	-	-	-	Forwarding a draft to the Foreign Office
70-71	1 May 1817	Marquis d’Osmond (French ambassador)	Lord Castlereagh	(Document in French) French have the right to cut wood in Fortune Bay and Bay D’Espoir according to the Treaty of Utrecht.
73-73v	3 Mar. 1817	J. Bukett (Whitehall)	Henry Goulburn	Transmitting a letter from the Attorney and Solicitor General upon the subject of transportation for those sentenced by the criminal courts established in the British settlements in America and the West Indies.
75-77	18 Jan. 1817	W. Garrow and S. Shepherd (Attorney-General & Solicitor General, London)	-	Reference to Pickmore’s letter to Lord Bathurst of 11 December 1816, seeking advice on the disposition of two men sentenced to transportation from Nfld. Prisoners have arrived in Portsmouth. Garrow & Shepherd advise that the Transportation Act applies only to sentences issued in England, and that it does not allow sentences of transportation from the colonies, including Nfld.
80-80v	29 Dec. 1817	R.N. Crew (Office of Ordnance)	Henry Goulburn	Report that Ordnance lands in St. John’s adjacent to Fort Townshend have been encroached upon by Admiral Pickmore, who has enclosed several acres
84	3 Jan. 1817	M. Nevis	Henry Goulburn	Concerning a bill drawn on the Majesty’s Treasury by Admiral Pickmore in Nov. 1816 to hire a brig for transportation of passengers to Ireland. Is this bill to be approved?
86-86v	9 Jan. 1817	M. Macully (?)	Henry Goulburn	Concerning a bill for £633 drawn by Admiral Pickmore on the Treasury Board; points out that Pickmore has already used the entire £10,000 pounds authorized for relief of those who suffered by the fire in St. John’s. Nevertheless he recommends that the bill be paid.
88	11 Jan. 1817	M. Macully (?) (Treasury)	Henry Goulburn	With reference to various article in the instructions of the Governor of Nfld, he transmits a copy of the report on the matter from the Commissioners of Customs.
90-91v	31 Dec. 1816	F.F Sutrell, H. Richmond, G. Wilson, and W. Roe (Customs House)	Treasury Board	A response to concerns first expressed by Gov. R. Keats regarding that part of his instructions relating to trade (Keats complained that the Customs establishment in Nfld was too small to do the job); a brief analysis follows of the different customs officers serving in various parts of Nfld, and steps that might be taken to improve the service.
92	18 Feb. 1817	M. Macully (Treasury)	Henry Goulburn	Concerning a Bill drawn on the Majesty’s Treasury by Admiral Pickmore dated 20 Oct. 1816, for the sum of 15. 10. 11 has not been paid. Request made for opinions of Lord Bathurst and the Board concerning payment of the Bill.
94-94v	5 May 1817	R. Lushington (Treasury)	Henry Goulburn	Concerning a request to issue provisions from the Public Stores to ease a scarcity in Newfoundland which is causing distress among the poor. Relief is in need. The remaining population cannot support the needs of the poor. Treasury asks whether payment will be made for any provisions issued, otherwise "an inconvenient precedent" of giving relief for free will be set
96	23 May 1817	R Lushington (Treasury)	Henry Goulburn	In reply to a letter of 7 May 1817, Lords of Treasury indicated that the government will probably cover the costs incurred by the Newfoundland merchants who remove the individuals mentioned to Nova Scotia at their own expense
98	17 June 1817	R Lushington (Treasury)	Henry Goulburn	Reply to Goulburn’s response of 7 June to letter of 3 June from Treasury, concerning payment for provisions issued from the Public Stores at NF for the relief of the inhabitants, and pursuant to two letters from Lt. Col King, the garrison commandant, last December to the Commissioner General at Halifax on this subject, Treasury wants to know what securities were given for the eventual return of the provisions.
100-100v	21 Dec. 1816	John Broom, James Blakie, David Rawland, J. Macbraire, A.H. Brooking, Peter H. Carter (all JPs at St John’s)	Major A. S. King	Distress is present among the "lower orders" of St. John’s; they may resort to "desperation". Relief for the population is necessary "to ward off the threatening Storm". No provisions are available so they ask that military supplies be made available "to provide for the Public Safety" until more provisions can be brought in
102-102v	24 Dec. 1816	Maj. A.S. King (C.O, Fort William, St. John’s)	C. Darling (his secretary)	In response to the letter dated 21 Dec. 1816, regarding relief for the distressed population of St. John’s, he authorizes release of 550 Barrels of Flour of 336 lbs, 900 Bushels of Peas, and 300 Quintals of Rice to be distributed from the Garrison in aid of the situation; in return the same will be returned to the Military Stores when it becomes available.
104-	27 June 1817	? (Treasury)	Henry Goulburn	A Bill, drawn by D Buchan, "Surrogate and Senior Naval Officer" at Nfld, dated 23 April 1817, in favour of Thomas Holdsworth Brooking & James Cross to replace flour issued from the military stores. Bill is for £3,772; asks whether payments should be made.
106	12 July 1817	R. Lushington (Treasury)	Henry Goulburn	In response to his letter of 8 July with approval of two draft instructions to Admiral Pickmore, concerning the amount of relief to be administered to the population of NF in case there is similar distress to that which occurred during the winter of 1816
108-109	7 Aug. 1817	R. Lushington (Treasury)	Henry Goulburn	Concerning the cost of making repairs to Government House in Newfoundland; the letter addresses the question of who and how the payments for the repairs were to be made (several past letters are cited); it’s really a dispute over jurisdiction and authority to permit authorization of expenditures.
110-111	15 Feb 1817	W. Lane and A.C. Earl (St John’s)	-	The letter concerns expenses incurred at Government House (heating, lighting, provisions, labour costs) over the winter by Capt Buchan, as Adm. Pickmore’s surrogate; reference to several letters written to and from Captain Buchan, dating from 3 Dec. 1816 to 15 Feb. 1817, requesting authority to provide allowance for NF
112-112v	9 March 1817	Leo Harrison (Treasury)	-	Concerning steps taken for auditing Public Accounts at St. John’s, Nfld, with reference to payments to be made by the Governor of Newfoundland
114	9 July 1817	Leo Harrison (Treasury)	Commissary General Lane	More correspondence regarding expenses in Newfoundland
116	29 Aug. 1817	Charles Milbank (?) (Treasury)	Henry Goulburn	Accepting payment of a bill drawn by Capt. Buchan for relieving the poor and sanctioning the arrangements adopted by Lord Dalhousie and Capt. Buchan for the relief of the inhabitants of Newfoundland.
118	6 Sept. 1817	R. Lushington (Treasury)	Henry Goulburn	Raises question concerning the authority of Major General Campbell to issue pay to a crew for his own use and to issue money to Ensign Campbell as clerk to himself
121	-	Mr Butterworth	Henry Goulburn	An extract of a letter sent by a resident of Poole who is familiar with NF. Butterworth proposes revisions to wording of Marriage Bill to overcome certain objections.
123-124v	24 May 1817	-	-	Lengthy letter on the subject of the Marriage Bill including suggestions on improving it. Draws attention to the difficulty of people in remote locations for people to go to wherever clergymen can be found.
125-125v	5 July 1817	Mr. Bristowe (Poole)	B. Lester M.P (Poole)	Suggestions to supply military vessels to visits ports in Newfoundland to aid in removing the surplus population for the winter months. Mentions a band of marauders that exist around Conception Bay. Suggests it would be easier and less costly for the government to remove the "marauders" to England, Ireland, or Nova Scotia instead of providing provisions during the winter months. Warships stationed in the harbours during the winter months would reduce government expenditure for relief and allow the population to stay.
128-128v	16 Jan. 1817	Caesar Colclough	-	More complaints and request for pension and back pay (see CO 194/60)
130-142	8 Feb 1817	William Carson, Physician to the Newfoundland Hospital	-	Lengthy letter that argues in support of establishing a colonial system of government in NF ("regular Establishments"): provides detailed critique of existing system of government and legislation (surrogate system, Judicature Act and Marriage Act, etc). Provides examples of unfair treatment of inhabitants by merchants such as abuse of truck system and debts (" Thwart the Inhabitants in everything, if they want their Beef roasted, give it them raw; if they want it raw give it them roasted.") Copy of letter found in CO 194/60: 130-143
144-152	no date	"Merchants & Traders" of St. John’s, Nfld	"Your Royal Highness"	Lengthy letter arguing that NF is capable of supporting an extensive population. Merchants of Great Britain are slow in sending supplies. In addition, supplies are too high in price and planters who need these supplies cannot make enough profit from the fishery to pay back supply merchants. NF is represented as being a place of famine and desolation, constantly dependent upon other countries for necessities. They therefore request approval for the "cultivation of land in NF in the rearing of cattle, sheep, hogs and poultry, along with the growth of vegetable production necessary to man." Government should supply free grants of land to industrious families with moderate government allowances of provisions. This will eventually stimulate a useful labourious extensive population which will in turn create demand for products produced by industries in Great Britain.
154-154v	23 Aug 1816	Caesar Colclough	-	More complaints and request for pension and back pay (see CO 194/60)
156-156v	8 April 1817	Thomas Rooke	Henry Goulburn	Letter to inform that the "salary for the Chief Justice of Prince Edward Island [Caesar Colclough] for the years of 1813-14 had been paid except from the 3^rd Sept. (the period to which Colclough had been paid) to the 20^th October 1813, (the period from which Tremlett was paid), being 47 days."
158-158v	16 April 1817	P. Corbet & Co.	Henry Goulburn	In reply to the letter sent by W. Smith of December 1816, it is informed that Colclough’s salary as Chief of Justice, will not be paid at the present time.
160	2 May 1817	Caesar Colclough	-	More complaints and requests for pension and back pay (see CO 194/60) Colclough is being given an additional £100 a year for his service.
162	2 May 1817	Caesar Colclough	-	More complaints and requests for pension and back pay (see CO 194/60) Colclough claims that his salary is suppose to be £1000 a year, not £100 which is the present allowance he was given.
164-164v	17 May 1817	Caesar Colclough	-	More complaints and requests for pension and back pay (see CO 194/60) As retired Chief Justice, Colclough claims that to his own calculations he had not received £1000 a year.
166-166v	19 May 1817	Caesar Colclough	-	More complaints and requests for pension and back pay (see CO 194/60) Regards the same matter of his £1000 a year salary.
168-169v	22 July 1817	- (Cork)	- (Newfoundland)	Letter which appears to condemn the lack of agriculture in Newfoundland; reference to the importation of food into NF such as "salt and wine from Spain and Portugal, flour from Liverpool, and potatoes, beef and pork from the West of Ireland" the letter appears incomplete; some of the lines are lost in the margins, and the letter appears to go on beyond the last page
170-170v	19 Oct. 1817	Caesar Colclough	-	More complaints and requests for pension and back pay (see CO 194/60) He claims he is having difficulty in receiving payment of allowance.
172	10 Nov. 1817	Caesar Colclough	-	More complaints and requests for pension and back pay (see CO 194/60)
"Miscellaneous D"
175-175v	1 March 1817	Memorial of Lewis Desmond (Merchant of Dublin) presented by his agent Robert Barnewall (London)	Lord Bathurst (Sec of State for the Colonies)	Seeks reimbursement for expenses incurred because of "an unusual stretch of power of the Court of Sessions" which went against a well-established practice, the result of which cost him money Last year he chartered & sent to St. John’s the brig Concord, " John Stobe Master and W. Francis Kenny Supercargo," with 77 immigrants. The authorities ordered him to take a number of them (44) further to Miramichi (New Brunswick) Stobe refused, and a legal wrangle ensued.
177-178	19 July 1816	Brian Chancey Court of Sessions, St. John’s, NF	-	Summary of court proceedings; former passengers of Concord complain that they are in a distressed state because of the legal wrangle concerning their passage. A list of 44 passengers is attached
179	30 Sept. 1816	Francis Kenney	Lewis Desmond	Kenny’s account of the affair, including expenses incurred (quite faint, with a difficult handwriting to decipher)
181-182	15 June 1817	Richard Hart (London)	-	Cover letter presenting memorial below by merchants who "engaged in the traffic to Newfoundland."
183	13 March 1817	William Danson Bristol	Richard Hart	Transmitting a petition from the Merchants at Newfoundland who seek assistance in protecting their property "from being plundered by the Mob"
185-186	11 March 1817	Thomas Thorne, William Danson, William Henderson, William Mulloneny, & & CharlesNuttall & Co, Bithel Henderson & Co. (Bristol)	Lord Bathurst	Severe shortage of provisions in Nfld threatens famine and has led to "plundering & destruction" of their property. The petitioners trade into Conception Bay where there is no military force in the district. The worst dangers were "arrested by the active exertions of the respectable inhabitants" but they fear worse. A request to the military in St. John’s was ineffective because conditions there were also bad. Request "some Force" be sent to Conception Bay to protect relief shipments being sent. There are too many people in Nfld for the merchants to support.
187	14 Aug. 1817	William R. Douglas Albany	-	Forward a letter sent by Mr. Atwood (see annotations on 187v)
189-190v	13 Aug. 1817	James Henry Atwood	R. Douglas	Expresses concern that the government has suspended the Nfld governor’s authority to offer relief to the destitute in Nfld until the governor has reported on the situation. Result is that the situation is getting worse because it seems that Admiral Pickmore will not make it to NF before winter and the odds of a report written after 1 October getting back to England are two to one. It is necessary for the Governor to be supplied with the proper provisions before NF goes into a "state of famine." Letter continues on subject of encouragement of agriculture; hire those in want to open roads into the interior for agricultural development (claims climate & soil in interior are superior to Nova Scotia & Canada)
"Miscellaneous. E"
192-192v	29 Dec. 1817	J. G. W. Eaststaff	Henry Goulburn (Secretary of State’s Office)	The letter states that Eaststaff was Surveyor of Crown Lands in Nfld in the civil government & ordnance service; was forced to leave Nfld when he was placed on half pay.
"Miscellaneous. H"
195	26 May 1817	(Marmaduke?) Hart	Lord Bathurst	Another letter of Caesar Colclough to be sent to Lord Bathurst
196	12 Nov. 1817	Hart	Bathurst	Has been asked by the merchants of Poole to present Bathurst with enclosed memorial & extract of a letter (note annotation on verso)
198-199	10 Nov. 1817	Memorial of the Merchants of Poole: George Garland et al	Lord Bathurst	Requests that the Governor supply relief to the poor and destitute inhabitants of NF or perhaps remove some of the surplus population in order to get through the harshness of the winter season.
200-200v	14 Oct. 1817	- (St. John’s)	-	Extract of a letter in response to NF winter inhabitants’ situation, the Governor lacks the finances to support the distressed population nor does he have the authority to remove any of the surplus population therefore NF is forced to face "another Winter of misery and wretchedness". Word from Fortune & Placentia Bay is that "nearly half their numerous population will be left unprovided, and most of the Inhabitants of those places are Natives of Newfoundland. These people cannot be transported to any other Country..."
"Miscellaneous. IJ"
203-203v	15 Dec. 1817	Jenkin Jones London	-	Description of "the late Conflagration at St John’s NF." Describes the town, why it is a fire hazard, recommends various steps be taken in reconstruction to prevent or minimize future fires, such as brick or stone construction, where buildings should be situated, possibly re-allocate existing land grants
"Miscellaneous. K"
206-207	3 Dec. 1817	Major?? 98 Regiment (Fredericton New Brunswick)	Henry Goulburn	In response to Goulburn’s letter of 29 July 1817, forwarded by Col. Fitzherbert, 98^th Reg’t, C.O. at St. John’s (& received yesterday) regarding the return of provisions to the Military Stores before the date of 1 Jan. 1818. Supplies were used for relief of the poor through the instrument of the magistrates in St. John’s (identified in the margin) and guaranteed by bonds. Letter continues with a detailed explanation of what was done and the rationale for decisions made in response to the destitution of the people
"Miscellaneous. L"
209-210	15 March 1817	B. Whenin (?)	Henry Goulburn	Another letter regarding the concerns of the Merchants of Poole concerning conditions in Nfld and security of their property there
211-211v	7 March 1817	Memorial of the Merchants of Poole: George Garland et al	Lord Bathurst	Memorial regarding the situation at the harbour of Carbonear on 25 Jan. 1817 in which an armed mob attacked the merchants and "plundered provisions and property" Though "these tumultuous proceedings were by the timely interference of the respectable inhabitants in some degree checked", the memorialists fear that this behaviour has emerged within a class of men usually employed as servants in the fishery but who are now unemployed and distressed, with no opportunity to work or leave. Request that a sloop of war be sent to Conception Bay to help preserve order, and that similar steps be taken throughout the island to preserve order.
213-214	"House of Commons, Monday evening"	B. Whenin	Lord Bathurst	Sends him a letter with extracts of others, received from Nfld, concerning the conditions there and the concerns of Poole merchants in Nfld
215-215v	31 May 1817	John Elson (Carbonear)	George & James Kempt & Co. (Poole)	Detailed description of conditions in Carbonear during the past winter and spring Expresses fear for security of property Blames unemployed poor people resorting to plunder. Arrival of Tamar sloop-of-war restored some sense of security, but the merchants feel the best solution would be to remove the "surplus peoples" Awaiting arrival of governor and additional security measures.
217-219	May 30 1817	Edward Kemp (Brigus)	George & James Kempt & Co. (Poole)	Similar to previous extract. Describes incident of plundering on 26 March. Convinced them to leave by saying he "had kept no supplies over the fall". There remained six barrels of potatoes, "two of which I consented to the peoples taking to get the Mob off the Room". After searching the plunderers found a "solitary barrel of flour" and were reminded of why they came in the first place. Kemp says "they could scarcely be persuaded to relinquish the prospect of turning out all our salt and fish but out chief security was in the general observation which most of them must have made in the fall of the sale of all the provisions". If they had provisions then there would have been more people. Telling of the danger to the site and to the "respectable inhabitants". Requests aid and an armed guard. They had "not been able to consider the property safe from one hour to the next" until the Tamar arrived in Carbonear on the 17th. Ringleaders at Harbour Grace have been apprehended since the Tamar arrived. Receiving no supplies yet. Would have been taken by people who would not in any case pay for what they took. Discusses the permanent settlement of island and beneficial subsistence such as gardening. Wants a resident governor. Also wants war ships in winter months.
"Miscellaneous. P"
221-221v	12 May 1817	Joseph Pinsent	Lord Bathurst - Secretary of State of Colonies	Been observing for twelve summers and eight winters in Newfoundland and involved in Fisheries, Commerce, etc. First observation: Can rival any nation in the world through the fishery. Suggests that Bounty be allowed for a short time to cement this stability. Suggests more people and lower prices of supplies "until our competitors are driven out of the Fish Market". Fishermen in the navy are just as useful. Discusses the growing of foods and other subsistence activities. The climate and habitat can be adapted to promote the things that Government usually wants in their colonies. People in some outports say there should be no population growth in order to prevent competition but Pinsent says this is something "you must attribute to their Selfish and Contracted minds". Annotation on bottom talks about giving due consideration.
223-223v	30 May 1817	Edward Protheroe	Lord Liverpool	Has been asked to pass on extract of a letter from Nfld concerning "the Extraordinary State of Suffering and Anxiety" there; need for measures of relief to be taken on their behalf
225-228v	17 - 31 March 1817	Messrs. Mark Robinson & Co. (St. John’s)	Edward Protheroe	Extracts of a letter. Received information from Carbonear and Harbour Grace up to 10 March. It seems "the People of those Places were still disposed to display again the spirit of Riot and Violence by obstructing the outfit of about Forty Schooners which are destined for the Seal Fishery from those two Ports in Conception Bay". Commiserates with owners in this situation. Mr. Pack and Mr. Elson requested Robinson apply to Captain Buchan, "the Senior Naval Officer on this station", for permission to go to Conception Bay with the Pike to protect the outfit. However the Committee of the Trade required him to stay at his post. Buchan intends to go to Halifax instead to request supplies and provisions from the Commander in Chief on that station. Robinson assesses that "the Island was never before so calamitously situated as at the present time". Beggars in the streets. "Scenes of Poverty & Disease are more constantly in view of the number of Paupers". As well, "the funds of the Public Charitable Institute are almost exhausted". Captain Buchan distribute a considerable amount of money to the people which helped alleviate hunger. Commissariat provides flour for the public, but none for sale elsewhere. Sometimes Rice & Peas used as substitutes for Bread and Flour but that’s almost gone too. Had hoped the winter months would remain tranquil as thus far reported, but he is "disappointed for during the past week the Town has been kept in a continued state of alarms by the riotous proceedings for a lawless gang consisting in public of about 100 men". Inhabitants have had to assist the Police and those "as are respectable and can be entrusted with a firelock have taken arms". There was a search for bread and since the ringleaders were taken into custody a mob was dispersed and "ever since about 40 armed men have continued to protect the gaol for the security of those prisoners". Rumour of lower class wanting to break out their leaders. Robinson hopes they do not or "much blood will be lost". 35 people or more parade the streets at night to keep the peace. The situation is bad and requests "speedy relief". Charities continue to hand out rations daily despite all winter doing so and billets for a daily meal in the kitchens are given out. Over 900 billets given to single men and more need them. The garrisons are weak and only the Pike remains with Captain Buchan. Praises Captain Buchan highly. The disturbances of their neighbours at Harbour Grace have increased. Fears only half of the vessels from Trinity may have been able to proceed to the Seal Fishery due to riotous situations and weather.
229-229v	29 May 1817	Marmaduke (?) Hart	Edward Protheroe, M.P.	Passes on a statement received from St. John’s on behalf of Protheroe’s "constituents" "detailing the melancholy state of that Island"
231	(May 1817?)	John Mansel	Edward Protheroe	Appears to be a letter regarding a personal favour; handwriting difficult but does not seem to have a direct bearing on Newfoundland
233-233v	9 July 1817	Joseph Pinsent	Lord Bathurst	Thanks for the satisfactory reply to his last letter to Bathurst. Writing about some of the people "who were examined before the Committee on Newfoundland Concerns, having declared that Newfoundland was incapable of being made an Agricultural Country". Suggests that a statistical survey of the island be made immediately "as it does not appear that any of the Merchants know its Agricultural wealth". Suggests that an agriculturalist be sent to go over the whole island "sufficiently" with the help of the army to make his report to Bathurst. Suggests that removing duties off fish in Spain & Naples would be a benefit equal to a 1 shilling/quintal bounty; "The Pope might be made a Powerful Auxiliary in assisting our Ambassadors at those Countries." Says that removing all duties and taxes on anything shipped there from Nfld would be a benefit as it would relieve the trade "as Bounties are not palatable to Government."
235-235v	31 July 1817	Joseph Pinsent	Henry Gouldburn	Note on margin indicates the letter is an extract for someone else, given in August 1817. Acknowledging receipt of letter acknowledging Bathurst’s receipt of Pinsent’s letter. Encouraging the enforcement of the "Vagrant Act". Says that Prince Edwards Island needs people to work, whereas Newfoundland has an excess. Suggests that an extra "3 to 4000 barrels of flour beyond the usual Stock" would be greatly appreciated because he does not think that the provisions from the merchants will be enough to last the winter. Provisions from elsewhere are scare and very expensive. Would like to be notified if the Governor of Newfoundland has the power to import flour. If so, he wants to send an order via the Admiral for the importation of a cargo because he can get no vessel to go between the United States and Newfoundland.
237-237v	18 August 1817	Joseph Pinsent	Lord Bathurst	Letter reiterating the request for extra provisions. Would like the Governor of Newfoundland to allow Nicholas and Joseph Gill, merchants to provide provisions the Governor may need. Insinuates their "extensive connections in all parts of the World" will be an asset. As natives of the Island, they should have the Island’s true interests at heart. Indecipherable note on bottom margin, very likely not that of the sender.
"Miscellaneous. R"
240-240v	25 March 1817	George Richard Robinson & James Henry Attwood	Lord Bathurst	Transmitting a memorial from the Merchants of St. John’s, Newfoundland, on the subject of Trade and Fisheries. Desires an interview with Bathurst. Annotation comments on provisions, etc.
242 - 242v	29 Oct., 1817	Mr. Robinson	Lord Bathurst	Interview he desired was explained in a letter from Colclough. Either he or Mr Hurt should ascertain the result of his application (a cryptic letter; not clear what it concerns).
244 - 245	15 Dec., 1817	James Henry Attwood (London)	Lord Bathurst	Regarding the distressing conditions in NFLD, made worse by "the late conflagration." Wants to alert him to the "truly wretched condition of a large population at St. Johns, from an accumulation of misfortunes". Governor of NFLD will have related the melancholy state of affairs and measures to be taken as there is no "possibility of local relief". Annotation indicates the search for practicable means of relief but that Bathurst will not avail of their offer for personal communication.
246	21 Oct., 1817	Mr. Robinson	Lord Bathurst	Desires an interview to present a memorial from Colclough and if so, when Mr Robinson may have the honour of attending. Note on reverse indicates that Bathurst is unaware of any subject Colclough could wish to address him on. Gives the impression that there will be no interview forthcoming.
"Miscellaneous. S"
249 - 250	4 Mar., 1817 (rec’d 11 Jun)	J. Stewart (St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	A rather self-serving explanation for sending the lengthy (and unsolicited) document which follows; believes that "the laws, regulations, and establishments for the management of this Island are not calculated to extend and secure to our country the great advantages which the fisheries afford to the employment and increase of British Shipping and Seamen." Also says that the courts in NFLD are not working. Predicts that his observations will offend "those who are interested in keeping the affairs of this Island under the present state of government", adding "My object is the public service"
251 - 281	4 Mar., 1817	-	Lord Bathurst	"Observations on the Affairs and present State of the Island of Newfoundland March 4^th 1817" (actual observations begin p 254). Very detailed and legible. Discusses in detail the relationships and roles between merchants and fishermen, the pricing of fish and oil, wages of those employed in the fishery, the melancholy state of the fishery, legislation and regulations of the fishery, etc.
281v - 282	-	-	-	"List of Official Appointments in the Outports of Newfoundland" (attached to previous observations); includes locations, which office held, name of individual, and "remarks" offering additional details
"Miscellaneous. T"
284 - 284v	26 May, 1817	M. Taylor (Whitehall)	?	Sending an extract of a letter he received from Poole. Taylor discusses marriages "that may be had under circumstances of peculiar difficulty, owing to the impossibility of procuring a person in Holy Orders."
286 - 289v	7 Mar., 1817	Hart Robinson & Co. (St. John’s)	M. Taylor?	Extract of letter sent by Taylor. Refers of the propensity for riot and violence in Harbour Grace and Carbonear: interference in the safe operation of the fisheries, the overflow of beggars in the street of St. John’s, low quantity of flour and supplies on the island, the hiring of an "armed association" to aid the police against a gang of riotous persons, charitable donations of food to the needy, the weakened state of the garrisons, etc. Obstruction of schooners destined for seal fishery. Mr. Pack and Mr. Elson asked to apply to Captain Buchan to send the Pike to Conception Bay to protect the outfit. (Identical to the extract found on pages 225-228v above)
290 - 312	26 June, 1817	House of Commons Committee	-	"Report from Select Committee on Newfoundland Trade: with Minutes of Evidence Taken Before the Committee; and an Appendix" (Ordered by the House of Commons, to be printed, 26 June, 1817). Discusses the findings of the "inquiry into the state of the Newfoundland Fisheries, as well as into the very distressed situation of the persons settled in that Island due to almost absolute famine; request for government assistance. If steps towards relief not taken decisively and immediately, the fishery will be seriously hurt Newfoundland and "the Nursery for Seamen, hitherto so justly valued, almost entirely lost." Minutes of Evidence: Michael Angelo Taylor, Esq. In the Chair with various persons examined including, George Garland, James Henry Attwood, George Kemp, John Preston, John Job, Thomas Holdsworth Hunt, and Marmaduke Hart offering observations on their trade and association with the Newfoundland trade and fisheries. Report includes a chart of the return of the quantities of fish caught at and exported from Newfoundland in the Years ending the 10 October between 1804-1816.
End of Volume