Spoils of War: Privateering in Nova Scotia

17 November 1800, Halifax, 3 pages. In receipt of letter and order. "We are happy in having it in our power to inform you that Mr. Uniacke has this day been able to effect such a settlement, as to secure the owners of the Nelson from any action or actions for damages on account of detaining the American Brig Sally the said owners of the said Nelson, has however has to pay all expences incurred, and after that is done, they may think themselves well off to get out of such a Scrape so easy — there never was so imprudent a thing done, as to seize a Vessel on such frivolous pretences, and never, we believe till now, was the Master of a Neutral Vessel taken out of his ship, when she was sent in for adjudication — had the Master been permitted to remain on board, as he ought to have been, the Atty General wou'd come to a settlement on the rect. of the Vessels papers & permitted her to proceed immediately, but unfortunately no person was left to appear for the Vessel & cargo, and the only thing to prevent heavy damages, and to forward a settlement, as soon as agents for the property appeared — was to libel the property, and it has produced a more favourable issue than cou'd well have been expected — indeed we are tired of such hazardous Games and will be glad to know what steps we must take to be allowed to sell out amicably."

Date: 1800

Reference: Gideon White Nova Scotia Archives  MG 1 volume 951 number 673