Nova Scotia Archives

Acadian Heartland

Records of the Deportation and Le Grand Dérangement, 1714-1768

ACADIAN FRENCH.

305

material success of Brigdr. Genl. Forbes on the Ohio. We have accounts of two men of War having sailed for Louisbourg, and a large Fleet for different Ports on the Continent. I do not hear that any are yet arrived nor have we any news later than the 17th or 18th of October from Europe. When I was last down at the Eastward) I got upon the trac of a person suspected to be gone trading with the Neutrals, I cou'd at that time make nothing of it. Since that time the person returned to Marblehead and brought, as I heard from Cape Sables, a letter or petition from the Neutrals there directed to me in Council — This was proof that he had been amongst them. I got this letter the very day Mr. Amherst arrived here the last time. I directed the Attorney General to prosecute Haskell as corresponding with the Kings Enemies — He took the man up who is in jail — but the Evidence against him will not Convict him — Desenclave the Priest, and the other Neutrals now prisoners with you, may possibly be evidence against him — the fact was committed in your Province. If you think you cou'd convict the man and think of bringing him to a Tryal he may be sent to you. As for the case of the poor people at Cape Sables it seems very distressful and worthy any relief can be afforded them. If Policy cou'd acquiesce in any measure for their relief, Humanity loudly calls for it — I send you a copy of their petition and in the Copy of the Journal of Council which I also enclose, You will see that Genl. Amherst was willing to relieve them, cou'd it have been done here — but by the same you will see the Council cou'd by no means advise me to receive them.

I am with great Truth

Sir

Your most Obedient

faithful humble Servant

T. POWNALL.

His Excellency

B. Gent Govr. Lawrence.

influence obtained several important situations in the colonies. He first came to America in 1753, as Secretary to Sir Danvers Osborne, who had been appointed Governor of New York. In 1762 Mr. Pownall was nominated to the Governorship of South Carolina, but never assumed the office. American life and politics became distasteful to him, and he returned to England, and was elected a member of the British Parliament for Minehead in 1775 or 6. He was the author of several works relating to the colonies, and other literary productions. He died at Bath in 1785, in the 85th year of his age. — Hutchinson's Hist. Mass.; Gentleman's Magazine, 1805; Gov. Pownall's Letters.