Nova Scotia Archives
The Eassons and the Hoyts
Two Hundred Years of Family and Community Life in Nova Scotia
"Copies of Mr. Anthony Costaign's letters to us"
Four-page document containing synopsis of business dealings with Anthony Castaing in Louisbourg. Louisbourg, 19 May 1754: a schooner had been sold by the Indians, so he [Castaing] had no vessel to send wine, rum, and molasses [prohibited trade] but he requested that horses, boards, moose skins, hand barrows and shovels be sent to him. 14 August 1754: difficulties regarding disposition of the vessel and its cargo. 7 September 1754: Castaing has been unable to sell the vessel, which has gone on to Boston, loaded with additional goods; nor has he been able to sell the horses and building material, since work on the fortifications has not yet begun. 7 September 1754: unable to sell the sloop at the price asked and it goes to Boston; number of vessels come from New England to be sold, only one horse sold. Invoice enclosed for goods loaded on the sloop and consigned to Mr. Ben Hallowell, Boston. King's work not yet begun is reason for no sales. (two small pieces missing.) 7 September 1754. 4 pages : 30 x 49 cm. Easson family Nova Scotia Archives MG 1 vol. 3478 A/34
note: transcription publicly contributed - please contact us with comments, errors or omisions
The Originals of the following Letters are wrote
In French
Louisbourg
Augt 14th 1756
I had the honour of yours by your Sloop which arrived
Here four days ago without any accident. This comes by
your pilot, whom I have advanced, on you accounts for to
return, I have begun to Land the horses, to Graze as
they have suffered a little at Sea, I believe it won’t be in
my power to sell the Sloop & Cargo as you desire because
the Season is too far advanced to hope that she can
return [ – ] the West Indies this fall & if she is obliged
to winter there the Expences & wages will eat up the
Sloop & Cargo, thus Gentlemen I have resolved to sell the Cargo
as soon as possible, that I may be able to send her
with the Articles you have ordered, which I think, most
advantageous & according to your memorandum.
As to the hand Barrows & Shovells I will be
obliged to put them in Store, because the man of Warr
is not yet arrived & the Contractor for the kings works
is not here, I have desired the Intendant to take them
& I wait his answer.
You desire me to write the prices of the
Articles you have sent me, As to the horses I cant well
tell you having not yet sett the price but I will be [glad]
if I can get 140 or 150 livres, the boards are worth 40 to [– torn ]
& if you think these prices are advantageous you [would – torn ]
send me a Cargo which will be here about the time [ torn ]
Vessell will come from the West Indies.
As to Carrets [carrots] I would have you send but a few [ – ]
a great many Cabbages, you must observe that horses
will always answer in the Spring & not in the fall
You have not sent the prices of the Cargo 
you have sent which doubtless you have forgot about
embarasses me a good deal
