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Governor's Letter-Book, Annapolis, 1719-1742. |
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should have been put into effect seven years ago, possibly the present government may not be obliged to make it good. Want of presents for the Indians has hindered calling them together. In the meantime, the French are poisoning their minds against the government. Owing to want of means the King's authority does not extend beyond this fort. Outside it is despised and ridiculed. Officers in Cape Breton advise the French here to apply to Philipps for form's sake, but if he does not grant their requests, to follow their own inclinations. Something should be done; but P. is shut up in the fort and cannot even prevent the clandestine trade between these settlements and Cape Breton. If he could arm a sloop when needed, it would be a great help, at little expense, (a hundred pounds or so,) while a station ship costs £3,000 or £4,000 per annum. Garrison needs also a hundred more men. Has written to the Governor of Canada, asking him to appoint boundary commissioners, but has received no answer. The trade of the province is in favor of Boston and consists of fish, fur, feathers and oil. From 80,000 to 100,000 quintals of fish are taken in one season by the N. E. boats for the Portuguese, Mediterranean and W. Indian markets. Fur trade carried on by four or five sloops, making three voyages in the year; they put off W. I. goods and N. E. provisions at a profit of 400 or 500 per cent and pay no duty. They also work a coal mine at the head of the bay without even the good manners to ask the King's leave. Will send important minutes of council in next despatch, and apologizes for abundance of details.
(signed.)
R. Philipps
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1720. |
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| Philipps to Board of Trade. |
[35 |
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Memo. Same letter written with acknowledgment of receipt of proclamation.
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| Philipps to Thomas Richards, Esq. at Canso. |
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Wants to know if he has received J. P. commission: reminds him to report anything happening in the French
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