Conception Bay North Region ~ Harbour Grace

Transcribed and contributed by David Anstey, April, 2023. While I have endeavored to be as correct as humanly possible, there may be errors.

Brief lines indicating the fisheries transition, from Newfoundland to Isle Madam, and the Gaspe, in the 1760's, by Jerseymen. Together with specific core voyage associated details. As one looks deeper, greater integration is realized. Accumulated research demonstrates Conception Bay as being "the major centre" of the Jersey - Newfoundland Fishery, during the decade of the 1760's. Further, Harbour Grace was the Newfoundland Port used most extensively by Jerseymen. Simply, this harbour offering the better protection for larger Atlantic traversing vessels. On occasion, Island of Jersey vessels ported at Carbonear. While others would have ported at place like Bay Roberts, Port de Grave, etc. A lesser number of the Channel Island fishery vessels visited St. John's, Trinity Bay, etc. James Lempriere and Thomas Durell of Jersey, had "rooms" at the Island of St. Pierre, before 1763.

The Newfoundland fisheries in Conception Bay was becoming crowded during the 1760's. Fishermen were readily aware from time earned knowledge, that spreading out meant better catches of fish. Less fishermen in an area = improved catch rates. After the Seven years war, the old French fisheries near Louisbourg, had ceased, and thereby new trade and traffic became possible. The former French fishery area, was opened to British interests. The more visible Island of Jersey based enterprise which grasped this opportunity, was Robin, Pipon & Co. In Newfoundland, English firms began to look to the Labrador fishery. There were other Jersey partnerships, which later became involved in the Nova Scotia fisheries. London played a lifeline connective role between the British Crown, Parliament, and Channel Island's merchant adventurer’s overseas fisheries. Via trade assistance in legislation, and otherwise protections. Channel Island vessels voyaging to the early Newfoundland fishery, maintained direct representation to the highest levels of English/British government in London. Through agent business firms like those of Henry Durell, James Pipon, Fiott and De Gruchy, Lemprieres, etc.

With research it is realized that the Jersey fisheries at Isle Madam and the Gaspe, were commenced by fishermen, ships, and captains well versed in the Newfoundland fisheries. Post Robin, Pipon & Co.'s Isle Madam fishery commencement, circa 1765, Jersey vessels and their captains continued to voyage to Newfoundland, and or Cape Breton and the Gaspe variously. The associations continuing, as would be considered normal.

It is recorded that in 1765, Robin, Pipon & Co. sent a vessel to reconnoiter the fisheries of Cape Breton, near Louisbourg.

In 1763, John Robin, elder brother to Charles Robin, was a ships captain in the Newfoundland fisheries. This earlier Newfoundland fishery experience, being a theme preceding the British Isle Madam and Gaspe fisheries. Simply, the way things were.

Ancestral relatives of the heads of the company "Robin, Pipon and Co." in 1765, held previous Newfoundland fishery & shipping interests. This including Robin, Pipon and Dauvergne ancestors. And likely extending to other ancestral Jersey surnames. Dauvergnes and Pipons, had used the Port of Dartmouth Devon, for decades. In their shipping to Newfoundland, London, New England, cod markets, etc. This including Jean, Philip and Amice Dauvergne. ( See: Société jersiaise · Volume 6, 1909, page 70. ) As well, Thomas Pipon( 1711 - 178? ) and James Pipon. The Complete Book of Emigrants: 1700-1750, Peter Wilson Coldham; ties together John Harris of Dartmouth, Stephen Tucker, Thomas Neck, Silvanus Evans, Samuel Munckley, Jean D'Auvergne, and Thomas Pipon. On one occasion Thomas Pipon was the shipper, and John Dauvergne was the captain. At Bristol Samuel Munckley, Edward Harford, Isaac Elton, Richard Farr, and John Davis, etc. Does it appear from St. Nicholas Parish, Bristol, that John Davis got to know Richard Farr through the earlier Pynn/Payne family? Per Thomas Farr's marriage to a Payne.

Captain James Ballaine's 1764 trip to Louisbourg as below, appears integral to this movement of former Newfoundland fishery interests, to Isle Madam. It may appear James Ballaine voyaged for the Robin enterprise.

( In the year 1777, the Acadia Company was formed in London, and subscribed 20,000 Pounds to purchase other parties claims in Nova Scotia. Also, the company endeavoured to obtain a grant of Isle Madam. At which Mr. Robin wrote to George Lempriere in London, requesting he do everything in his power to try to stop the grant, stating that he (Robin) was the first adventurer at Isle Madam, in 1764. And that in the following year 1765, he made an establishment upon the island, at Arichat. *A history of the island of Cape Breton... 1869. Page 381. )

- details per various writings...

John & Charles [Robin] turned to the North American fisheries, in which their uncles had been occupied for many years.

The Robins were established on Bay Chaleur in 1764 as "Charles Robin & Co.", and probably on Cape Breton as early, as "Philip Robin & Co." ( Sketches of Gaspé by John M. Clarke. 1908. )

*Robin, Pipon & Co., became Philip Robin & Co. in 1780. The new owners were Philip, John, & Charles Robin, with John Fiott.

1765. The vessel "Seaflower", Captain John Robin.

Charles Robin had scouted Chaleur Bay in 1765, with his brother John Robin, in the vessel "Seaflower".

Their first establishment was erected in 1765, on Jersey Island, at the South entrance to Arichat Harbour.

Charles Robin came out in the "Seaflower". This is recorded as his first trip to the "Gaspe".

*Robin, Pipon & Co., next purchased two further vessels, "Hope" and "Recovery".

1766. The vessel "Hope", 70 Tons, 16 Men, Captain John Robin; Jersey to Canso to the Mediterranean.

1767. Robin & Pipon & Co. opened the trade to Gaspe.

John Le Boutillier ( 1797 - 1872 ) of La Chasse, St. John, Jersey; was trained in the firm of Charles Robin & Co.

In 1830, John Le Boutillier opened his own business exporting dried cod from the Gaspe region.

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*A nutshell of core voyages demonstrating the Jerseymen fisheries transition from Newfoundland, to Nova Scotia.

*Early 1700's, Dauvergnes and Pipons of Jersey, used the English Port of Dartmouth, Devon. The Navigation Acts held that all ships must clear and enter at an English Port, to and from the Colonies, with enumerated commodities. The Channel Islands, Newfoundland, Hudson's Bay, and some other English claimed territories, were not regarded as English Ports, for English/British customs sake. Cod fish and train oil which were considered exempt from duties, were not enumerated items. Other supplies carried, were enumerated. Thereby smuggling of contraband items such as furs, sugar, rice, molasses, tea, rum, etc., occurred. Waterford was another example of an English Port used in the Newfoundland trade, for customs sake. Is there any consideration here for Thomas Terry's association with Captain Helier Messervey of Jersey, at Harbour Grace, 1760? As per CO 199/18.

*1743. Captain Thomas Robin, "Philip", 70 Tons, CB to Jersey with passengers. ( Uncle of Charles Robin. Bap. 1711, St. Peter parish, Jersey. )

Lloyd's List, Jan 3, 1748, edition. The "Endeavour", [James] Balline; and the "Benjamin", Boutillier, both from Jersey for Newfoundland.

Lloyd's List, Nov 29, 1748, edition. Arrived at Lisbon, from Newfoundland, the vessel "Endeavour", Captain [James] Balline. Dec 23, edition, arrived at Jersey, from London.

July, 1764. St. James News, London. "Endeavour", [James Ballaine] from Jersey and Lisbon, to Louisbourg.

Lloyd's List, Dec 4, 1764, edition. Arrived at Bilboa, from Newfoundland, the vessel "Endeavour", Captain [James] Ballaine.

Lloyd's List, Nov 27, 1764, edition. Arrived at Jersey, from Newfoundland, the vessel "Orange", Captain Fainton.

Lloyd's List, April 30, 1765, edition. Sailed from Jersey, for Newfoundland the vessel "Endeavour", [James] Ballaine. *In company with plural vessels, Jersey to Newfoundland. Apparently, most for Harbour Grace. Including the "Seaflower", [John] Robin, and the "Orange", Captain [Peter]Dorey. *Did John Robin reconnoiter the Gaspe fisheries in 1765? With Captain James Ballaine of the "Endeavour"?

Lloyd's List, July 26, 1765, edition. The "Endeavour", Captain [James] Ballaine, from Jersey, is arrived at Petit de Grat.

Lloyd's List, Oct 29, 1765, edition. Arrived at Jersey, from Isle Madam, the vessel "Endeavour", Captain [James] Ballaine.

Lloyd's List, Jan 28, 1766, edition. Arrived at Guernsey, from Vivero, the vessel "Seaflower", Captain Robin.

Lloyd's List, Jul 1, 1766, edition. Arrived at Arichat, Isle Madam, from Jersey, the vessel "Hope", Captain [John] Robin.

Arrived at Petit de Grat, Isle Madam, from Jersey, the vessel "Endeavour", Captain [James] Ballaine.

*Arichat was John Robin's fishery post. Charles Robin established himself at Paspébiac, in June, 1767.

Lloyd's List, Nov 18, 1766. Arrived at Bilboa, from Isle Madam, the vessel "Hope", Captain [John] Robin.

Arrived at Guernsey, from Isle Madam, the vessel "Seaflower", Captain [Philip] Fainton.

Lloyd's List Dec 16, 1766, edition. Arrived at Gravesend, from Arichat, the vessel "Seaflower", Captain Fainton.

Arrived at Jersey, from St. Andero & Bilboa, the vessel "Endeavour" [James] Ballaine.

Lloyd's List Jan 20, 1767, edition. Arrived at Plymouth, from Bilboa, the vessel "Hope", Captain Robin.

Lloyd's List Jan 30, 1767, edition. Arrived at Jersey, from Bilboa, the vessel "Hope", Captain Robin.

Lloyd's List Aug 18, 1767, edition. Arrived at Isle Madam, from Jersey, the vessels/captains "Hope", Robin; & "Endeavour", Ballaine.

*"Recovery", Captain Philip Fainton, Jersey to Chaleur Bay, in March, 1767. With Charles Robin aboard. Arrived at Chaleur Bay, June 2.

Lloyd's List, Feb 10, 1767. The "Seaflower", Captain [John] Journeau, from London for Jersey, is put into Ramsgate Harbour for shelter.

Lloyd's List, Dec 1, 1767. Arrived at St. Andero, from Newfoundland, the vessels/captains: "Charming Nancy", Winter; "Mary", Mallet; "Recovery", [Philip] Fainton; & "Success", Mourant.

Dec 15th edition, the "Recovery", [Philip] Fainton, arrived at Bilboa.

Lloyd's List, Dec 11, 1767. Arrived at Jersey from Isle Madam, the vessel "Hope", Captain Robin.

Arrived at Jersey, from Bilboa, the vessel "Endeavour”, Captain [James] Balleine.

Lloyd's List, Jan 19, 1768. Arrived at Jersey, from Vivero, the vessel "Seaflower:, Captain [John] Journeau.

Lloyd's List, Jul 15, 1768. Arrived at Jersey from Isle Madam, the vessels/captains: "Seaflower", [John] Journeau;

"Hope", Captain Robin; & "Endeavour", [James] Ballain.

1768. "Pipon & Robin". Their "Seaflower" & "Recovery" seized by customs at Chaleur Bay. ( Smuggling? No English Port logged for customs enumerated cargo? ?Provisions/supplies/Furs? )

Lloyd's List, Feb 11, 1769. Arrived at Southampton, from Jersey, the vessel "Hope", Captain Robin.

1768. Pipon, Robin & Co. "Recovery", Snow, 118 Tons; "Hope", Brig, 101 Tons; "Seaflower", Brig, 41 Tons. ( Philip Robin, Messrs. De Gruchy & Le Breton, Thomas & James Pipon, Thomas Pipon, & Philip Marett. )

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The January 19, 1753, PCC Will, of Philip Robin Sr. of St. Brelade, Isle of Jersey.

In his Will probated in 1756, Philip mentions:

- my goods consist the most part in Vessels, Effects, and Merchandise in Trade.

- he is in partnership with his sister in Law, Madelaine D'Auvergne.

- desires Madelaine be appointed guardian to his children.

- and to choose her Electors with her: Thomas Robin, Gentleman; Francis[Francois] de Carteret, Esq.; Mr. Amice[Amos/Anos/Enos] Marett; Mr. Brun Benest; Mr. Elias[Elie] Nicolle; Mr. James[Jacques] Lempriere; Mr. Philip D'Auvergne; Philip Lempriere Esq.; Mr. Charles Payn; Mr. Gideon Villeneuve; & Peter[Pierre] Mauger.

- desires Madelaine to continue the Trade, without increasing it.

- names his sister in Law, Elizabeth D'Auvergne, as Executrix of his Will.

Signed: Philip Robin, James Pipon, & John Le Boutillier.

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Philip Robin baptised Sep 3, 1738, St. Brelade. ( Wed Ann Pipon, on May 17, 1764, St. Brelade & St. John. )

Jean Robin baptised Sep 3, 1740, St. Brelade. ( Wed Elizabeth Pipon, on March 12, 1772, St. Brelade. )

Charles Robin baptised Oct 31, 1743, St. Brelade. ( Charles Robin & Co. )

*The above Robin siblings, were sons of Philip Robin & Anne D'Auvergne. Wed on Feb 5, 1737, St. Brelade.

Philip Robin's brother Thomas Robin, wed Ann Le Breton, on March 5, 1749, St. Helier.

Philip Robin's parents were Raulin Robin, and Marie de Carteret. Philip's baptism at St. Peter parish, 1703.

Philip Robin's wive’s parents were Jean D'auvergne & Ann Nicolle, wed on Jan 23, 1695, St. Brelade.

https://theislandwiki.org/index.php/Descendants_of_Johan_Robin

*In 1765 these three brothers Philip, Jean, & Charles Robin, joined James Pipon of Noirmont, and Thomas Pipon of La Moye, to form "Robin and Pipon" Company. ( Robin, Pipon & Co. )

*In partnership with his sister in Law, appears to indicate that Madelaine D'auvergne's father Jean, was involved in shipping.

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Jersey Heritage - Newfoundland

Charter of the ship Jersey by Jacques Remon and Nicollas Fiott from Pierre Maret, William Kartell, William Bushell and Brun Benest proprietors of the vessel. The ship is chartered for 4 months at £30 per month and is to go to Newfoundland.

Reference: L/C/88/A/12 Date: June 26th 1742

*Brun Benest, "Unity", Harbour Grace to Spain, 1776.

Lloyd's List, Jan 3, 1777, edition. Arrived at St. Sebastians, from Newfoundland, the vessel "Unity", Captain [Brun] Benest. Arrived at Jersey, from St. Andero, per the Jan 17th edition.

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The early 1760's vessel "Charming Nancy, Captain Philip Winter, being a specific example of Robin, Villeneuve, Lempriere, Elias Vibert, etc associations.

Elias Vibert is noted at Harbour Grace, during the 1760's & 1770's decades.

Pipon & Co. at Port de Grave, 1770, agent Jean Hamon. (Account book of William Tucker of Port de Grave, 1775. )

1739. West Teignmouth. William, son of Stephen & Joan Tucker, baptised.

In 1796, William Tucker of West Teignmouth, “the only son”, heir at law, and administrator of the goods, of Stephen Tucker, of West Teignmouth.

Had Stephen Tucker died at sea, and his estate not previously administered? No proof of death?

John Tucker was born in 1740 in Teignmouth, and died in 1828, an elderly man, according to his headstone at Port de Grave.

In 1763, he bought property in neighbouring Ship Cove. Did his father John Tucker, die circa 1783?

1783 Will, John Tucker, 135, Ship Cove. Vol 14. Page 135.

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*It appears Peter Dorey as above, was engaged to take passengers home, from Fortune Bay in 1765. Some of these may have been former boat-keepers/residents at St. Pierre and Miquelon, forced to depart in 1763, after the Islands were given to the French, post the Seven Years War. Some former island residents, had relocated to the Fortune Bay area. James Lempriere, Thomas Durell & Co. had purchased three estates in St. Pierre & Miquelon, before 1763.

John Fiott of London transmitted a memorial to Evan Nepean, Under Secretary of State for War at Whitehall, for the restitution of these estates on April 30, 1793.

"Samuel Clark & Robert/Spence Young" of Poole, Dorset, had losses after St. Pierre & Miquelon were given to the French in 1763, among other firms.

Acts of the Privy Council (Colonial). 1911. Page 717.

March 29, 1766. Petition for the relief of Joshua Mauger of Grosvenor Street Middlesex, Gregory Olive and John Le Breton of London Merchants; Agents for Thomas Meader; Robert Barnes; Morgan Snook Junior; Messrs. Lempriere, Durell & Co.; John & William Anderson; Robert, George, John and Lewis Vigours; John Brown; Morgan Snook Junior; Messrs. Clark & Young; James McMichael; William Buffett; and James Page. Setting forth the Losses they have sustained by the surrender of the Island of St. Peter to the French in pursuance of the late Treaty of Peace.

April 13, 1767. On the Committee report of April 2, the petition is dismissed.

1741. James Lempriere, part owner of the "Dolphin", Edward Luce, St. Pierre to Poole, Dorset.

CO 194/15 Lempriere, Durell & Co. Losses at St. Pierre.

*Thomas Durell migrated from Sturminster Newton to the Island of Jersey. To reap the benefit of more favourable trade laws. Thomas held business at Poole, Dorset; prior to his migration. ( Whether this Thomas Durell held business at St. Pierre is not known. )

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( Lloyd’s List, Jan 13, 1764, edition. Arrived at Jersey, from Newfoundland, the vessel "Recovery", Captain [John] Velleneufve. Also 1765. )

( Lloyd's List, Feb 18, 1766, edition. Arrived at Jersey, from Lisbon, the vessel "Recovery", Captain [John] Villeneufve. )

*Was this vessel later purchased by Pipon, Robin & Co.?

Lloyd’s List, Apr 30, 1765, edition. Sailed from Jersey for Newfoundland, the vessels/captains, Endeavour, [Edward] Coombs, & others. ( Edward Coombs noted at Harbour Grace circa 1750's to 1770's. Edward Valpy/Valpey may have later captained this vessel "Endeavour". )

Lloyd's List April 4, 1766, edition. Arrived at Jersey, from Cadiz, the vessel "Endeavour", Captain [Edward] Valpy.

*Edward Valpy/Valpey at Harbour Grace, 1760's/1770's. 1790's an Edward Valpy at Arichat, Isle Madam.

Lloyd's List, Jan 28, 1766, edition. Arrived at Jersey, from St. Andero, the vessel "Hope", Giffard.

Lloyd's List, July 25, 1766, edition. Arrived at Newfoundland, from Jersey, the vessels/captains: "Recovery", Giffard; with others.

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Lloyd's List, May 13, 1768, edition. The "Good Intent", Captain [ Helier ] Messervy, from Jersey to Newfoundland, on the 9th of April, being within 80 Leagues of the Banks, met with a violent Storm at WSW, which threw her on her Broadside, and obliged them to cut her Mainmast to right her, the Storm continuing obliged them to bear away for Europe, and Arrived at Jersey the 23rd of April, in a shattered Condition, with the Loss of her Mainmast, Sails, Rigging, Boats, Cabhouse, Binnacle, etc.; and two Men washed overboard.

*( Good Intent, Brig, 148 Tons. 1768 voyage Helier Messervy for: himself & William Patriarche, Messrs. James Lempriere, & Thomas Durell. )

Lloyd's List, Feb 2, 1768, edition. Arrived at Jersey, from Bilboa [ & Newfoundland ], the vessel "Jenny", Captain [ Aaron ] Vibert. ( For: Nicholas Fiott, Matthew Gosset, Richard Carteret, James & John Carteret, Edward Millais, William Dumaresq, & Thomas Hilgrove. )

Arrived at Cork, from Jersey, the vessel "Postillion, Captain Marret. ( For: Philip Laurens. )

Lloyd's List, August 26, 1768. Arrived at Newfoundland, from Jersey, the vessels/Captains: Magdalin, [ Elias ] Vibert, ( For: James Amice Lempriere. ); Sally, [ Edward ] Valpey, ( For: John Hue, James Lempriere Esq., Miss Anne Lempriere, Mrs. Le Maistre, & Edward Coombs. ); Princess(a), [ Philip ] Le Brocq, ( For: James Amice Lempriere. ); Charming Nancy, [ Philip ] Winter, ( For: Philip Winter Sen. & Junior, Thomas & James Pipon, Abraham Gosset, & John Villeneuve. ); Mary, [ Nicholas ] Mallet. ( For: Peter & Nicholas Mallet, Abraham Gosset, Matthew Gosset, & De Gruchy & Le Breton. ); Success, [ Edward ] Mourant, ( For: John Giffard, Thomas Durell, De Gruchy & Le Breton, James Hilgrove, & Charles Payn(e). ); Success, [ Philip ] Giffard, ( For: Philip Winter. ) *Giffard/Gifford.

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*A short account of the Le Geyt-dit-Rauvet family of St. Saviús Jersey. 1906. Pages 14 & 16.

John Le Geyt, baptised at St. Saviour's, May 14, 1742. Died Nov 2, 1788, buried St. Saviours. On April 5, 1769, he married Mary Ann Fiott, daughter of Nicholas Fiott, and sister of Edward Fiott. Nicholas Fiott was the son of John Fiott. Mary Ann was a daughter of Nicholas Fiott by his marriage with Mary Anne Dumaresq, daughter of Edward Dumaresq & Anne de Carteret, of St. Ouen. Nicholas Fiott was a merchant who died Feb 9, 1786, aged 82 years.

Marie de Ste. Croix, the widow of William Snow, of St. Helier, remarried to Edward Le Geyt, ( born St. Saviour's March 29, 1751 - died 1785? ), younger brother to John Le Geyt above. After Edward's death, Marie married Philip Jean.

*In 1774, John Fiott entered into a London partnership with Philip DeGruchy, called DeGruchy and Fiott.

*Fiott Papers, Societe Jersiaise, letter of 1771. Fiott commanded a vessel to Newfoundland, before he was seventeen.

1778. Vessel "Southampton", 130 Tons, 11 Men, Captain John Le Sueur, Jersey to Newfoundland, for Nicholas Fiott.

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*In 1744, a French vessel from Rouen, France, named the "Le Postillion"; was captured by Captain Thomas Snow of the "Willing Mind", and carried into Jersey.

*Poole, Dorset, Jan 18, 1762. The "George", Clark; "Neptune", Rawlinson; "John", Beere; and "Twillingate", Slade; all from Newfoundland to this Port, are taken by the French, and carried into France.

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Oct, 1766, Harbour Grace. Mr. John Roberts, Master of the ship "Lark", from Philadelphia & Liverpool. Regular voyage.

Oct, 1766. An agent of John Fiott at Harbour Grace.

Oct, 1767. Gideon Fiott at Harbour Grace.

1767, Harbour Grace. Mr. Hugh Roberts, of Liverpool, received John Whealen's season's produce.

Oct, 1767. Henry Andrews of Port de Grave owned a fishing boat. William Andrews was the boats-master.

Oct, 1769. Harbour Grace. Nicholas Fiott received John Norman's produce for the season. Edward Coombs of Jersey, provided supplies for fishermen. Edward Bisson at Harbour Grace. ( 1770's Philip Bisson. )

Oct, 1771. Gideon Fiott at Harbour Grace.

1774. Mr. John Pike at Carbonear, agent for Pike & Green. ( Earlier agent, John Pike Sr. )

Oct, 1774. John & Thomas Terry, boat-keepers at Harbour Maine. Sold their produce to William Andrews, Planter, of Port de Grave. ( Andrews family and Thomas Terry adjacent in the 1805 Plantation Book. Terry's appears among Irish folk at Harbour Main. Waterford? )

Oct, 1774. Joseph Pynn of Mosquito. His mother was Mrs. Mary Pynn.

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*The profit and loss of Great Britain in the present war with Spain: from July 1739, to July 1741. Published 1741. Author: Honestus. Pages 7 - 33 provides the valuation of diverse prized sailing vessels circa 1740.

The Gentlemen's Magazine. Vol 11. 1741. Nov 10, 1740. The "Clement", Ketcher, Newfoundland to England, carried into St. Sebastians.

*1600 Pounds value was lost, by the taking of the ship "Clement", Captain Kittier, in 1741. Newfoundland to Poole.

Lloyd's List, April 25, 1741, edition. The "Carbonier", Pike from Poole for Newfoundland, with 35 fishermen on board, were taken off Guernsey by a Spanish privateer, and carried into St. Sebastians. *800 Pounds value was lost, by the taking of the ship "Carbonier" in 1741.

France. Havre-de Grace, April 24 We have here a Spanish Privateer, which arrived on Thursday Evening last, who mounts six Guns, six swivels, and sixty Men: 'Tis a Gally or double Sloop, with two small Masts, a square Sail and a Bowsprit. He has took in his Passage hither Capt. Elias Davis, of Teignmouth, with Salt for Newfoundland.

*800 Pounds value was lost, by the taking of the Teignmouth Sloop "Elizabeth", Captain Elias Davis, in 1741.

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The Boston Gazette, Issues 989-1083. Monday, Dec 3, to Monday Dec 10, 1739. Custom House Boston. Dec 8, 1739. Entered Inwards. Dawse/Douse from Newfoundland.

The South Carolina Gazette, Custom House, August 13, 1744. Entered in from Curacao, the "Charming Sally", Schooner, Captain Maximillian Dowse. *The "Sally", Maximillian Dowse, was Cleared for departure to Curacao on May 7, 1744.

Dowse captains in this family from 1737 - 1773. Captain Maximillian Dowse was a son of Samuel Dowse, & a grandson of Lawrence Dowse.

Captain Michael Gill ( Nov 21, 1699 - 1773 ) of Newfoundland, was a son of Colonel Michael Gill and Relief Dowse ( April 6, 1676 - June 2, 1759 ) of Charlestown, Mass. This being the same Dowse family of Massachusetts.

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Calendar of state papers--colonial series : preserved in the ... Public Record Office; v. 22. America and the West Indies. Page 570.

July 13, 1705. Draught of H.M. Instruction to the Commodore at Newfoundland to constitute a Militia in the several Harbours etc., and to appoint officers, etc. The Commander of the garrison is hereby required to aid and assist them, as they him.

[ CO 194/22 pp 138-140 ]

Calendar of state papers-colonial series: preserved in the Public Record Office; V. 23. America and the West Indies. Page 51.

Feb 14, 1706. Order of Queen in Council. The garrison at St. John's to be made up of 200. Prisoners at Placentia to be exchanged. Militia Officers to be Constituted in the several harbours to enlist the inhabitants.

[ CO 194/22 pp 192-195 ]

Page 82. March 14, 1706. Council of Trade and Plantations to Mr. Secretary Hodges. Enclose draught of Declaration for settling a Militia to be published by the Commodore at Newfoundland. Similar to that of July 13, 1705. CO 194/22 PP 64, 64i, 64ii.

[ CO 194/22 pp 208-210i ]

CO194/4 Pages 282-285 reveals inhabitant militia being sent to varying early Newfoundland communities, in 1706. For intelligence, etc.

CO194/4 Page 282. St. John's Garrison "Supernumerary Book Nov 8, 1705, - Sep 30 1708".

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Letter of William Smith Esq. 1789, Cape Breton.

At Newfoundland the merchants carry on the fisheries to very great extent. But advantages are much inferior to those of Cape Breton.

They bring from Europe, and carry back at great expense, the greatest part of the fishermen. Newfoundland is a barren rock, where the fishermen can form no settlement [ ie: cultivation ] and expense for flakes and firing is very great.

This Island has so many advantages greater than Newfoundland, ... I design next spring[1790] to go to Newfoundland, to make proposals to some of the first traders there to remove to this place, and I have no doubt of success.