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Conception Bay Mercury, April 7, 1837

Transcribed and contributed by David Anstey, April 2024. While I have endeavored to be as correct as humanly possible, one should check against original materials, for any possible error.

Since Friday last several vessels have returned from the Sealing Voyage to this port, Carbonear, and other harbours in the Bay. Two or three in a damaged state, and bringing accounts of some disasters among the shipping, and rather unfavourable relations as to the general state and prospects of that perilous fishery. Contrary to the opinions so extensively entertained, from the prevalence of Northerly and North Easterly winds near the land, that the vessels since leaving port had been driven to the southward; the wind out to sea, it appears, had been mostly from the East, and East South East. But blowing with equal if not greater vengeance, and running such a turbulent sea amongst the ice, as not only to render the efforts of enterprising seamen to get seals in a great measure unavailing; but also, to place many of the vessels in situations of the greatest danger. And the lives of their crews in such a state of jeopardy, as has never been surpassed, any previous season, within the recollection of our oldest and most experienced mariners.

In Consequence of these heavy gales, a great number of vessels have been driven into the northern Bays, especially Bonavista and Trinity. In the former, the schooner "Kate" of Western Bay, Mr. Keefe, was crushed to pieces by an island of ice, and the crew have been brought into Spaniards Bay by the brig "Earl Grey". This vessel also brought in eleven of the crew of the "Venus", of Freshwater, Parsons, master, abandoned in the same Bay,(the rest of the men, we understand have been taken on board some other vessel); and six men belonging to a Brigus schooner, Burke, master, who missed their vessel in a fog. On Sunday last the "Eunice", of Musquito, Pike, master, was totally lost near Hants Harbour, Trinity Bay,(crew saved). The schooner "Harriet", W. Parsons, commander, belonging to Messrs. Soaper & Sons, of this place, got on the rocks near Grates Cove, on the morning of Saturday last. In this perilous situation six of the men who looked upon the loss of the vessel as inevitable; unfortunately took to one of the boats with the hope of preserving their lives. But they had scarcely pushed off from the schooner, before they were suddenly engulphed in a heavy sea, and perished within sight of their unhappy shipmates. The rest of the crew happily remained with the vessel, which shortly afterwards very providentially got clear of the appalling danger; and having sustained but little injury, arrived in this harbour on the following day. The names of the sufferers are: Stephen Tucker, left a widow and four children; William Warford, left a widow and six children; Patrick Moore, left a widow and two children, and a mother dependent on him; Patrick Murphey, left a widow and nine children; and James Houghton, a native of Plymouth, England; and Henry Moore, of Black Head, North Shore, both unmarried. It is scarcely necessary to say that this heart rendering catastrophe has plunged the families of the unfortunate men in the most poignant distress. And from its local connection, it has served greatly to heighten the afflicting sensation felt here, and to awaken the most painful apprehensions on the part of the families and friends of those who are still at sea. Who will doubtless continue in a state of the most distressing suspense, until they shall have received satisfactory information of their safety. Of the vessels that have returned we hear of some having seals worthy of account, except the "Henrietta", Smith, at Bay Roberts, 993, and the "Earl Grey", Donelly, at Spaniards Bay, about 2,400. The "Success Shepherd, 1,300, and the "Sylvanus", Webster, came in here this morning.

We hear that great damage was done by the wind and ice at Port de Grave and Bay Roberts, on Saturday last, nearly all the wharves and fishing stages of the former, and a great many at the outer part of the latter place, were entirely demolished.

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Endnotes:
A history of Newfoundland from the English, colonial, and foreign records. D. W. Prowse. Page 176. Mr. John Pinn at Harve de Grace. 1673?

St. Leonard Parish, Bristol. ( *Per the Parish Register, & Bishop's Transcripts.) Feb 22, 1697/8. William & Mary Pynn of Newfoundland, had adult sons, William, Thomas, & George baptised.

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St. Nicholas Parish, Bristol.

Henry Pinn married Jane Clark on May 12, 1714. Children baptized: George Augustus Pinn - Nov 24, 1718. ( *Bishop’s Transcripts.) Henry Pinn - Oct 11, 1720. Ann Pynn - Oct 1, 1722. Henry Pynn - Nov 19, 1724. Susanna Pynn - Nov 15, 1728.

Jane Pynn buried at Two Mile Hill, St. Nicholas Parish, Bristol, on Jan 23, 1735/6.

Further family members by Ann Thistle Pynn in Conception Bay: ?Fanny?, Charles, William, Henry, Thomas, Robert. ( Born circa 1738/9 - 1749/50)

*1752. Henry Pynn, deceased, left 10 children, 6 minors in the care of Ann Pynn Stretch. The youngest not 3 years of age, and the eldest not 14 years of age.

George Augustus Pynn had a wife and 3 children, in 1752. ( Susannah Pynn Roberts Heighington born circa 1744.) ( Ann Pynn wed James Cowan at Harbour Grace, on Dec 5, 1780.) ( Catherine Pynn wed Andrew Taverner/ Richard Ash.) Andrew & Catherine Taverner had a son Andrew born in 1786, at Trinity Bay. Baptized on May 2, 1790. *Newfoundland Express, Jan 3, 1859. Catherine Ash, Widow of Captain Ash, deceased on Sep 28, 1859, aged 96 years. Born circa 1763.

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St. Nicholas Parish, Bristol.

John and Ann Thrall had daughter Ann baptized July 30, 1704.

(*Jacob Thrall baptized on Nov 9, 1714, at St. Stephen Parish, Bristol, son of John & Ann Thrall.)

Jacob Thrall wed Mary Pynn, Feb 27, 1736. Children baptized: Jacob John Pynn Thrall - Feb 13, 1746. ( Parents: Captain Jacob Thrall & Mary, his wife.) Henry - Feb 28, 1748. ( Buried, Sep 22, 1748.) Mary - Jul 6, 1749. ( Buried, Mar 22, 1755.) Susanna Pynn Thrall - Jan 31, 1752. Mary - Nov 12, 1755.

Children buried: Theodore Thrall buried Nov 2, 1738. Theodoosia Thrall buried April 13, 1743. Jacob John Pynn Thrall buried in the Croud[Crypt], April 24, 1746.

Mary Thrall buried on June 6, 1783. Jacob Thrall died on Aug 22, 1804, aged 90 years. Buried on Aug 29, at St. Nicholas, Bristol.

Jacob Thrall shows in the Land Tax Records for Clifton, from 1781-1784. Also, Gabriel Goldney.

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*In a document of Feb 11, 1737, Mary Pynn Senior grants land at Cupids, to her well beloved son Henry Pynn of Bristol, Mariner. In December, 1750, Henry Pynn had a minimum 36 years of experience as a Bristol - Newfoundland Captain.

*1716. "Increase", Captain Henry Pynn, for John Davis. *1717. "Triumvirate", Captain Henry Pynn, for John Edwards & Co. of Bristol. *1733, Dec 29, Bristol. Arrived the "Escape", Captain Pynn, from Newfoundland and Waterford. *1733. The "Leveret", Captain Henry Pynn, Newfoundland - Bristol, in June. *1736. "Henry & Susanna", Captain Henry Pynn. *1739/40. "Henry & Susanna", & the "Roebuck", Captains Pynn, Bristol - Newfoundland - Lisbon. *1741. "Roebuck", Captain Pynn, Bristol - Newfoundland - Lisbon. *1742/3. "Henry & Susanna", & "Supply", Captains Pynn, Bristol - Newfoundland - Lisbon.
*Feb 21, 1743, the "Roebuck", Captain Davis arrived at Cork, from Lisbon. *Mar 23, 1743, the "Roebuck", Captain Lyon sailed from Cork, for Newfoundland. *Feb 4, 1746. Taken, and carried into St. Jean de Luz, the "Roebuck", Captain Davis, from Newfoundland, for London.

*1742. "Sea Nymph", Captain Jacob Thrall, for Isaac Hobhouse, Bristol - Newfoundland. *1743/4. "Warminster", Captain Thrall. *1745/6. "Sea Nymph", Captain Jacob Thrall. *1747/8. "Sea Nymph", Captain Pynn/Pyne/Pane/Payne. *1748. "Harbour Grace", Captain Thrall. *1748 - 1754. "Augustus", Captain Thrall. Dec 6, 1749. Arrived at Lisbon, from Newfoundland, the "Augustus", Thrall; & the "Sea Nymph", Pynn. Oct 23, 1753. Arrived at Newfoundland, from Bristol, the "Augustus", Thrall; "Musketta", Waldron; "Driver", Mitchel; & the "Clifton", Malone(y)/?Mullowney.

*Dec 18, 1753. Arrived at Lisbon, from Newfoundland, the "William & Anne", Pike; "Magdalane", Combs; & the "Musketta", Waldron. *Dec 21, 1753. Arrived at Bristol, from Newfoundland, the "Swallow", Captain Thurman. *Dec 16, 1755. Arrived at Bristol, from Newfoundland, the "Swallow", Captain ?; & the "Musketta", Captain Waldron. *May 17, 1751. Arrived at Cork, from Newfoundland, the "Patsey", Captain Thurman. 23rd of August, arrived at Newfoundland, from Bristol.

*1757. The "Bellica" and "Eliza", Captains Pike, Poole - Newfoundland. ( Pike & Green.) Oct 28, 1758. The "Pike", Captain Cheeseman, arrived at Poole, from Lisbon. *Dec 22, 1758. The "Pike", Captain Waldron, from London, for Seville, was taken by a French Letter of Marque, but was afterwards lost going into Seville.

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St. Nicholas Parish, Bristol.

William and Mary Pyne had daughter Mary baptised Sep 19, 1729, at St. Nicholas, Bristol.

Robert Pynn wed Martha Whitehead Wiggington on Jul 27, 1766, at St. Nicholas, Bristol. By License. Allegation & Bond? Martha Whitehead Wiggington baptised on Mar 15, 1748, at St. Nicholas, Bristol, dau of Abraham & Martha Wiggington, Tobacconist. Martha Whitehead Wiggington Pynn, Widow, wed John Hartnell on May 13, 1773, at St. James, Bristol.

Do these stats represent Pynn family members from Newfoundland?

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CO 194/2 Page 300. Petition of the Inhabitants of Carbonear in the Bay of Conception in Newfoundland, to the Queen. Being in daily fear of the neighbouring French, and those of Canada being near unto us, who in the late war did utterly destroy our habitations and effects by fire, notwithstanding we betook ourselves to a small island with what little forces we had, and maintained the same against their vigorous assaults; we have contributed towards buying some guns and ammunition to secure us from our enemies, and one of the Islands in this Bay, which we will endeavour, under the help of God, to maintain, though to our great griefs we are forced to leave our habitations. Pray H.M. to take this and the preservation of the harbour into consideration. Signed, Colin Campbell, Thomas Edwards, William Pynne, George Davies, Robert Pynne, Francis Shepeard, Richard Gattrell, Henry Goole, Jonathan Webber, Isaac Schoolen. ( Acknowledged at Whitehall, on Dec 1, 1702.)

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The Complete Book of Emigrants, 1661-1699. Peter Wilson Coldham. Genealogical Publishing Company Inc., Baltimore. 1990.
Aug 29, 1661. Shipper by the "Friendship" of Poole, Mr. John Pike, bound from Poole for Virginia: William Pike & Co. ( PRO: E 190/879/1)

Oct 16, 1678. Shipper by the "Elizabeth" of Poole, Mr. William Pike, bound from Poole for Maryland: Mr. William Pike. ( PRO: E 190/882/13)

Dec 22, 1679. Shipper by the "Elizabeth" of Poole, Mr. William Pike, bound from Poole for Maryland: James Gould. ( PRO: E 190/883/2 )

Dec 5, 1681. Shipper by the "Elizabeth" of Poole, Mr. Timothy Pike, bound from Poole for Maryland: James Gould. ( PRO: E 190/884/6 )

Jan 25, 1699. Shipper by the "John & Samuel" of Poole, Mr. William Pike, bound from Poole for Virginia: William Pike Sr. ( PRO: E 190/892/13)

*Voyages and vessels as detailed by Peter Wilson Coldham in his four volumes "The Complete Book of Emigrants", represent the pinnacle of trade, as carried on by the "more major" merchants of English sea ports. These vessels may be considered as "Sacking/Trading ships". Some of these ships listed in Coldham’s volumes, would have visited Newfoundland. Discharging supplies on the outward bound voyage from England and Ireland, to the American Colonies, the Caribbean, etc. And laded codfish and/or train oil, on the returning voyage, to market, or the home Port.

In cases, it can be seen[an example presented below this paragraph], that more often, the interim Newfoundland stopovers were not recorded in English Customs records. Newfoundland was not an official sea port, as per the English/British Navigation Acts. And thereby, was not recognized as a Port, by English/British Customs. The Newfoundland stops may have been included in the voyage as contracted, by the vessel owner, merchant shippers, insurers, passengers, etc. But Newfoundland was not considered as a Port of departure, or a destination Port of arrival. And thus, escaped Coldham’s voyage listings, such as above here. Listings as quoted, from Customs records.

The Complete Book of Emigrants, 1700-1750. Peter Wilson Coldham. Genealogical Publishing Company Inc., Baltimore. 1992. June 7, 1723. Shipper by the "Joseph & Elizabeth", of Poole, Mr. John Hooper, bound from Poole to South Carolina, Joseph White Jr. ( PRO: E190/913/6)

The History and Lives of all the most Notorious Pirates and their Crews. By Daniel Defoe. London, 1929. Page 122. "On the Twelfth of July, in the Year 1723, he]John Upton] sailed from Pool in Dorsetshire, being made Boatswain of the "Joseph & Elizabeth", Merchant-man, Captain Hooper Commander, bound for Bonavista in Newfoundland. When he arrived there he was discharged by mutual Consent, and being thus at Liberty, he contracted with William Knight, a Planter there, to serve him a Twelve-Month in Fishing and Furring, and this Agreement he punctually fulfilled. The Year being expired, he obtained his Discharge on the 31st of August, 1724, and went Passenger in a Sloop to Boston in New England..."

Comparably, sack vessels spent less time at Newfoundland, while Fishing ships stayed longer. Sack vessels of sound construction and maintenance, together with their more valuable cargoes, would have been of generally higher value, and thus insured on the high seas. While numerous other "dedicated fishing vessels" most often of lesser value, construction, and maintenance; would have been mainly engaged, in the effort of obtaining the cod and train oil at Newfoundland. Many of which fishing vessels did not obtain Mediterranean Passes, would not have been insured, were not listed in Lloyd's Lists and Registers, and didn't sail to market in the Mediterranean. Rather their catch of fish was sold at Newfoundland, or at the English/British home town port. Illustrating a "Scheme of the Fishery", acknowledged divide, between the two basic types of vessels visiting the early Newfoundland Fishery. When vessels headed to market in the Mediterranean were captured by pirates, and the crews enslaved, Town Corporation held meetings. Petitions were issued to their Parliamentary representatives, to secure the return of the enslaved fishermen. Government delegated negotiators to deal with the pirates, and funding was expended to redeem slaves. Thus, the implementation of Mediterranean Passes, which were often limited in the number issued. To reduce the amount of ransom monies paid, and the enslavement of Englishmen, including Newfoundland merchant vessels, and their crews.

Thomas Neck and Stephen Tucker voyaged for merchants of close association; in folk like John Harris & Silvanus Evans of Dartmouth; and Samuel Munckley of Exeter. It is apparent they captained "Sack ships". Their stay at Newfoundland generally would have thus been of a shorter duration, than a seasonal fishing vessel. One might consider that Stephen Tucker's time spent at Port de Grave was "limited". And other family members such as Stephen’s brother(s), or nephews, may have been at Port de Grave in a more extended role. Catching and curing cod, as passengers/bye boat men, or visiting, as part of the crew of a seasonal fishing vessel. In the passage of time, as inhabitant settlers. Varying family members played differing roles, relative to the early Newfoundland Fishery. Especially in families who appear to have held long term association with the "plantation" in Newfoundland. Wherein one family member, or members, may have played the role of sack ship captains, and or fishing ship captains. While other family members may have stayed in Newfoundland, and cared for the plantation "Room", and established an inhabitant family. The great majority of early Newfoundland fishers, were "temporary" passengers and bye-boat keepers, most of whom later returned to England. Eventually some folk who hung on, formed a single inhabitant family unit. Which in time evolved into grandsons, uncles, cousins, etc. Consider the Snow family at Port de Grave. The Dawes', Tucker's, Davis', Pynn's, Edwards', Garlands', including other families.

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Conception Bay North, Carbonear