Newfoundland History

Passengers in the early Newfoundland Fishery

(Every description of person, over and above the crew/company/compliment/seamen, of the vessel. Stats gleaned indicate that early passengers "out to Newfoundland", were transported by the "more influential" merchant adventurers, and their captains.

Transcribed and contributed by David Anstey, October 2017. While I have endeavored to be as correct as humanly possible, there may be errors.

The beginners of a nation: a history of the source and rise of the earliest English settlements in America with special reference to the life and character of the people. Eggleston, Edward, 1837-1902. Page 241.

Baltimore's opponents made great exertions to prevent the departure of the Ark and the Dove, which were to bear faithful Catholics across the flood to a new world. It was told that Calvert's men had abused the customs officers at Gravesend, and sailed without cockets in contempt of all authority, the people on board refusing the oath of allegiance. The Ark was stopped and brought back by order of the Privy Council, and the oath of allegiance was given to a hundred and twenty-eight passengers. But the ships came to again at the Isle of Wight, and when they got away at last there were near three hundred passengers on board, including Jesuit priests. Most of the passengers were "laboring men"; how many were Catholic and how many Protestant, it is impossible now to tell.

Nova Scotia: The Royal Charter of 1621 to Sir William Alexander

In 1622, Sir William Alexander attempted to reach his chartered land in the St. Lawrence River. But passengers were forced to overwinter in Newfoundland, after bad weather and provisions became short, among other problems. The clergyman and the artizan died; the labourers scattered to find employment among the fisheries, and the next year, when a ship arrived at St. John with additional settlers the original party could not be assembled.

William Alexander, 1st Earl of Stirling, 7th Baron of Menstrie

In 1622 he hired a ship in London and sent it to Kirkcudbright to pick up settlers and supplies; but it was delayed by the reluctance of artisans to enlist and the scarcity of supplies, encountered bad weather near Cape Breton, left the colonists in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and returned to London for more supplies. In 1623 he sent out another ship to pick up the colonists [ former voyage's passengers ], but this party found that some of them had died, that others were out fishing, and that too few remained to found a colony. However, ten of these decided to go along with the ship to locate a fit site for a future settlement. They explored as far as Cap Nègre, landed at Port-Joli and Port-au-Mouton, formed a favourable opinion of the natural beauty and resources of the country, but returned to Newfoundland, whence they took passage to England with some of the West Country fishermen, leaving the ship to get its own load of fish. The remainder of the original party apparently became absorbed in the population of Newfoundland. The net gain of Sir William’s first venture, at an alleged cost of £6,000.

“The first houses for habitation [in Newfoundland] were built in Cupids Coue within the Bay of Conception….” (Sir William Alexander, “Encouragement to the Colonies,” 1624)

Historical geography of the British Colonies : Volume V.-Part IV. Newfoundland. By: John Davenport Rogers, (1857 – 1914).

Page 86.

"Captain R. Robinson wrote that this (Newfoundland) was the only plantation of its size without Church or State."

(Calendar of State Papers, Colonial Office Series, 1669-74, No 369.)

[ Captain R. Robinson Newfoundland Census', 1677-1680 ]

Page 93.

[ Jan 9, 1697, a ship from St. John's arrived at Dartmouth, Devon; with 220 men, women, and children. Sent by their French captors. ]

Page 94.

The French authorities ... were the only people who ever obeyed, the command to repatriate "passengers".

*Vessel captains generally repatriated passengers as shown below here. In contrast with page 94 of John Davenport Rogers' History of Newfoundland, above.

Peopling of early Newfoundland.

May, 1640.

May [27].

Whitehall.68. Order of the Privy Council. Upon petition of the merchants, masters, and owners of the Charles of Gloucester, freighted for a voyage to the Foreign Plantations and from thence to Newfoundland, granting them licence to take 100 passengers, upon taking the oath of allegiance; list of goods and provisions underwritten. [Draft, with corrections.]

From: 'America and West Indies: May 1640', Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies,

Volume 1: 1574-1660 (1860), pp. 311-312.

May [27].

Whitehall.69. Similar order. Upon petition of the merchants, owners, and master of the Amity, to take 120 passengers to the plantations; list of goods

and provisions underwritten. [Draft.]

From: 'America and West Indies: May 1640', Calendar of State Papers Colonial, America and West Indies, Volume 1:
1574-1660 (1860), pp. 311-312.

1697. Captain John Dyer, "Nathaniel" of Bridgewater, 120 tons/65 men/15 boats, St. John's from Dartmouth with 65 Passengers for the Fishery. Caught 2000 Quintals. Went St. John's to Dartmouth with oil, and left no Passengers behind.

*No bye boat keepers left behind? What about the "Nathaniel's" boats/shallops/punts/rodneys? Note: Not the larger type skiff, bully boat/ship vessel.

Generally the boats/shallops/punts/rodneys were under the 20 Ton cagetory. Larger undecked skiffs/ships were generally over 20 Tons.

Samuel Butler built the "Unicorn", at Western Harbour, Samson's Island, Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland; in 1950. It was of the larger type skiff vessel.

An open vessel without decking. Used in freighting, it was registered as a ship. Note the boats were differentiated from skiffs, at Port de Grave, 1708.

One expects the skiff owners of having more cash/capital/boat building tools/fishery experience/greater merchant status, etc.

Patrick O'Flaherty's book: Old Newfoundland -- a History to 1843.

Page 54: In 1697 Arthur Holdsworth sailed the NICHOLAS from Dartmouth with 100 passengers returning to Newfoundland following the disruption of their residence by the French. To those people, Newfoundland was home.

Page 57: The merchant Arthur Holdsworth of Dartmouth certainly saw an opening [ in the 1699 William’s Act laying down restrictions on permanent habitation but giving fishing admirals greater powers to control access to fishing rooms ] . He brought no fewer than 236 passengers to Newfoundland in 1701 (when he was also admiral of the harbour [ St. John’s]) and placed them in fishing ships’ rooms.

*How many boats/punts/shallops/rodneys did Holdsworth bring from Darthmouth to St. John's, for the passenger fishermen?

Page 98: [in 1775] Dartmouth spokesman Arthur Holdsworth, a merchant and Member of Parliament, even proposed legislation that would vest occupiers of land there in their possession “in fee simple”. The suggestion got nowhere. Holdsworth also proposed that only one-half of an employer’s fish and oil be liable to the payment of servant’ wages, but this too was not taken up.

1698 CO 194/1. Captain Stephen Tucker. "Rebecca" 120/10/2 Topsham to Port de Grave. Home 5 Passengers.

1699 CO194/1 Captain Stephen Tucker. "Rebecca" 120/24/2 boats Teignmouth at Port de Grave. Voyage home with passengers?

The Holdsworths : a history of some branches of the Holdsworth family in England, Canada, Australia and America. Waldram, Eric H. (Eric Holdsworth), 1925-

...the practice of bringing out from England numbers of by-boatmen who fished on their own but then handed over part of their catch to the Captain who had brought them over. By-boatmen could afford to sell their catch cheaper than the regular fishing crews. The Holdsworths developed this practice far more than other fishing boats. Indeed it was reported that they rode around the market towns in the south west of England, at the beginning of the year recruiting these by-boatmen. Fishing was seasonal in Newfoundland, and at that time people were not allowed to settle on the Island. This was not enforced too strictly after the years, and finally broke down completely. The Captains and boats would trade in Newfoundland, England, and Portugal, where some families had vinyard to produce Port and other wines, including the Holdsworths. In 1701 Arthur became "Admiral" for that year and occupied a house in St Johns throughout the fishing season. In 1702 he brought out Portland stone, in ballast, for the building of the fort. In 1705/6 he bought fishing rights and land in Newfoundland from widows Joan Burrows and Joan Churchill, as well as from John Aylward. The land was in Quidi Vidi, Newfoundland. Also in 1705 Arthur Holdsworth sailed from Newfoundland to Dartmouth on the frigate "Langdon". He got separated from the convoy by a large storm which smashed all the ships masts; washed the anchors from the bow and caused the dismounting of the guns. He had many "passengers". These may have been by-boatmen, as they were also known by this name.

*Lloyd's List, Jul 3, 1744, edition.

*Arrived at Dartmouth, Devon, from Virgina, June 29th; the "Prosperous", Captain Esther. The "Prosperous" was taken the 21st Instant by a French Privateer belonging to Bayonne, and retaken the 24th by Captain George Le Gros of the "Dartmouth Galley". The Captain of the "Prosperous", whose name is John Emmett, with some Passengers, are all carried away by the French Privateer.

*The "John & Mary", Captain Snow, lately taken by Captain Le Gros, and sent into Falmouth, is just now arrived here(Dartmouth).

Exeter Port books.

1753. Jan. Captain William Tucker. "Elizabeth & Catherine", Teignmouth to Oporto. 1138 Qtls, for William Squarry.

September, in port books, from Newfoundland. For John Goss & Co., & Passengers.

Lloyd's List, Oct 19, 1753, edition.

Arrived at Weymouth, from Newfoundland, the vessel "Elizabeth & Catherine", Captain Tucker.

*Early Newfoundland legally was not a destination/delivery port for lost vessels and cargo, confiscated vessels, etc.

*A cargo of fish was taken in Newfoundland(the lading/loading Port), and the voyage ended; when the fish was unloaded. Usually in Europe.

Lloyd's List, Jun 2, 1761, edition.

The "Duke of Tuscanny", Captain Malone, from Bristol for Waterford and Newfoundland, fell in with the "Duke de Biron", Privateer of Dunkirk, 100 leagues West of Cape Clear, and was in the engagement blown up, by the French throwing Granadoes into the Cabin windows. and only the Mate, three Passengers, and one Seaman, were saved out of 211 souls.

Lloyd's List, Jan 25, 1763, edition.

The vessel from Newfoundland with Passengers for Ireland, that was lately lost off Dungarven, was the "Betsey", Captain Ball, of Teignmouth, and sixty of the people were drowned.

Lloyd's List, Dec 4, 1767, edition.

Arrived at Cork, from Newfoundland, the vessels:

"Conception Bay" Captain Collins *See April 10th, 1776; entry below.

"Hannah & Lydia" Captain Barry

The "Sarah", Captain Thompson, from Newfoundland to Ireland, is lost 60 Miles to the Westward of Cork; 25 Passengers and two of the crew were drowned.

(*Lloyd's List, April 17, 1767. Arrived at Waterford from Topsham, the vessel "Sarah", Captain Thompson.)

Lloyd's List, May 13, 1768, edition.

Sailed from Waterford for Newfoundland, the vessel "Serviceable", Captain Charles? Dench.

Lloyd's List, May 24, 1768, edition.

The "Serviceable", Captain Dench, from Waterford to Newfoundland, with Passengers, 5 Days out; all well. ( For H. Roberts of Liverpool. See: Dec 27, 1766 entry.)

Lloyd's List, Dec 15, 1769, edition.

The "William" of Cork, Captain Harrow?, from Newfoundland, with fish, oil, and passengers, was put on shore at Tramore Bay, Dec. 4th, and as it then blew very hard its thought she will go to pieces.

Lloyd's List, Nov 29, 1771, edition.

The "Palliser", Captain Brown, sailed from Waterford on Apr 28, last, with Passengers and Provisions for Newfoundland; and has not since been heard of.

Lloyd's List, Jan 19, 1773, edition.

The "Tapley", Captain Bowden, from Cork to Bristol, is lost on the Flat Holmes; nine of the Passengers and Crew, drowned.

(Newfoundland to Cork? Captain Bowden out of Dartmouth, Devon. Captains Bowden/Maine/Furneaux, etc.)

Lloyd's List, Nov 4, 1774, edition.

The "Charming Nancy", Captain Wheatly, from Newfoundland, with Passengers for Dartmouth.

Lloyd's List, May 3, 1774, edition. Sailed from Cork, for Newfoundland, the vessel "Hannah & Lydia", Captain Collins.

Lloyd's List, Dec 16, 1774, edition. Arrived at Cork, from Newfoundland on Dec 1st, the vessel "Hannah & Lydia", Captain Collins.

Lloyd's List, May 12, 1775, edition. Sailed from Cork, for Newfoundland on June 30th, the vessel "Hannah & Lydia", Captain Collins.

Lloyd's List, Dec 15, 1775, edition. Arrived at Cork, from Newfoundland, the vessel "Hannah & Lydia", Captain Collins.

Ships from Ireland to Early America, 1623-1850, Volume 1. By David Dobson. Page 65.

April 10, 1776. "Hannah and Lydia" of Cork, Captain John Collins, from Cove with passengers bound for Harbour Grace, Newfoundland. [ Hibernian Chronicle, 1.4.1776 ]

Lloyd's Register, 1776. "Hannah & Lydia", Brig. Cork - Newfoundland. Captain William Green. 80 Tons/9 Men. Built in America in 1760. For Captain John Collins.

Lloyd's List, Dec 6, 1776, edition. Arrived at Cork, from Newfoundland, the vessel "Hannah & Lydia", Captain Collins.

Lloyd's List, Nov 22, 1776, edition.

The "Thomas & Sarah", Captain Keates, arrived at Poole, from Newfoundland. He was boarded about 8 days ago off Cape Clear, by an American Privateer of 12 Guns & 120 Men. But as she had only Passengers, the Privateer would not send him to America.

Lloyd's Register, 1776. "Thomas & Sarah", Brig. Poole - Newfoundland. Captain Thomas Keates. 90 Tons/10 Men. Built in New England, 1768. For himself.

Lloyd's List, Nov 26, 1776, edition.

The "Triton", Captain Hookey of Poole; the "Lion", Captain Harvey, and the "Flora", Captain Whitborne of Dartmouth; and the "Penguin", Captain Bussell

of Teignmouth; sailed from Newfoundland Oct 26th, bound to Spain, with fish. Under convoy of the "Fox" Frigate. On Nov 14th they were taken by the

"Sturdy Beggar" American Privateer, Captain Rolland. The Captains and Crews of the above vessels, came home Passengers in the "Betsey", Captain Widdicombe; who arrived off Dartmouth, on Nov 22nd.

*Captain Hookey descended from Christchurch?, Hampshire; sailing in company with Teignmouth captains. Consider how Coveyduck got to Ship Cove, Port de Grave?

Lloyd's List, May 20, 1777, edition.

The "Triton", Captain Hookey, from Newfoundland to a Market, that was taken by the "Sturdy Beggar", is carried into Salem.

Lloyd's Register, 1776. "Betsy", Brig. Dartmouth - Newfoundland. William Whiteway/John Withycombe. 80 Tons/11 Men. Built at Teignmouth, 1769. For Cockings & Co.

*Lloyd's Register, 1768. "Sally", Captain Hookey, Poole - Newfoundland, 80 Tons, Built in America, 1761. Voyage for: George Olive of Poole, Dorset.

How was George Olive, Poole, Dorset; merchant, connected with John Masters of Silly Cove/Winterton, Trinity Bay?

Lloyd's List, Dec 27, 1776, edition.

The "Hope" of Liverpool, from Newfoundland for Waterford, with Passengers.

Lloyd's Register, 1779. "Hope", Snow. Liverpool - Newfoundland. Captain T. Bradley/W. Brodie. 200 Tons/12 Men. Built at Newfoundland in 1776. For J. Roberts.

*Ships from Ireland to Early America, 1623-1850, Volume 2, by David Dobson. Page 126.

The vessel "Thomas", Captain Coveyduck, from Waterford with passengers bound for Newfoundland, May 17, 1780. FLJ:27.5

FLJ = Finn's Leinster Journal (1767 - 1801). A Kilkenny Newspaper. . . . . . . . . *See endnote 1.

1786. Captain John Batten of Teignmouth at St. John's. Had 111 Passengers. Going home.

(*Really of Stokeinteignhead. Out of the "sailing Port of Teignmouth".)

Lloyd's List, Aug 5, 1803, edition.

The "Lady Hobart" Packet, from America, was lost June 28th on an Island of Ice in Latitude 46. 33. North. Longitude 44. West. Pasengers and Crew saved,

and arrived at Newfoundland.

Lloyd's List, May 18, 1804, edition.

The "Ranger", Phelan; and the "Mary Ann", Doyle, which sailed from Waterford for Newfoundland, the 2nd Instant under Convoy of the "Spitfire" Sloop, parted Company the same Night, in a heavy Squall, and were captured the 6th, about 120 Miles to the Westward of Cape Clear. By the "General Angereau", Privateer of Bayonne, of 16 Guns and 120 Men. Who after plundering the "Ranger", gave her up to the Crews and Passengers, and she arrived at Waterford on the 10th; the "Mary Ann" was sent for France or Spain.

Lloyd's List, June 26, 1804, edition.

Arrived at Cork, from Waterford, for Newfoundland, the vessel "Ranger", Captain Phelan.

Lloyd's Register, 1804. "Ranger", Brig. Waterford - Cork. Captain R. Phelan/Philan. 62 Tons/8 Men. Built in Newfoundland, 1803. For W. Murphy.

Lloyd's List, July 3, 1804, edition.

An English Brig of 33 tons, from Falmouth to St. John's, in Ballast, with 14 Men on Board, including 7 Passengers, was taken 26th April by the "Venus"

Privateer of Nantes.

History of the Colonies of the British Empire in the West Indies, South ... By: Robert Montgomery Martin. 1843. Page 268.

In 1826...
*The Newfoundland Fishery saw 840 Male Passengers from Ireland, and 120 Male Passengers from England and Jersey.
*There were 3,797 fishing boats in Newfoundland. 203 ship's boats were employed fishing.
*16,000 Men were employed in boats and shallops, and as shoremen.

Endnotes:

Cobbiduck_Coveyduck & Mugford both captained out to Newfoundland for Messers Lester, of Poole, Dorset.

Lester's Newfoundland headquarters was located at Trinity Bay. The firm is known to have conducted business in Conception Bay concurrently.

Cobbeduck also captained the “Hannah”, in 1784, for the firm of Joseph Knight of Poole/Carbonear.

*Lloyd’s Register, and Lists; provide spellings Coppeduck/Cobbeduck.

*The Christchurch, Hampshire; Registers provide mainstay spellings of Coppyduck/Coppiduck/Cobbeduck.

*1800's Newfoundland, Joseph Cobbeduck witnessed the Oct 21st, 1812 Codicil, to George Morgan's 1812 Daniel's Hole, Port de Grave; Will.

Was surname Coveyduck in early Newfoundland, a Gaelic corruption, of the surname Coppyduck/Cobbiduck/Cobbeduck at Christchurch, Hampshire?

If Finn's Leinster Journal (1767 - 1801) is any indication, at date 1780 above in this file.

*Consider the community of Cobh, at Cork, Ireland. Versus the English community name of Cove. Otherwise, Gaelic versus English.

Then consider Cobbiduck versus Coveyduck.

*(Foreign newspapers like Irish, Boston, Pennslyvania and Italian newspapers, can assist early Newfoundland genealogy.)

*Finn's Leinster Journal has revealed Coveyduck info.

*Consider other foreign newspapers and journals which may assist early Newfoundland genealogy...

*A couple of lines inserted incoherently here, but indicative of early Newfoundland Mugford association.

Extracted from Lloyd's List, Feb 15, 1760, edition.

The "Elizabeth", Captain Mugford, from Newfoundland for Bilboa, is carried into Bayone.

Lloyd's List, Nov 27, 1772, edition.

Arrived at Dartmouth, from Newfoundland, the vessel "Reeler", Captain Mugford.

Lloyd's List, Dec 4, 1772, edition.

Arrived at Gravesend, from Newfoundland, the vessels/Captains: "Elizabeth & Nancy", Sealy; & the "Reeler", Mugford.

Lloyd's List, Dec 3, 1765, edition.

Arrived at Teignmouth, from Newfoundland, the vessel "Elizabeth & Nancy", Captain Bartlet.

Lloyd's Register, 1764. "Elizabeth & Nancy". London - Teignmouth & Newfoundland. Captain William Bartlett. 100 Tons/16 Men. Built in 1764. Captain & Co.

Lloyd's Register, 1776. "Elizabeth & Nancy", Brig. Teignmouth - St. Ubes. Captain W. Mortimer. 130 Tons/12 Men. Built in New England, 1764. For: C. Bartlett.

Lloyd's List, Dec 8, 1775, edition.

Arrived at Teignmouth, from Newfoundland, the vessel "Elizabeth & Nancy", Captain Bartlett.

Lloyd's List, Dec 26, 1775, edition.

Arrived at Poole, from Vigo, the vessel "Thomas", Captain Mugford.

Lloyd's List, Mar 12, 1776, edition.

Sailed from Poole for Newfoundland the vessels: "Mary", Captain Waterman, & "Thomas", Captain Mugford.

Lloyd's List, Jan 21, 1777, edition.

Arrived at Cowes, from Newfoundland, the vessel "Thomas", Captain Mugford.

Lloyd's ListJan 24, 1777, edition.

Arrived at Poole, from Vigo, the vessel "Tommy", Captain Mugford.

Lloyd's List, Jul 25, 1777, edition.

Arrived at Newfoundland, from Poole, the vessel "Thomas", Captain Mugford.

Lloyd's Register, 1776. "Thomas", Brig. Poole - Newfoundland. Captain Henry Mugford. 60 Tons/10 Men. Newfoundland built, 1772. For I & B Lester.

Lloyd's Register, 1779. "Thomas", Brig. Poole - Newfoundland. Captain Thomas Mugford. 60 Tons/10 Men. Newfoundland built, 1772. For I & B Lester.

[ Captain Thomas Mugford crossed out for W. Coppduck, it appears, in the above 1779 entry. ]

Lloyd's Register, 1780. Vessel "Thomas", not in?

*Was this the same Henry Mugford who earlier wed at Dartmouth, Devon?

1782 Poole Parish, Dorset. Henry Mugford of Lympstone, widower, married Mary Leer_Lear, Widow.

1777 Poole Parish, Dorset. William Leer of Wincanton, Somerset; married Mary Jay.

1752 St. Saviours, Dartmouth. Henry Mugford wed Catherine Sparke.

1756 ?St. Saviours, Dartmouth? Henry Mugford wed Elizabeth Alford.

1764, St. Saviour's, Dartmouth. William Alford Mugford, son of Henry Mugford.

1764, May. St. Saviours, Dartmouth. William Alford Mugford buried.

*1784 Jul 26. Henry Mugford, "Peace & Plenty", Cowes to Corunna.

1790 Mar 9. ?St. Saviour, Dartmouth? Henry Mugford of Pool, died suddenly, age 54 years. { Born circa 1735/6. } ?As in Pool, Dartmouth? ?Or Poole Parish, Dorset?

Benjamin Lester's Diary of Jan 3rd, 1778. Write Margaret Mugford.

Benjamin Lester's Diary of Jan 29th, 1779. The Brig "Thomas" arrived at Figueria Dec 18th, 1778. Fish damaged.

Benjamin Lester's Diary of Feb 3rd, 1779. The "Thomas", Mugford arrived in the Bay in Bathurst, from Figueira.

Benjamin Lester's Diary of Feb 4th, 1779. Letter received from Phillip Dwyer. (Check CB Plantation # 504. ?Phillip's daughter Patience Dwyer?)

Benjamin Lester's Diary of Feb 9th, 1779. Captain Mugford took his things out of the "Thomas".

Lloyd's List, Aug 17, 1799, edition.

Arrived at Newfoundland, from Poole, the vessel "Thomas", Captain Cobbeduck.

Lloyd's List, Aug 29, 1780, edition.

Arrived at Newfoundland, from Youghall, the vessel "Thomas", Captain Cobbeduck. (Lester's vessel "Thomas" visited the ports of Waterford and Youghall, at Ireland.)

Lloyd's List, Dec 15, 1780, edition.

The "Thomas", Captain Coppeduck, from Newfoundland, is taken on the Coast of Portugal by a Spanish Privateer.

1760. Matthew Anthony left his son in Law, John Coveyduck, Plantation # 81 in Port de Grave.

Plantation # 504.

Edward Nugent's father, Charity Noseworthy's father & Patience Dwyer's father. Purchased from Ann Thistle_Pynn_Stretch for 20 Pounds by Matthew Anthony.

Possessed by their ancestors for 105 years.

John Noseworthy wed Charity Anthony, Oct 6, 1783. C. Cove. ?Crockers Cove?/?Clown's Cove?

?Nugent?, ?Charity Anthony Noseworthy? ?Patience Anthony Dwyer?

Edward Nugents ?[Father in Law]?, John Noseworthy, and ?Phillip? Dwyer.

Plantation # 506.

1760 Ann Coveduck, Port de Grave, received land from her late father, Matthew Anthony's Will. Land that was purportedly in the family for 105 years.

Consider the 105 year ownership period placed on Plantation #'s 504, 505, 506, 511, 516, 517, 518, 522 & 523.

Plantation # 530. Joseph Bishop. Cut & cleared, 1793.

*Any connection to the Joseph Bishop here below?

Harbour Grace burials. June 14, 1778, Joseph Bishop, of Christchurch, Hampshire; Servant to Mr. Joseph Knight, Carbonear.

Elizabeth Knight owned the 80 ton vessel "Hannah" in 1784. Master William Cobbeduck. Registered Poole, built Newfoundland, Harbour Grace port.

Elizabeth Knight was wife of Joseph Knight of Poole, Dorset; and Carbonear.

*Master William Cobbeduck/Coppeduck/Coveyduck. [Earlier Christchurch, Hampshire; spellings of Coppiduck/Coppyduck/Copydock/Copidoake, etc.]

Lloyd's List, Aug 16, 1782, edition.

Arrived at Newfoundland, from Poole, the vessel "Trinity", Captain Mugford. For Messers Lester.

Lloyd's List, Aug 23, 1782, edition.

Arrived at Poole, from Dartmouth, the vessel "Elizabeth", Captain Mugford.

Lloyd's List, May 30, 1783, edition.

Arrived at Amsterdam, from Topsham, the vessel "Elizabeth", Captain Mugford.

Lloyd's Register, 1783. "Elizabeth", Sloop. Exeter - Amsterdam. Captain Mugford. 45 Tons/7 Men. British built, 1775. Captain & Co.

Lloyd's List, Mar 26, 1784, edition.

Arrived at Poole, from London, the vessel "Elizabeth", Captain Cobbeduck.

Sailed from Poole for Newfoundland, the vessel "Bonavista", Captain Mugford.

Lloyd's Register, 1784, edition.

"Elizabeth", Brig. Altea, Spain - London. Captain Cobbiduck. 200 Tons/14 Men. Built in Newfoundland, 1783. For: Paul & Co.

"Bonavista", Brig. Poole - Newfoundland. Captain Mugford. 70 Tons/10 Men. Built in Newfoundland, 1783. For: Benjamin Lester.

Lloyd's List, Oct 24, 1784, edition.

Arrived at Oporto, from Newfoundland, the vessels/captains: "Hannah", Cubbeduck; "Arthur Howe", Drew; "Minerva", Hookey; & "Admiral Gayton", Andrews.

(Coppyduck and Hookey_Christchurch/Poole; Drew_Teignmouth; Andrews_Poole. Hookey - Goldwyer marriages noted at Christchurch. John Lester wed Goldwyer.)

Lester's Conception Bay "branch business", enjoined what specific individuals and vessels?

Lloyd's List, Dec 17, 1782, edition.

Arrived at Figuera, from Newfoundland, the vessels/Poole, Dorset; captains: "Fly", Cobbeduck; & "Purbeck", Ford.

Lloyd's List, Jan 10, 1783, edition.

Arrived at Poole, from Figuera, the vessel "Fly", Captain Cobbeduck.

Lloyd's List, June 20, 1783, edition.

Arrived at Poole, from Newfoundland, the vessel "Fly", Captain Cobbeduck.

Lloyd's List, Mar 26, 1784, edition.

Arrived at Poole, from London, the vessels/Poole, Dorset; captains: "Pike", Thompson; & "Elizabeth", Captain Cobbeduck.

Further in depth research, may resolve some questions, arising from this brief endnote.