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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC03902.020 |
| From Archive Folder | The Joshua Mauger Archive: Correspondence regarding Nova Scotia politics and mercantile affairs |
| Title | Brook Watson to Joshua Mauger about a missing ship, naval captures and European diplomacy |
| Date | 22 July 1777 |
| Author | Watson, Brook (1735-1807) |
| Recipient | Mauger, Joshua |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | There is no word of the "Adamant" which should have returned from Nova Scotia long ago. A ship arrived with letters from Admiral Montague describing how the British Frigate "Fox" was taken by two American ships, The "Handcock" [sic] and the "Boston." Fears a war with France is unavoidable. Remarks: "France, Spain & Holland are all supporting the Americans, and at the Same time Carrying on the Trade of this Kingdom. In which we our selves encourage them, because we can get our property Insured on board their Ships at a less Premium than on our own." |
| Subjects | Merchants and Trade Commerce Global History and Civics Politics Stamp Act Government and Civics France Law Canada Soldier's Letter |
| People | Watson, Brook (1735-1807) Mauger, Joshua (1725-1788) |
| Place written | London, England |
| Theme | The American Revolution; Foreign Affairs; Merchants & Commerce; Naval & Maritime |
| Sub-collection | The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859 |
| Additional Information | From the Joshua Mauger (1725-1788) Collection. Archive of correspondence regarding Nova Scotia politics and mercantile affairs. The greater part of the collection consists of 249 letters to Mauger, dealing primarily with his business interests in Nova Scotia and England. It also includes 4 letterbooks, letter copies written by Mauger while living in Halifax and England, and financial papers such as accounts, bonds and indentures owed to Mauger. Joshua Mauger (1725-1788) was a merchant who built his fortune through trade and alcohol distilling in British Nova Scotia. Mauger used his financial success to influence the politics of Nova Scotia. In 1760, Mauger returned to England but continued to take an active and effective interest in Nova Scotia politics. In 1762, the Nova Scotia House of Assembly chose Mauger to act as their agent in London. He used his influence to help Michael Francklin become the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia in March of 1766. Mauger also served as member of the House of Commons for Poole, England (1768-1780). Mauger’s correspondence details his far-flung business transactions in Nova Scotia, England, Spain, France, Amsterdam, various American colonies, Quebec, and the Caribbean. His correspondents also discuss political events in England, the Stamp Act and the American Revolution. Upon his return to England, Mauger suffered severe, frequent illnesses as a result of the harsh English weather. Highlights include: Brooks Watson’s letters from Montreal in 1776 (#19), describing a naval engagement on Lake Champlain and victory of General Howe on Long Island; from 1782-1783, serving as the Commissary General to the British army under Sir Guy Carleton (# 29-33), he describes the plight of loyalist refugees leaving for Nova Scotia. John Butler, Mauger’s agent in Nova Scotia, urges Mauger to seek the advice of Benjamin Franklin concerning the introduction of paper currency in Nova Scotia (#63), and other letters (#65-67) describe events in the American Revolution and detail concern over the fate of Nova Scotia in the war. |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |