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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC03902.065 |
| From Archive Folder | The Joshua Mauger Archive: Correspondence regarding Nova Scotia politics and mercantile affairs |
| Title | John Butler to Joshua Mauger about the war, military stores, news in Canada |
| Date | 1 January 1776 |
| Author | Butler, John (1728-1796) |
| Recipient | Mauger, Joshua |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Butler, a Loyalist and Mauger's agent, transmits a letter written to Mauger 29 December 1775, marked as a duplicate. In the 1775 letter, Butler states "Canada in the hands of the Rebells, & I fear the Army will be burnt out of Boston if so they must come here- how these matters will End God knows." Discusses business matters regarding military and provincial stores, and the orders of Lord William Barrington, Secretary at War. Mentions his high standing with British General Eyre Massey, in charge of Halifax 1776-1778. Refers to the death of an individual (possibly a sailor) named Day. States that he might obtain the appointment of Commissary General at his current location. Implores Mauger to recommend his appointment, and cites the need for additional troops in Canada. Relates news pertaining to recent rebel activity in Boston, referring to Admiral Graves (possibly British Admiral Thomas Graves, former Governor of Newfoundland). Complains extensively regarding Francis Legge, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and states "this place cannot be held by less than 3000 good Troops." Discusses dangers posed to Mauger's provincial land and holdings by a possible Colonial invasion of Nova Scotia. Declares that he will not remain at his post if Legge remains Governor of the province. Expresses dismay at former criticism Mauger directed at him regarding business affairs, stating "I hope you do not think that I am keeping any of your Property in my hands- or using your Money- If you do you greatly Injure me." Mentions Mr. Belcher, possibly Jonathan Belcher, former Chief Justice of Nova Scotia. |
| Subjects | Canada Global History and Civics Revolutionary War Military History Military Supplies Death Military Provisions Letter of Introduction or Recommendation Office Seeker Finance Wartime Pillaging and Destruction Corruption and Scandal Revolutionary War General |
| People | Butler, John (1728-1796) Mauger, Joshua (1725-1788) Barrington, William Wildman, Viscount (1717-1793) Massey, Eyre (1719-1804) Graves, Thomas (1725-1802) Legge, Francis, c.1719-1783) Belcher, Jonathan (1710-1776) |
| Place written | Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Theme | The American Revolution; Government & Politics |
| 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 |