CO 194/63

CO 194/63 [Reel B-688]
Page	Date	From whom (where)	To whom (where)	Contents or nature of the document
Newfoundland 1820
3-6	13 Jan. 1820(Rec’d 14 Feb 1820)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	The costs of the hospital have been quite high despite his attempts to decrease expenses. The person who took charge of some of the expenses and running of the hospital "resigned himself of the charge" and Hamilton was left with the decision of letting government bear the expenses of the establishment, or to withdraw the four patients still at the hospital "to be lodged and boarded elsewhere." He chose the latter. The hospital is significantly out of repair. He finds that the governor can not impose any rates on the public as a way of repairing the establishment. Under the circumstances, Hamilton believes that "public expenses must inevitably increase unless some method is devised and adopted for obliging the inhabitants to provide for their own sick and poor." Discusses the state of affairs in general, including the aspects of the act 15 Geo 3 [Palliser’s Act] which he feels is obsolete for the needs of the colony. Discusses overall expenses of the colony; discusses state of the fishery. Then discusses the produce of the fishery for that year. Mentions and inlet on the Coast of Labrador "called Gross Water" where large amounts of fir timber can be found, "fit for naval purposes." As well, the Chief Justice has requested a leave of absence next summer for personal business.
7-8v	17 Jan. 1820 (Rec’d 14 Feb 1820)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Discussing a practice that has arisen in the courts of justice in NFLD over the last few years that could be "exceedingly injurious to the best interests of the fishery and the community in general ." Regarding the way a case is heard and how it does not coincide with the Judicature Act. Discusses the behaviour of those people employed as attorneys in the cases before the Chief Justice. Also discusses rents of fishing rooms and vacant ships rooms.
9	3 April 1820 (Rec’d 15 May 1820)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Acknowledging the receipt of a letter from Bathurst regarding an order in council concerning the "issue of a new form of Mediterranean Passes."
11	3 April 1820 (Rec’d 15 May 1820)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Acknowledging the receipt of a dispatch from Bathurst enclosing a letter from the Lords of the Council with a petition from P. Beard & Co., Dartmouth "respecting some fishing establishments on the Coast of Labrador." He will look over the information and communicate his decision.
13	3 April 1820 (Rec’d 15 May 1820)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Acknowledges receipt of Bathurst’s dispatch of 25 January informing him of the death of "His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent"
15-15v	3 April 1820 (Rec’d 15 May 1820)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Acknowledging receipt of Bathurst’s dispatch respecting the occupation of two of the Barrack Rooms as a temporary gaol" until the new one can be built at NFLD. Alerts Bathurst to the fact that his predecessor had already appropriated the rooms for that purpose and that he is waiting on word from the treasury to build the new gaol.
17-17v	4 April 1820 (Rec’d 15 May 1820)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Acknowledging receipt dispatch of "the 2^nd Inst" [sic"? Surely 2 March, not 2 April] telling of the death of "His Majesty King George the third on the 29 January." Proper steps were taken in accepting George the fourth as King; these are summarized in some detail
19-20v	7 April 1820 (Rec’d 15 May 1820)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Once again an acknowledgement of receipt of a letter from Bathurst, in which was enclosed a letter from Eaststaff, who continues to petition concerning his grants of land in NFLD. One enclosure.
21	7 April 1820	John & R. Bruce, Joint Agents to Mr. Eaststaff (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Enclosure in Hamilton’s last dispatch to Bathurst. An affidavit from the attorneys of Mr. Eaststaff. Acknowledges that Hamilton had not taken possession of any of Eaststaff’s land and nor was there any indication that he ever had any intention of doing so.
23-24v	13 Jan. 1820	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	"I have met with some embarrassment respecting the public Hospital here the expense of which I have constantly endeavoured to diminish..." Lengthy discussion about the growing cost of the hospital to the public purse. This is a duplicate of the previous letter of the same date
26-26v				Two pages of a duplicate of the previous letter.
27-28	9 April 1820 (Rec’d 15 May 1820)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Regarding ordnance land and encroachments authorized by the governor for cultivation in the vicinity of Fort Townshend. Assures him that the original restrictions (ref. to Gov. Duff & Col. Pringle in 1775) to prevent development encroaching on the fort are not being contradicted by the structures permitted to support cultivation. Five enclosures.
29-30v	10 April 1820	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Henry Goulburn	[The letter is very hard to read in places; probably in Hamilton’s own hand] Seems to acknowledge receipt of a letter in which the matter of the deputy naval officer is discussed, in reply to Hamilton’s own letter on the subject to Bathurst. Mentions Mr. Rendell and £10,000 in damages. Also mentions of the notary public are made. Ref. to Capt Buchans. One enclosure.
31-31v	1 Apr 1800	Duke of Portland in the name of George III	Richard Hatt Noble	Enclosure included in Hamilton’s last dispatch to Bathurst. Copy of the original. Appointment of Noble as "Clerk of the Naval or Navy Office at St. John’s n our Island of Newfoundland in America in the room of Archibald Buchanan ... deceased."
33-34	11 April 1820	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Henry Goulburn	Since the ship was detained, he is writing a few more points that he missed. Discusses whether or not Noble has the authority to appoint a deputy. Once again the letter is highly illegible due to fading and script. Number of enclosures?
35	10 April 1820	Peter W. Carter (Deputy Naval Officer, Naval Office, St. John’s)	Gov. C. Hamilton	Encloses a list of the duties of the deputy naval officer on the island. Indicates that he has been doing everything for 14 years with no reward.
37-38	10 April 1820	Peter W. Carter (Deputy Naval Officer, Naval Office, St. John’s)	C. Hamilton	Document describing the duties of the deputy naval officer; also establishes Peter Carter’s right to serve in that capacity, based on his predecessor and how Carter acquired the job (in effect, a history of the position)
39-40	14 June 1808	Richard Hatt Noble (Whitehall)	Adm. Holloway	Explains his version of the appointment of deputy naval officer in NFLD and the problems that Holloway has been having with the current individual who holds that appointment. Wishes Holloway to select a proper person as he himself is not on the spot.
40-40v	16 June 1808	J. Holloway	R. Noble (Whitehall)	Copy of letter from Holloway. Acknowledges receipt of orders and indicates an intention to appoint a new deputy naval officer as soon as possible.
41	11 May 1820 (Rec’d 24 June 1820)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Sending on a copy of a letter that he received from the Treasury, in which they request an account of the crown rents received on the island, along with a description of those rents. Sending on a copy of his reply to Mr Harrison. Two enclosures.
43-43v	1 Feb. 1820	George Harrison (Treasury Chambers)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Enclosure # 1 in Hamilton’s last dispatch to Bathurst. Regarding rents received in NFLD by the late Admiral Pickmore. The rents have been paid over to Hamilton by the executor of Pickmore’s estate and the board of the treasury requires a description of all dealings having to do with these rents and subsequent events. (This document is a copy transcribed and signed by LeGeyt.)
45-46v	11 May 1820	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	George Harrison (Secretary to the Treasury)	Enclosure # 2 in Hamilton’s last dispatch to Bathurst. Hamilton’s reply to Harrison’s letter. He provides a full description of the nature of the rents received in Newfoundland, including that money received from the executor of Pickmore’s estate. He also states what that money is used for - just "in case of any sudden emergency or calamity in the Colony." (This document is a copy transcribed and signed by LeGeyt.)
47-47v	15 May 1820 (Rec’d 19 June1820)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Henry Goulburn	Regarding Goulburn’s letter of 29 July 1819 regarding the orders of the treasury that a Mr. Smith provide the government of NFLD with "the statutes at large from the 57 Geo 3 Cap 132. Haven’t received anything from the yet. Asks that from now on, government will send a copy of the statutes to the governor of NFLD whenever they are published.
49-49v	16 May 1820 (Rec’d 22 June 1820)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	In reference to one of Hamilton’s own letters to Bathurst. (Enclosing a copy of that letter for Bathurst’s further edification.) Regarding Eaststaff’s complaint. Further information on the subject has come up and Hamilton is sending it on to Bathurst. He is enclosing "a copy of a grant made to him in the year 1815 by Sir Richard Keats." Believes this will show "how little veracity there is in his memorial" to Lord Bathurst. 1 enclosure.
51	16 Sept. 1815	-	-	This is the enclosure from Hamilton’s last dispatch to Bathurst. The copy of the grant made by Richard Keats to Mr. Eaststaff. Indicates that the grant was to be given for a period of thirty years. The document was signed by Keats and the copy was signed by LeGeyt.
52	24 May 1820 (Rec’d 22 June 1820)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Acknowledges receipt of a letter from Bathurst in which Bathurst transmits a copy of an order made by the king in council in the wake of the old king’s demise, regarding alterations that must through necessity be made in the services of the church.
54-54v	26 May 1820 (Rec’d 22 June 1820)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Has learned by a letter from Capt. Buchan (dated 10 March) regarding the death of an Indian woman before she could be returned to her people by Captain Buchan on his expedition into the interior.
56-56v	27 June 1820 (Rec’d 25 July 1820)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Acknowledges the receipt of Bathurst’s letter. Replies regarding the memorial of Captain Keen "complaining that a building which was erecting on his property in Newfoundland had been pulled down by order of a magistrate." In reply he sends on copies of reports from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the High Sheriff. 2 enclosures.
58-59	26 June 1820	Francis Forbes, Chief Justice of Nfld	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Enclosure # 1 in Hamilton’s last dispatch to Bathurst. Copy of a letter from Forbes to Hamilton, regarding the Memorial addressed by Captain Keen to Lord Castlereagh. Discusses an action brought against the sheriff by the attorney for Captain Keen. Discusses the judgement passed on the matter. Also says how every day that passes brings added difficulties for the adjustment of both claimants.
60-61	21 June 1820	J. Bland (High Sheriff)	P.C. LeGeyt (Secretary)	Enclosure # 2 in Hamilton’s last dispatch to Bathurst. Copy of a letter from Bland, addressed to LeGeyt (Hamilton’s secretary). Acknowledges receipt of letter from LeGeyt and proceeds to reply, discussing the subject of Captain Keen’s complaint.
62-63	28 June 1820 (Rec’d Sept 20 1820)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Letter to Bathurst in which Hamilton discusses/relays the details of Captain Buchan’s expedition deeper into the interior of NFLD in search of native Indians. He even goes on to say that he hopes that "although the desired success has not attended the great exertions of Capt. Buchan in this instance, his proceedings will nevertheless meet your Lordship’s approbation." 3 Enclosures.
64-77v	10 March 1820	D. Buchan (Grasshopper, Peter’s Arm, River Exploits)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Enclosure # 1. Copy of a 28-page letter from Buchan to Hamilton. It is a long and detailed first report to the governor concerning his journey in search of the native Indians (i.e., Beothuk) of NFLD. In this letter he describes his meeting with the Beothuk woman known as Mary March, his hopes of making contact with other Beothuk through her, and her death in January to illness. He outlines the most prominent elements of his journey and includes such things as supplies used and needed, people interacted with, and even mentions deserters aboard the Sir Francis Drake.
79-80	4 June 1820	D. Buchan (HM Sloop Grasshopper, St. John’s)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Enclosure # 2. Copy of a letter from Buchan to Hamilton. This is his second report regarding his journey into the interior of the island in the search for natives.
81-82	28 May 1820	Mr. Jonathan Trivik (Master, HM Sloop Drake, St. John’s)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Enclosure # 3. Copy of letter from Trivick to Hamilton. This report acknowledges Hamilton’s request for information about an incident in which firearms were used against Beothuk Indians despite express orders not to do so. He relates what happened when he "fell in with a party of Native Indians in Badger Bay near New Bay and the orders [he] received from Captain Glascock on that occasion". Claims he discharged a musket only to deter the Indians from fleeing into the woods.
83-83v	22 Aug 1820	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Acknowledges the receipt of a letter from Bathurst which was written in reply to a missive concerning Eaststaff’s claim. As in previous letters, it is further discussion of Eaststaff’s complaint.
85	20 Oct 1820	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Acknowledges the receipt of a letter from Bathurst and acknowledges deep regrets at the passing of "Her Royal Highness, the Dutchess of York."
87-88v	23 Oct 1820	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Henry Goulburn	Letter is extremely illegible in many places. Acknowledges the receipt of a letter from Goulburn. Discussion of appointments he had made and the controversy surrounding them (reference to Mr. Noble; presumably about the controversy regarding appointment of deputy naval officer)
89	30 Oct 1820	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Transmitting the "Annual Report of the Commanding Royal Engineer on the State of the fortifications at this place [St. John’s]." 1 enclosure.
91-92v	?	Maj. G.G. Lewis (Commanding Engineer)	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Enclosure # 1. Document entitled "Report on the state of the Fortifications at St. John’s Newfoundland." The report proceeds to detail the states of affairs at and conditions of Fort Townsend, Fort Williams, Signal Hill, Sea Batteries, Ordnance Yard, and the King’s Wharf.
93-94	10 Nov 1820	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Sending the letter to Bathurst via Captain Buchan "whose long and able service in this colony are not unknown to" Bathurst. Putting the Captain at Bathurst’s disposal to speak to him of affairs at NFLD. Recommends a number of things including the appointment of a trial lawyer on the island.
95-98	11 Nov 1820	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Regarding Beard and Co.’s claim of a fishing establishment on the coast of Labrador. He is writing to say that they have gained control of the establishment in question which is actually of quite some extent and the manner in which they retrieved/gained control of the establishment. 4 enclosures.
99-100	13 Nov 1820	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Transmitting for his Lordship’s information a copy of his "General Account Current with the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty’s Treasury for the year ending the 20^th October 1820." Also discusses two payments outstanding that are not included in the account. 2 enclosures.
101v-105	?	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Enclosure # 1. Hamilton’s Account Current with the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty’s Treasury.
107v-110	?	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Enclosure # 2. Hamilton’s Account Current for Rents Received.
111-127v	?	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	With Enclosure # 2. 16 Receipts for the payments included in the Account Current, signed by various individuals.
128-130v	14 Nov 1820	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Transmitting "the best accounts I can at present obtain [of] the cod-fishery carried on ... at and about this Island." The season has been a favourable one. Hamilton goes on to relate the nature of the fishery over that year including financial information, provisions, and regarding the building up of the town and certain establishments in it. Americans have not yet begun using their treaty privileges to fish between Ramea and Cape Ray but they are present in numbers on the Labrador coast. Mentions state of French fishery. Has taken steps to begin rebuilding St. John’s following the fire. Progress of new judicial buildings. Case of a man who murdered his wife; must be sent to England for lack of proper gaol.
132	15 Nov 1820	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Transmitting the "Record of the proceedings against the Criminal" discussed in his last dispatch dated 14 Nov. 1820. He has ordered said criminal to be transmitted to England on the Drake and asks that Bathurst will see to his removal from the Drake.
134-135v	27 Nov 1820	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Lord Bathurst	Enclosing a statement of a case that Captain Nicolas of the Egeria requested he transmit. He does acknowledge the fact that while he is transmitting the case to Bathurst, he does not fully agree with Nicolas. Asks for the opinion of crown lawyers regarding the deduction of passage money from the wages of fishermen. 2 enclosures.
136-137	?	-	-	Enclosure # 1. Statement of the Case. Regarding the deduction of money from wages of fishermen to pay for passage home.
138-141	?	-	-	Enclosure # 2. Remarks on the Statement in enclosure # 1.
INDEX
143-144v	1820	?	?	A listing of actions performed by Admiral Sir C. Hamilton at Newfoundland during 1820.
Miscellaneous
Admiralty
148	23 Dec 1820	J. Barrow? ([Second Secretary?], (Admiralty Office)	Henry Goulburn	Transmitting for Bathurst’s information an extract of letter from Hamilton "relative to the proceedings of the American Fishing Vessels in the neighbourhood of Newfoundland." 1 enclosure.
150-150v	24 Oct 1820	C. Hamilton (Ft. Townshend, St. John’s)	Admiralty Office	Enclosure # 1. An extract of a letter from Hamilton to the Admiralty Office regarding American fishing vessels.
Council Office
153	1 March 1820	Thomas Lack (Office of Committee of Privy Council for Trade)	Henry Goulburn	Lords of the Privy Council for Trade are relating that they do not believe it would be a problem or objectionable fro those involved in trade at NFLD should change the annual returns of Trade and Fishery so that they are "made up to the 1^st July each year instead of the 10^th October." This order was in response to a request to the Privy Council by Hamilton.
Foreign Office
156	4 March 1820	Lord Castlereagh (Foreign Office)	Lord Bathurst	Enclosing a letter sent to Castlereagh by Captain Keen regarding the present situation and his property at NFLD. He instructed Keen to address himself to the Colonial Department. 1 Enclosure.
158-159	5 March 1820	Capt. Robert Keen, RN (Teignmouth, Devon)	Lord Castlereagh	Enclosure # 1. Letter from Keen to Castlereagh concerning property belonging to him in NFLD and destroyed in the fire of 1817; granted by Charles II to his ancestors. Describes a dispute that developed when the property was being rebuilt Note: Following this letter are two pages of faint, nearly illegible handwriting that appear to be a commentary on Keen’s letter. These have no pagination within the volume, suggesting that they are annotations (perhaps on the margins or the reverse of Keen’s letter).
Law Officers
161-161v	29 July 1820	R. Gryffon, J.S. Potley, (Polley?), Lincoln’s Inn	Lord Bathurst	In reply to a letter from Bathurst regarding a claim made by Hamilton about jurisdiction. Bathurst asked for their legal opinion. First they indicate that the "Supreme Court of Judicature in Newfoundland cannot take cognizance of any case decided upon in the surrogate court where the sum recovered does not exceed £40..." Also, supreme court can not intervene when Sessions court has made a decision regarding a case under their jurisdiction. Third, Chief Justice has no power to remove a case from the Surrogate or Sessions Court. Finally, court decisions are final unless it is a case that is covered by the act in question.
Home Department
164-164v	20 Dec. 1820	H. Hobhaip (Whitehall)	Henry Goulburn	Lord Sidmouth has sent to the Law Officers Goulburns’ letter of 12 Dec. with the extract of a despatch from Sir Charles Hamilton to Bathurst, concerning the case of one Walter Mansfield who was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to twelve months imprisonment, and who was sent by Hamilton to serve his sentence in England. Apparently the court in Newfoundland had no power to imprison Mansfield in any prison "other than that of the Colony" and he is therefore to be set free and not imprisoned anywhere. Asks that Bathurst will let Hamilton know.
Ordnance
167-167v	?9 May 1820	R.M. Crew	Henry Goulburn	Regarding the collection of land by the governor.
Treasury
170	4 Jan 1820	R. Lushington?	Henry Goulburn	Regarding bills drawn on from the treasury by Hamilton. Two sums: £200 and £290.7.10 1/2. Difficult to read as lettering is faded and small.
172	4 Jan. 1820	George Harrison	Henry Goulburn	Transmitting a letter from Hamilton to Bathurst regarding "his account current to 20^th October last" and asks Bathurst to favour the board with an opinion regarding the accounting.
174	12 Jan. 1820	George Harrison (Treasury Chambers)	Henry Goulburn	Regarding an accounting from Lt. Col. Manners of Newfoundland. Private barrack rooms are being used as a temporary gaol. Ask Bathurst to write to Hamilton.
176	24 Dec. 1819	J.S.Ling(?), N. Drinkwater (Comptroller’s Office)	Commissioners of His Majesty’s Treasury	Regarding correspondence between them and Mr Lushington about the letter from Manners in Newfoundland. Regarding the inconvenience of using the barracks asa temporary gaol.
177v	-	-	-	Cover page for some sort of correspondence regarding Manners.
178	3 Feb. 1820	Mr. Lanford	Mr. Goulburn	Regarding the barracks rooms being used asa gaol in Newfoundland.
180-180v	12 July 1819	Lt. Col. Manners (Newfoundland)	George Harrison (Treasury)	Private Barrack rooms were appropriated by his predecessor as a temporary gaol on order of the late Admiral Pickmore. The new court house and yard were started previously, but do not seem that they are going to be finished any time soon. The gaol is taking away from the troops and weighs heavily on the currently weak state of the garrison. Wrote to Hamilton who replied "that he expected to get rid of the present prisoners shortly, but he saw no immediate prospect of the New Gaol being finished." Thus, he’s going to members of the treasury for assistance in the matter. Also, the Captain’s Quarters in the left wing were appropriated for Pickmore’s clerks and Hamilton still has them in his possession.
182	19 Jan. 1820	George Harrison (Treasury Chambers)	Henry Goulburn	Regarding a bill drawn upon by Hamilton and requesting Bathurst’s opinions on said bill and whether or not they should pay it.
184-184v	9 June 1820 (Rec’d 10 June 1820)	George Harrison (Treasury Chambers)	Henry Goulburn	Regarding maintenance of the hospital and inhabitants at NFLD. Request Bathurst’s opinion on what would be proper to allocate for expenses and what not. A few remaining patients are still in the building being used as a hospital, but they want to appropriate the building for some other uses. Also makes reference to deductions being provided to the owners of certain vessels and whether or not they are correct in so being made.
186	14 Dec. 1820	George Harrison (Treasury Chambers)	Henry Goulburn	Harrison is "commanded by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty’s Treasury herewith to transmit to you a letter from Sir Charles Hamilton dated Newfoundland 20^th Oct advising a bill for ^151..8..9 in account of disbursements and allowances." They request Bathurst’s opinion on payment of the bill.
188	19 Dec. 1820	George Harrison (Treasury Chambers)	Henry Goulburn	He is "commanded by the Lords commissioners of His Majesty’s Treasury herewith to transmit to you a letter from Governor Sir Charles Hamilton dated Newfoundland 20^th Oct last advising of Bills amounting to ^1498..10.3" for work done at the Government House. The would like Bathurst’s opinion on payment of said bills.
Miscellaneous Offices
191-191v	18 Oct. 1820	Delavaud (London, Custom House)	Henry Goulburn	Regarding an opinion that "the documents issued from the naval offices at St. John’s Newfoundland have been improperly, if not illegally executed." They request that he "acquaint this Board and with a view of obviating any inconvenience to which Merchants Trading to and from that Island might otherwise be exposed, that Mr. R. H. Noble holds the King’s Commission appointing him Naval officer, and that Mr. T. B. Rendell has been deputed by him to perform the duties of that officer during his absence from the Island with the approbation of Earl Bathurst." Also acquainted the same to other divisions concerned with the matter.
B
194	27 Jan. 1820	John Bowker (Old Slaughters Coffee House)	Lord Bathurst	Bowker saw Bathurst the other day and is waiting for a reply. As such, he wanted to know if Bathurst wanted him to stay in town until he got back to him or if it would be alright for him to go down to the country.
H
197-198	13 Dec. 1820	Robert Harvey (Inspector General’s Office, Custom House)	?	Regarding the assistance of a woman by the name of Mrs. Harvey. Because of that assistance he is transmitting more of the particulars in the matter for the recipient’s attention, outlining more specifically the nature of Mrs. Harvey’s state of affairs and annuity.
199-199v	3 June 1820 (Rec’d 5 June 1820)	A. H. Holdsworth	H. Goulburn	Regarding property ownership at Nfld and the right to fish and set up flakes and rooms on that property. Complains that someone is encroaching on his fishing room ("the fishing Rooms are the Manufactories on which the Island depends"). Plans attached for further elucidation.
200	-	-	-	Sketch plan of Holdsworth’s property on waterfront of St. John’s harbour (fire stopped short of his property) as enclosed in previous dispatch.
K
202-202v	19 March 1820	Robert Keen (Teignmouth, Devon)	Lord Bathurst	Told Castlereagh about the "distress [he is] labouring under from the misfortune of having considerable property destroyed by fire in St. John’s Newfoundland, and that my tenants are refused to rebuild it." Castlereagh referred him to Bathurst’s office. Apologises for not going to Bathurst first and hopes that he will help provide relief to Keen.
204	6 April 1820 (Rec’d 8 April 1820)	Robert Keen (Teignmouth, Devon)	Henry Goulburn	Thanks Bathurst for his attention to his case. Tells Bathurst that he is petitioning his case to the Governor and encloses a copy of that letter and asks Goulburn to lay the same petition before Bathurst.
206-206v	21 March 1820	Robert Keen (Teignmouth)	Henry Goulburn	Enclosure in above dispatch. Copy of "The memorial of Captain Robert Keen of the Royal Navy to his Excellency Sir Charles Hamilton Governor and Commander in Chief." Presents the case of his land "in the Harbour of St. John’s" and its destruction by fire.
208	11 June 1820	Robert Keen (Dawlish)	G (sic?) Goulburn	Once again regarding his petition.
210-210v	11 June 1820	Robert Keen (Dawlish, Devon)	Lord Bathurst	This is "The Petition of Captain Robert Keen of the Royal Navy to the Right [Honourable] Earl Bathurst, Principal Secretary of State for the Colonial Department."
212-212v	26 June 1820	Robert Keen (Dawlish)	Henry Goulburn	Reading of his intention to promote the rebuilding of St. John’s, Keen hopes that he will not forget his case and petition. More of the above requests and statements.
214-215	7 July 1820	Robert Keen (Dawlish)	Henry Goulburn (Secretary of State)	Mor details and concerns regarding his case before Lord Bathurst.
216	-	-	-	A Plan of Keen’s property in Hudson’s Cove in St. John’s harbour, granted by a patent during the reign of Charles II
217-218	8 July 1820	Robert Keen (Dawlish)	H Goulburn (Secretary of State)	More regarding his case before Lord Bathurst. Thanks Bathurst for the copy of his plans for rebuilding St John’s and his attention to Keen’s case. More of the same above.
219-219v	30 July 1820	Robert Keen (Dawlish)	H Goulburn	More regarding his case before Lord Bathurst. Thanks Bathurst for the copy of his plans for rebuilding St John’s and his attention to Keen’s case. More of the same above.
221-221v	22 Oct 1820	Robert Keen (Teignmouth)	Henry Goulburn (Secretary of State)	More of the same above. Also discusses how he had a word with a Mr Rendell just returned from NFLD. Involves some personal assessment of how a certain situation went to court. Hopes that the statement will "remove the idea of the statement made to me by Mr Howard & Mr Toby being supositions."
223	22 Oct 1820	Robert Keen (Teignmouth)	Henry Goulburn (Secretary of State)	More of the same dispatch immediately above. Regarding the appropriateness of such behaviour and how such conduct reflects on Bathurst and Goulburn.
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226	27 March 1820	PC Le Geyt, Secretary (Greenwich)	Henry Goulburn	He will be rejoining Sir Charles Hamilton at NFLD and wished to acquaint Bathurst/Goulburn of that information so that he can take any dispatches that he might like to send along to NFLD when he leaves or if Bathurst/Goulburn would like to speak to him directly before he leaves. Letter is extremely faded but writing is completely legible.
229-232v	21 June 1820	R. H. Noble (Whitehall)	Henry Goulburn	Letter is extremely faded. Thanks Goulburn for allowing him to look at letters from Hamilton which is now returning. The letters were regarding Hamilton’s position on Noble’s authority to appoint a deputy and that Hamilton took his position based on the practices of his predecessors. Noble feels that he can prove that Hamilton’s "proceedings on this occasion have been quite at variance with practice of former Governors." He goes on to relate the history of the Naval Officer (with relevance to his situation) relating to several former governors from about 1781 onwards. Then he discusses his own point of view in the situation he is in. This is matter has arisen in previous letters.
233-235v	2 Oct 1820	R. H. Noble (Whitehall)	Henry Goulburn	Regarding his situation and his loss of a job. There were certain penalties that could be involved in his situation. He also says that Rendell has unexpectedly returned to the country and that he has knowledge on the matter at hand. He encloses a letter from Rendell to him and asks that Bathurst will look into its contents. Then he continues on with further assessments of the situation and of Hamilton’s position in the matter. More of what is being discussed above.
237-239	?	T. B. Rendell	R. H. Noble	Enclosure in above dispatch to Goulburn. Regarding his appointment to act as Deputy Naval Officer in Newfoundland to Mr. Noble. Generally regarding his part in the situation regarding Noble’s authority in his job. Rendell enclosed letters in his dispatch to Noble (annotation at top of 237v referring to Enclosure #1: "Mr Goulburn has this paper.")
241-241v	1 or 3 Sept 1819	T. B. Rendell	Vice Admiral Sir Charles Hamilton	Enclosure in above dispatch to Noble. Copy of a letter to Hamilton from Rendell asking for his direct objections in the matter of the appointment of deputy.
243-243v	2 Sept 1819	C. Hamilton (Government House)	Mr T. B. Rendell	Enclosure in above dispatch to Noble. Copy of Hamilton’s reply to Rendell’s letter above. Regarding the matter of the appointment of deputy.
245	4 April 1820	T. B. Rendell	Vice Admiral Sir Charles Hamilton	Enclosure in above dispatch to Noble. Copy of a letter from Rendell to Hamilton. Regarding a conversation that they had that morning concerning Hamilton’s chief objections in the matter at hand.
246	5 April 1820	C. Hamilton (Government House)	? (Not indicated but we can assume that it is T. B. Rendell)	Enclosure in above dispatch to Noble. Copy of Hamilton’s reply to letter from Rendell directly above this one.
248-249	2 Oct 1820	R. H. Noble (Home Office)	Earl Bathurst	Regarding his findings that the documents at the Naval office in St John’s were illegally executed. Alerting Bathurst to the fact that he has subsequently appointed Rendell to fulfill the duties of the deputy Naval office.
249-266v	18 Oct 1820	Capt. Nicolas (HMS Egeria, St. John’s)	Lord Melville	Difficult to read. A lengthy discussion about the way in which the Newfoundland fishery no longer benefits England as it once did. Concerned that Newfoundland no longer serves as a "nursery for seamen" and why, and how it continues to serve England’s rivals as such. The fishery has become a residential small-boat fishery; the demise of the bank fishery undermines Newfoundland’s role as "nursery for seamen" because the fishermen are now more "landsmen" with no sea experience. Fish for only five months, then head into the woods to subsist and trap furs to repay debts to the merchants. Merchants make big profits seizing property of indebted residential fishermen. Need to restore a fishery where the men are employed in square-rigged fishing vessels. Includes details on the truck trade and merchant profiteering, on techniques of the fishery, on the saltfish trade to Mediterranean and elsewhere, etc.
267-267v	18 Oct 1820	Capt. Nicolas Egeria (St. John’s)	Lord Melville	Assures Melville that the remarks above are not sent out of self-interest, nor were they submitted to please Gov. Hamilton.
269-270	25 Oct 1820	Capt. Joseph Nicolas, Egeria (St. John’s)	Lord Melville	An addendum to his report of 18 October; regarding the military establishment in Newfoundland. Feels that the navy can provide Newfoundland with sufficient defence. Notes that the soldiers in Nfld are part of a regiment stationed on the mainland and are therefore subject to orders from Gov. of Nova Scotia
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272-272v	13 Jan 1820	J. Reeves	H. Goulburn	He is enclosing a letter from Mrs Ogden "where she expresses her thankfulness for the relief granted to hr from the Treasury." Adds his own thanks for the attention and action that was given to Mrs Ogden’s case.
274-274v	8 Jan 1820	Mary Ogden (Poole)	J. Reeves	Enclosure in above dispatch to Goulburn from Reeves. She is sending on a letter of thanks for Reeves involvement in her case and asks that he will send on her thanks to Lord Bathurst for his involvement as well. Her case has been mentioned in previous letters whereby she was not receiving enough of annuity after her husband’s death to live on. Reeves and Bathurst aided in providing her relief of that front.
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277-277v	18 Jan 1820	J. Stewart	Henry Goulburn	Having found out that Hamilton’s secretary Le Geyt has arrived in England, he wonders if he brought to Lord Bathurst a reply to Bathurst’s letter to Hamilton on the subject of a grant that he has applied to Goulburn and Bathurst about on a frequent number of occasions.
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280-281	?? (Rec’d 7 April 1820)	William Wallen	Lord Bathurst (Secretary of State for the Colonies)	He indicates that he is writing regarding "a case of salvage for a derelict Brig pick’d up on the coast of Newfoundland, the payment for part of which has been procrastinated since the year 1817 by the Vice Admiralty Court of that Island." He continues to relate the circumstances behind the salvage operation. Asks that Bathurst will aid him in his request to get the money still owed for the salvage. He is sailing for NFLD soon and hopes that Bathurst can get back to him before then.
End of volume