CO 194/82

CO 194/82 [Reel B-534]
Page	Date	From whom (where)	To whom (where)	Contents or nature of the document
Newfoundland 1831. Volume 2. November and December Sir Thomas Cochrane & President Tucker & Miscellaneous
3-3v	2 Nov 1831	Gov. Thomas Cochrane (London)	Viscount Goderich	Informing Goderich of the attachment of a statement on the seal fishery which has been underway for three years.
5	-	-	-	Attached: the aforementioned report on the seal fishery. It states the number of vessels employed (and where they come from), the number of seals taken, and the amount of oil produced from them since the beginning of the hunt in 1829
6-7	12 Dec 1831	Thomas Cochrane	Viscount Goderich	Informing Goderich that Sir Thomas Cochrane is transmitting a statement which he hopes will allow Lord Goderich to make a correct judgement on the situation of Newfoundland.
8-11v	12 Dec 1831	Thomas Cochrane, London	Viscount Goderich	Informing Goderich that he is transmitting the report of the Chief Judge and assistant judges of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland on the subject of the state of the judicature in that colony. He also informs Goderich that he has attached notes to the report explaining his own opinions on the matters the judges discuss. In the rest of the letter he explains some of his own opinions on the judiciary.
14-14v	-	GU [?]	Lord Howick	A short letter about the Newfoundland constitution, the process of creating a legislature, and the state of the judicature.
16-22v	19 Dec 1831	Stephen Pen	Q.S.	This letter deals with the question of how a legislative government would be carried out in Newfoundland. It explains how it could be done, modelling it after government in Great Britain followed by general remarks on legislative government and applying it to Newfoundland.
24-101	23 Aug 1831	R.A. Tucker, A.W. DesBarres, E.B. Brenton; Judges Chambers, St. John’s	His Excellency the Governor	The Judge’s Report on the state of the Newfoundland Judicature and Jurisprudence sent with Cochrane’s letter on 12 December. The judges deem Newfoundland one of the most difficult colonies in which to establish an effective judicature and cite certain physical [largely geographical. i.e. dealing with cases in isolated outports], moral, and political obstacles. They also make many suggestions to re-organize and improve the Newfoundland judicature and thus remedy the numerous problems. They request that the crown fund this reform and point out that Newfoundland has long been the neglected colony whilst Nova Scotia has been showered with support. The letter then turns to more general remarks about Newfoundland, including its role in the British Empire and treatment by the mother-country, its economy, the impossibility of independence and several other subjects. Turning again to the judicature, the judges now look at certain statutes that should be amended for the betterment of the Newfoundland judiciary. Amongst the pages of the report, Cochrane inserts his own comments (largely disagreements) about the matters brought up by the judges.
102-102v	16 Dec 1831	Thomas Cochrane, London	R.W. Hay	Explaining to Hay the two attached documents on Commander Pearl exposing his apparently less than honourable actions.
104-105v	8 Dec 1831	Napier	Thomas Cochrane	Attached: copy of a letter acknowledging Cochrane’s request to be informed if Commander Pearl made any request for knighthood last winter. The writer recounts his interaction with Commander Pearl on the subject and states that Pearl did, indeed, request a knighthood.
106-107	-	-	-	Attached: After receiving a letter from Lord Napier, Cochrane writes to Mr. Robinson, a representative of the people of St. John’s, asking him for the real facts on the case. A copy of Mr. Robinson’s reply follows, giving the details of the case and stating that the petition of the inhabitants of St. John’s does not relate to the request of knighthood by Commander Pearl.
108-109v	-	Newfoundland	-	Regarding a rumour that "Sir Thomas Cochrane was ordered home." Commander Pearl was accused of starting the rumour, but, in an interview with the Governor, denied the accusation and was acquitted by him. However, the rumour was revived days later and Pearl was again accused of starting it. A correspondence then developed between Cochrane and Mr. Templeman, who had now also been accused of starting rumours. The following letters are the correspondence between the two.
110-113	-	-	-	Attached: four letters on the subject of the rumour. The first letter is from Mr. Templeman to Commander Pearl recounting that Pearl stated to him that "the Governor’s Doom was sealed." The second letter describes how Templeman learned the rumour has been attributed to him and writes Pearl to ask how this came to be but receives no reply. In the rest of the letter he defends his innocence. The third letter is from the Governor’s secretary to Comm. Pearl informing him of the contradiction in the two accounts and asking him to honourably transmit a copy of Templeman’s declaration. The fourth letter is written by Pearl to the Government Office refusing to disclose information on his private conversation with Templeman.
President Tucker
115-116	6 Oct 1831	R.A. Tucker	Viscount Goderich, Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies	Mr. Tucker writes to inform Goderich that he, in Cochrane’s absence, has taken the necessary oaths and now is the temporary governor of Newfoundland.
117-124	27 Dec 1831	R.A. Tucker, Government House, St. John’s	Viscount Goderich	Writing on behalf of a committee elected by the majority of inhabitants of St. John’s requesting that a "free grant" be given to them to set up a market place on a now vacant lot due to a fire the previous January. He describes the process and informs Goderich that he is attaching two letters on the subject. The first, a written request from the leader of the committee, the second, Tucker’s answer. He then continues to describe further events that transpired and asks Goderich’s advice on the situation.
125-126v	10 Nov 1831	Mr. Hoyles, Chairman of the Committee	James Cowdy, Colonial Secretary	Attached: a copy of a letter detailing the proposal of erecting a market-place on the aforementioned vacant lot and requesting that Tucker follow through on Cochrane’s intention to agree to their request.
127-128	11 Nov 1831	James Crowdy, Secretary’s Office	Mr. Hoyles	Attached: a copy of the reply from the government stating that Tucker, while sympathetic to the appeal, refuses to give them a free grant of the land without first referring the case to His Majesty’s Council.
129	17 Dec 1831 [?]	James Crowdy, Secretary’s Office	Mr. Hoyles	Attached: a copy of a letter informing the committee that Tucker has laid their request before the Council. They have decided that the best course of action would be to transmit the application to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
131-134	20 Dec 1831	Norman W. Hoyle	James Crowdy	Attached: A reply to Crowdy requesting that the proposal not be sent to England for review. An account is given of the history of the proposal starting in 1804 to demonstrate that they have been promised a free grant to the desired lot by the Governor. Hoyle argues that the delay which would result from sending the proposal for review in England would result in the discouragement of the public from supporting the proposal, as has happened in the past.
135	21 Dec 1831	W.B. Row, Thomas Bennett, Robert Job	-	Attached: copy of a statement made by W.B. Row, Thomas Bennett, and Robert Job that on January 12^th they were approached by the committee for the establishment of a market and conceded to their requests.
137	21 Dec 1831	Patrick …, St. John’s	-	Attached: a statement by Patrick … that, last year, in the month of April or May, he spoke with the Governor regarding a portion of his land which had been granted to establish a public market.
139	23 Dec 1831	James Crowdy	Norman W. Hoyle	Attached: Acknowledging the receipt of Hoyle’s letter imploring Tucker to not refer the case to the Secretary of State for the Colonies. Crowdy informs Hoyle that Tucker will adhere to his plan of referring the case to England.
141-141v	16 Nov 1831	G.R. Robinson, Thomas H. Brooking	Richard A. Tucker	Attached: a copy of a letter informing Tucker that Robinson and Brooking are willing to cede their property on Church Hill, where the proposed market place would be, on the condition that they not be charged the rent of their property since January 11^th, when the fire destroyed their buildings.
143	21 Nov 1831	James Arroll	James Crowdy	Attached: A copy of a letter informing Tucker that he willingly relinquishes the lease of his land desired for the market place. He hopes that the acting governor will consider his situation and remit the rent for the present year.
145-146v	28 Dec 1831	R.A. Tucker, Government House, St. John’s.	Viscount Goderich	Writing with regards to the leave of absence of Mr. Archibald, Clerk of the Supreme Court. Due to exceptional misfortunes with his family, Archibald was not able to return within the prescribed period of leave and wrote Government House requesting leave until Spring. Goderich had written there previously however and informed Tucker not to grant an extended leave to him. Tucker now writes on Archibald’s behalf, who apparently has just lost several members of his family, and implores Goderich to extend his leave.
147	31 Dec 1831	R.A. Tucker	Viscount Goderich	Informing Goderich that he is sending the annual report on the fortifications in the colony.
149-152v	22 Dec 1831	Major J. Oldfield, Commander, Engineer’s Office, St. John’s	R.A. Tucker	"Report on the present state of the fortifications in this Island, and the improvements therein contemplated." Gives a brief summary of the history, present condition, and suggestions for all the fortifications on the island including Fort William, Fort Townsend, Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi, several batteries, and other fortifications. Most of the fortifications are deemed to be decaying or ineffectual.
Agent
155	15 March 1831	Mr. deVilliers	-	Informing the Colonial Department that he has received a request of stationary from Newfoundland and requests the Colonial Department order it accordingly.
157-158v	6 Nov 1831	Mr. deVilliers, Newbury	R.W. Hay	Informing Hay that he has attached four documents about a Mr. Hugh Gallaghan and his ship "the Nelson" which he put in St. John’s harbour and the fees he is required to pay. The Governor requests that the case be forwarded to the Attorney General of Ireland.
King’s Agent
160	8 Jan 1831	[Gwilt’s secretary?] Royal Hospital Chelsea	[Mr. Hay]	A letter stating that Mr. R. Gwilt cannot fulfil Hay’s request that he transmit the address of Captain Bruce because he does not know if Bruce is even in the country.
162	13 Jan 1831	Royal Hospital Chelsea	[Hay]	Informing Hay that he has discovered Captain Bruce’s address.
164-164v	3 Feb 1831	Robert Gwilt, Royal Hospital Chelsea	R.W. Hay	Requesting Goderich’s instructions on a bill from Sir Thomas Cochrane to pay Edward Wex, Archdeacon of Newfoundland, his full salary from 12^th June to 30^th September. However, the certificate states that he was only in office from the 18^th of June. Cochrane believes he is entitled from the 12^th because he was en route to Newfoundland at the time.
166	11 May 1831	Robert Gwilt, Royal Hospital Chelsea	R.W. Hay	Asking if he may accept bills drawn on him by Thomas Cochrane for the salaries of Assistant Judges.
168	8 June 1831	Robert Gwilt, Royal Hospital Chelsea	R.W. Hay	Asking if Goderich will convey his authority to accept a bill for ₤300 drawn by Thomas Cochrane for Chief Justice Tucker’s first quarter salary.
170-171	29 Oct 1831	Robert Gwilt, Royal Hospital Chelsea	R.W. Hay	Requesting instructions on what to do with Cochrane’s bill for the full year salary of Mr. Templeman who had spent most of the year on leave of absence.
172-172v	14 Dec 1831	Robert Gwilt, Royal Hospital Chelsea	Lord Howick	Requesting that Howick ask Goderich whether he should pay Captain Bruce his full salary while he was on special leave even though Captain Campbell had filled the position in his absence.
Board of Trade
175	23March 1831	Thomas Lack, Office of the Privy Council for Trade, Whitehall	R.W. Hay	Transmitting a memorial of the Chamber of Commerce of St. John’s complaining about the high duties on British fish in Spain and affirming their hope that the British government will intervene on their behalf.
177	16 May 1831	Board of Trade	-	Informing the Colonial Office that they are sending the Return of the Newfoundland fishery after duplicates have been made.
Foreign Office
180-181	21 May 1831	Mr. Backhouse, Foreign Office	R.W. Hay	Informing Hay that he is transmitting a complaint from the French ambassador about the ship "Hannah," equipped by the St. John’s Chamber of Commerce, which was caught fishing off the French Shore. He wishes the complaint to be forwarded to the authorities in Newfoundland as well as the Royal Navy commander in the area and that action be taken to prevent further incursions.
182-185	19 May 1831	Le Prince de Talleyrand, London	Lord Palmerston	Attached: copy of a letter in French from Talleyrand giving the details of the case with the Hannah, accusing Newfoundlanders of having little regard for the treaties between France and Britain, outlining the stipulations in these treaties, and imploring Palmerston to take action.
186-189	-	R.W. Hay [?]	Sir Blackhouse	Stating that he has laid before Goderich the complaint about the Hannah and responds to the request made previously to disclose any information on this ship and the situation. He attaches a letter from Cochrane on the Hannah. Responses to the other requests brought up in Blackhouse’s letter.
190-191	1 July 1831	-	Foreign Office	Informing Goderich that he is transmitting a copy of a note to the Prince de Polignac dated July 9^th 1824.
192-192v	9 July 1824	-	-	Attached: copy of the aforementioned note regarding the report by the French that British fishermen have been fishing on the French shore.
Home Office
194-194v	22 Oct 1831	G. Saul, Whitehall	R.W. Hay	Regarding the case of Michael Fogarty and the rape of a girl in Newfoundland. Informing Hay that Lord Melbourne has considered the case and has come to the conclusion that, while the Newfoundland judicature had full authority to pronounce an execution, it would have been better to sentence him to "transportation for life" because asking for permission to execute would take too long due to the slow communication across the Atlantic. He therefore proposes to give Mr. Forgarty a pardon.
196	26 Oct 1831	G. Saul, Whitehall	R.W. Hay	Informing Hay that he is sending a pardon for Michael Fogarty and asking him to forward it to Newfoundland so the sentence can be carried out.
198	23 Nov 1831	Mr. Phillipes	R.W. Hay	Transmitting a petition of Mr. Josiah Blackburn about a situation in one of the departments in Newfoundland
200	-	Josiah Blackburn	Earl Green, Secretary of State	Not knowing the proper means of submitting a petition, he sends it to Earl Green. He asks Green to present it the most suitable office. Note: much of the writing is faded.
202-202v	-	-	-	Attached: Blackburn’s petition requesting a "situation in a department" on the island so as to support himself and his family while he builds a church in Placentia. Note: hand-writing faded.
Law Officers
205-206	14 Oct 1831	T. Denman, W. Thorne (Worne [?])	Viscount Goderich	In response to Goderich’s dispatch on the 8^th October requesting their opinion on the lawfulness of the conviction and execution of Michael Fogarty. They believe that under the Act for the better administration of justice in Newfoundland, the Supreme court there has the full authority to convict and execute criminals.
Navy Office
208-208v	29 Aug 1831	R. Grady, L. Thomson	R.W. Hay	Asking whether a Mrs. Williams and her daughter should be allowed o receive their passages on Dublin Packet in this late season even though they were already given passage on the Triton but refused because they were not ready to leave.
Ordinance
211	8 Feb 1831	A. Byham, Office of Ordinance	R.W. Hay	A short letter regarding the old Government House in Newfoundland, and the disposal of the attached building.
213-214	16 April 1831	James Hewlit	Viscount Goderich	Regarding Major Oldfield’s report on the defences of Newfoundland and whether they should be strengthened, especially those on Signal Hill. He refers Goderich to a report from an experienced engineer officer (Colonel Nicholls) and states that St. John’s is "very unguarded" in its present condition and it will cost ₤102, 500 to strengthen all defences and ₤14,000 to strengthen the essential towers on Signal Hill.
215-216	4 July 1831	A. Byham	R.W. Hay	Regarding the definition of boundaries around the fortifications in Newfoundland and informing Hay that the governor should not be permitted to grant any land around those areas until they are properly defined.
217-217v	25 Oct 1831	A. Byham	R.W. Hay	The Office of Ordinance informs Hay that they would like to send a Lieutenant Lloyd to Newfoundland to inspect the defences but have been turned down by the Royal Navy because they will not be sending any ships there at this time. Cochrane will be sailing to England on a colonial yacht and after he arrives in England, the yacht will return directly to Newfoundland. They request Lt. Lloyd be allowed to travel back on that ship so as to fulfil his duties.
219	25 Oct 1831	R.W. Marshall	R.W. Hay	Acknowledging Hay’s reply and asks him to inform Goderich that Lieutenant Lloyd and his family have accepted the conditions and will embark on the Colonial Yacht.
Treasury
222	6 March 1831	Mr. Rice, Treasury Chamber	R.W. Hay	Regarding the cost of repairs on the Court House, gaol, and Sheriff’s Apartments in Newfoundland, whether they have been paid, and, if so, from what funds.
224	14 March 1831	J. Stewart, Treasury Chamber	R.W. Hay	Regarding the full allowance to the troops stationed in Newfoundland and the Treasury Board’s opinion thereon.
226	25 April 1831	J. Stewart	R.W. Hay	Replying to Hay’s letter of the 13^th of March and requesting that he inquire of the Governor of Newfoundland from what funds have the repairs of the court house etc. been paid for, if they have.
228	25 Aug 1831	Mr. Rice, Treasury Chamber	R.W. Hay	Regarding a request by Rev. Fleming, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Newfoundland to receive a salary of ₤75. The request has been granted.
230	29 Sept 1831	J. Stewart	R.W. Hay	Regarding a bill of ₤1150 drawn on the Treasury Board by Sir Thomas Cochrane for the colonial vessel the "Foule." The Board requests Goderich’s instruction as to whether or not they should pay the bill.
232-232v	30 Nov 1831	Mr. Rice, Treasury Chamber	-	Regarding two bills drawn by a Mr. Gallaghan, master of the barque "Nelson." One for two fines by the Newfoundland authorities for breaching an act of Parliament regarding passengers, and another for provisions required by the passengers. The case is then referred to Law Officers of the Crown in Ireland to determine what to do.
234	27 Dec 1831	Mr. Rice, Treasury Chamber	R.W. Hay	A reminder to pay the salary of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Newfoundland
Miscellaneous Offices
237-237v	9 Feb 1831	General Post Office	R.W. Hay, Downing Street	Regarding sending letters from Liverpool to Newfoundland.
239	28 Oct 1831	N.A. Vigour, Zoological Society	R.W. Hay	Thanking Hay for his present of two Canada geese.
241-241v	May 20 1831	James Hamilton, Royal College of Physicians	R.W. Hay	Thanking Hay for transmitting the communication from Newfoundland answering the questions they posed regarding the island and thanking him for sending the gift of the skull of Shawnadithit.
243-244	May 26 1831	Samuel Godner, School Society, Salisbury	Viscount Goderich	A letter from the Committee of Newfoundland and British North America School Society giving a brief history of the society, its aims, and the desperate need of teachers in Newfoundland. However, they have incurred a significant debt in their efforts to supply teachers and schools to the island and now request a grant from the government to allow them to continue their activities.
A
246-246v	10 March 1831	Archibald	R.W. Hay	Writing on behalf of his son, Charles Archibald, who holds the office of Clerk of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland who is currently on leave of absence. He requests that the fees he would normally receive be paid to him.
248-248v	29 April 1831	"An Inhabitant"	-	Transmitting a copy of the Royal Gazette of Newfoundland regarding the official appointment of John Campbell to the position of Captain Bruce who did not return from England. The inhabitant makes remarks on the situation and gives very harsh criticism to the Council on the island which he deems ineffective and not interested in the well-being of Newfoundlanders.
250-250v	19 April 1831	The Royal Gazette and Newfoundland Advertiser	-	Attached: the 19^th of April edition of the Royal Gazette containing the aforementioned official appointment of John Campbell. It also contains articles on Newfoundland schools, listing the teachers, numbers of students, and location of the schools, news of a slave revolt in Martinique, and various advertisements.
251-252	-	"A Colonial", Carboneer, Newfoundland	Lord Howick	Regarding a question brought up in Parliament about Newfoundland. The writer evidently feels that it gave an inaccurate account of the island and writes to explain how valuable the colony of Newfoundland is, despite the lack of care it receives from the mother country.
253-253v	18 Aug 1831	CATO	William Thomas, Chairman of the Committee petitioning for a Local Legislature	A printed letter regarding the question brought up in Parliament by Mr. Robinson asking if it had been decided to grant Newfoundland a local legislature. Lord Howick replied that establishing a legislature in Newfoundland would be difficult because there was only one large town which would dominate the affairs of the colony. The writer then moves on to complain of the poor treatment the island has always received, despite its value and now it is denied the opportunity to better itself.
B
255	3 Jan 1831	10 Wilter Crescent	-	Transmitting a statement on the French fisheries from Brooking to Goderich.
256-257	17 Jan 1831	H.H. Bruce, North Berwich	R.W. Hay	Regarding his inability to return to his office in Newfoundland during the winter, prompting him to resign his post to Captain Campbell.
258-259	20 Jan 1831	-	-	More on the appointment of Captain Campbell in the absence of Captain Bruce. It is argued that it was the Secretary of State’s authority to appoint in the event of a vacant office but Governor Cochrane took the liberty of appointing Campbell instead.
260	-	-	-	An account of Bruce’s case and the events resulting from his failure to return to his duties due to the death of his wife.
262-263	20 Sept 1831	James Blaikie St. John’s	Lord Goderich	Petitioning for the office of Chief Clerk of the Supreme Court; the position from which Mr. Busteed had been discharged, and, instead of the petitioner, Mr. Archibald was appointed. The petitioner hopes that in the event of a vacancy, that he would be appointed to that position.
264-265v	10 Oct 1831	W.H. Bruce, London	R.W. Hay	Regarding the payment of his salary during his leave of absence, from which he did not return to his duties.
266-267	22 Oct 1831	W.H. Bruce, North Berwick	Robert Hay	Informing Hay that he was granted unlimited leave of absence due to the mortal illness of his wife and attaches the Governor’s certificate to prove it.
268	12 March 1830	Sir Thomas Cochrane	-	Attached: The certificate from Governor Cochrane granting Bruce his leave of absence.
269	6 Nov 1831	[Bruce], North Berwick	R.W. Hay	Having heard that Cochrane has arrived in England, but is unaware of how to contact him, Bruce attaches two letters which he hopes Hay will deliver to Cochrane.
C
271	29 March 1831	Mr. Crowdy	Viscount Goderich	Informing Goderich that he will not be able to assume his duties as secretary of Newfoundland for another few months as the result of private circumstances.
272-272v	29 March 1831	James Crowdy	R.W. Hay	Informing Hay that he is enclosing a solicitation for leave of absence for Lord Goderich before he assumes his duties in Newfoundland. He has important business with "other branches" of his family to deal with which will probably take three months.
275-277v	2 June 1831	Frederic Hamilton Carrington, The Rectory, St. John’s	Viscount Goderich	Upon the departure of Mr. Coster, Archdeacon of Newfoundland, Carrington, being the senior clergyman on the island, hoped to obtain that position. Instead, it was given to a man twenty years younger. Carrington now petitions for a higher office in the community. He refers Goderich to an article in the Newfoundlander to demonstrate the respect he has in Newfoundland which warrants a higher position.
278-279v	13 July 1831	Frederic Hamilton Carrington, The Rectory, St. John’s	Viscount Goderich	Regarding the appointment of a bishop to New Brunswick. Carrington suggests that the current archdeacon of Newfoundland be moved to New Brunswick which would allow Goderich to override the authority of the Bishop of Nova Scotia (who has the authority over the Church in Newfoundland) and appoint him as the new archdeacon for the island. It would greatly help him to provide for his wife and seven children, who apparently are not obtaining a sufficient education with Carrington’s current financial situation.
280-280v	13 Sept 1831	James Crowdy, St. John’s	R.W. Hay	Arguing that as Colonial Secretary of Newfoundland, he should receive certain fees to which he was entitled as Colonial Secretary to Cape Breton before it was annexed to Nova Scotia.
F
283-283v	Rec. April 4 1831	Michael Anthony Fleming, Roman Catholic Bishop of Newfoundland	Viscount Goderich	A memorial praising the government for the Catholic Relief Act of 1829 but informing Goderich that it isn’t being fully applied to Newfoundland and requests that an Order of Council be sent to the Newfoundland government ordering a full implementation of the Relief Act.
285-285v	Rec. April 4 1831	Michael Anthony Fleming, Roman Catholic Bishop of Newfoundland	Viscount Goderich	Asking for financial support to carry out his spiritual duties as he is not able to earn enough money otherwise to keep up his frequent travels to distant parishes by boat.
287	-	-	-	Regarding certain allowances for Roman Catholic Bishops in British North America. The writer is unaware of the practice of giving such allowances in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
289-289v	28 April 1831	Admiral Sir Thomas Foley	R.W. Hay	Informing Hay that he has delivered a note and dispatch from Hay to Goderich.
H
292-292v	20 Sept 1831	George Holbrook	Viscount Goderich	Holbrook brings to Goderich’s attention his long-standing service in the Royal Navy since 1795 and his subsequent duties after 1814 as nautical and land surveyor of Newfoundland. Since his appointment he has not held any land and now requests that he might be given a grant of land in order to raise a family.
294 (3 slides)	7 Dec 1831	A. Hogsett	Robert William Hay	Referring to some letters which promised him a suitable position in Newfoundland. He has not obtained this position and now petitions for a better office in the island, hoping that the governor would require the services of a colonial treasurer.
L
296-297v	26 Feb 1831	B.L. Lester	Lord Howick	Imploring him to examine the accompanying memorial of Richard Perry about the interference of French fishermen in the Newfoundland fishery.
298-298v	24Feb 1831	Richard Perry, Poole	Lord Viscount Goderich	Attached: A memorial complaining about the damages being done by French fishermen to the memorialist’s fishing establishment in Placentia Bay. The French are not exactly fishing, but instead are trading contraband (especially brandy) for the catch of the fishermen. He believes that this is in violation of international treaties and allows the French to obtain fish from Newfoundland, and undersell the British fishermen in European markets.
299	24 Feb 1831	Joseph Tucker	-	Attached: a statement by a resident of Little Placentia giving an account of the actions by the French fishermen of St. Pierre et Miquelon confirming the statements made by Richard Perry.
300	26 Feb 1831	Mr. Lerley	Colonial Office	Stating that he has enclosed a letter for Lord Howick.
O
302-302v	30 Jan 1831	Patrick O’ Brien, Ballyhahill, Ireland	The Principal Secretary of State, Colonial Department	Regarding his brother James O’Brien who moved to Newfoundland thirty years ago and earned a small fortune. Apparently he has left some to Patrick who does not know where his brother resided and inquires if the colonial office might know this information.
P
305	18 March 1831	J.W. Pearl, London	R.W. Hay, Under Colonial Secretary	Informing Hay that he is laying before him a statement from Thomas Cochrane giving Pearl permission to occupy a piece of land with only a small nominal rent, a common practice in Newfoundland according to Pearl.
306	16 June 1830	George Holbrook	Capt. James Pearl	Attached: The aforementioned statement spelling out the conditions of the deal.
309-309v	-	R. & L. Pringle	R.W. Hay	Regarding an application for furniture for use by Sir Thomas Cochrane. After delivering the furniture, he referred the Pringles to Mr. Bailey or Mr. Villiers for payment. Unable to get in contact with either of them, the Pringles now ask if the Colonial Office may help them.
R
312-312v	18 April 1831	G.R. Robinson	Lord Viscount Howick, Downing Street	Inquiring about the situation in Parliament of the petitions from Newfoundlanders requesting a local legislature and the ability to participate in the fishery on the French shore as well as inquiries on the upcoming acts of Parliament regulating the fishery and reforming the administration of justice.
S
315	26 Sept 1831	Thomas Shanks	The Under-Secretary of State of His Majesty’s Colonial Department [Hay]	Asking Hay to submit the attached memorial to Lord Goderich.
316-317v	26 Sept 1831	Thomas Shanks	Lord Viscount Goderich	Attached: The aforementioned memorial. Shanks, after a fire in 1817 secured funds to rebuild a dwelling, which was leased to a Navy surgeon. The surgeon suffered an untimely death while Shanks was left to pay the rent on this building. He now asks that he be excused from paying the ₤15 per annum in addition to some other minor requests.
T
320	21 Jan 1831	-	Secretary of State for His Majesty’s Colonial Department [Goderich]	A letter from a poor woman who wishes to obtain passage to Newfoundland to be supported by her brother but lacks the funds to do so and therefore asks for mercy from the Colonial Department.
322-322v	4 March 1831	Mr. Templeman	R.W. Hay	Transmitting a statement on the arrival of mail from England in St. John’s. He says that mail from around December to February often comes together, and frequently in the month of April.
324	-	-	-	Attached: a table entitled "Statement of arrivals of English mails at St. John’s, Newfld via Halifax." It lists the month sent from England and the month received in St. John’s from 1819 to 1830.
325	4 April 1831	Templeman	R.W. Hay	Requesting that he convince Goderich to order his salary to be paid for the last quarter and attaches a letter proving that he has obtained leave of absence for that period.
326	5 Jan 1831	J. Campbell	Templeman	Attached: a letter giving permission for six months leave to Mr. Templeman to attend to private affairs.
329	23 May 1831	Sir Herbert Taylor	Mr. Hay	Informing Hay of that attached application and requesting him to lay it before Lord Goderich.
W
332	22 March	Anne Westcote	-	Asking for her annuity soon and requests it be paid to the house of Roberts, Curtis & company.
333-334	21 May 1831	Marry Williams, wife of Thomas Williams, London	His Most Gracious Majesty, William IV	A petition from the wife of a once wealthy merchant of St. John’s. However, their livelihood was destroyed by the Great Fire of 1819 and have since then been struggling for a living. They had apparently met and served William during a visit to Newfoundland while he was prince and she brings this to his attention and cites her husband’s loyalty and militia service during the Napoleonic wars. She requests that the King might appoint her husband to a position in the colony so he may be able to provide for his family, and pay the expense caused by her newly inflamed right arm. She suggests that perhaps Captain Buchan may be recalled and the office of sheriff be given to her husband, but even a lesser office would do.
335	17 June	-	-	A document summarising the above memorial and stating that passage to Newfoundland will be provided for Mrs. Williams and her Daughter by the Royal Navy.
337	15 June 1831	Mrs. Williams, Bath	R.W. Hay	Directing Hay’s attention to the enclosed note.
338-338v	15 June 1831	Mrs. Williams, Bath	Lord Viscount Goderich	A letter thanking Goderich for his kindness and expressing her disappointment at the response of the treasury board informing her that they will not be able to provide her and her daughter with transport to Newfoundland.
341-341v	21 Aug 1831	H. Westcote, Bristol	Lord Viscount Goderich	A letter from a former Attorney General of Newfoundland, who, during his time there, was afflicted with rheumatic gout (as a result of the climate he claims). Now beyond the age of sixty, with the condition worsening, and a wife and three children to provide for, he submits his case to the consideration of Goderich and hopes that his service and sacrifice will warrant some sympathy.
Petitions for a Legislature
345	-	The Inhabitants of the Town of Brigus in Conception Bay	His Majesty the King	A petition from 295 residents of Brigus soliciting for a local legislature like those found in other colonies. As most other petitions for a local legislature, they emphasise the value and loyalty of Newfoundland as Britain’s oldest colony.
Index
346-357	-	-	-	An index listing all the documents in this volume and giving, the date sent, who it is from, and a short summary on the contents of each.
End of Volume