Watson, Brook (1735-1807) to Joshua Mauger
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03902.032 Author/Creator: Watson, Brook (1735-1807) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 June 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 22.5 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses the loyalist migration to Canada after the end of the American Revolution. Reports that "the unhappy and Sacrificed Loyalists Continue to Embark for Nova Scotia in great Numbers indeed they have no other place of refuge." Claims that the population of Nova Scotia will double within the year and comments on opportunities to sell land. Laments the treatment of Loyalists: "The wretched disaffected New Englanders must turn Loyal, or turn out. The People gone to settle, having suffered so much...You would never forgive their persecutors or forget their Crueltys." Watson was a member of Parliament. Mauger was a loyalist merchant with business interests in British Nova Scotia. Red seal intact.
[excerpt]
… the unhappy and Sacrificed Loyalists Continue to Embark for Nova Scotia in great Numbers indeed they have no other place of refuge. the River Saint John will have 10,000 Souls settled upon it in the Year 1783. Roseway, Annapolis & Cumberland near as maney hence the Province will double its People this Year. how the price of Lands may start I know not for I have not heard on the Subject. I have some thoughts of sending a very usefull setoff People to settle Caneo and Louisbourg will I should suppose find Inhabitants, the Province must thrive, for necessity will produce Industry, and the wretched disaffected New Englanders must turn Loyal, or Turn out. the People gone to Settle having suffered so [2] much, they can bear no more. did You know the sufferings of the Unfortunate Loyalists in the States. You would never forgive their persicutors or forget their Crueltys …
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