5 November 1785

Watson, Brook, 1735-1807

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joshua Mauger

He will visit General D'Auvergne tomorrow. He comments on the pageantry of the coming week and the executions to follow.

GLC03902.057

26 November 1785

Watson, Brook, 1735-1807

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joshua Mauger

He has not heard from Mauger and is worried. Families of property from Nantucket are settling at Dartmouth. Watson foretold the minister that this would happen as a result of the Alien Laws of the United States.

GLC03902.058

28 December 1785

Watson, Brook, 1735-1807

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joshua Mauger

Discusses a case of theft and the weather.

GLC03902.059

21 December 1786

Watson, Brook, 1735-1807

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joshua Mauger

Encloses a letter from Mr. Sharp and hopes that Mauger will be cleared. [See letters # 239 & 240.]

GLC03902.060

19 December 1765

Watson, Brook, 1735-1807

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joshua Mauger

Discusses business matters. Reports at length on his talk with Lord Halifax about the Stamp Act and the situation in America. Provides a view into the British debate over handling the discord in the American colonies in such a way that will both "appease the Americans and preserve the honor of Parliament." Comments on the arguments over a measure to force America to submit to English law made by George Grenville, Lord Sandwich (who is quoted), and others, which was later withdrawn. Mentions the fear that France might interfere. Mentions the actions of the Duke of Grafton and Mr. Pitt, who…

GLC03902.004

21 October 1776

Watson, Brook, 1735-1807

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joshua Mauger

Watson, a merchant and British soldier, informs Mauger that he will remain in Canada until 10 November 1776. Mentions Captains Douglas and Abbott. Reports that in October, "the Two Little Inland Fleets first met each other about 10 o Clock in the Morning on Lake Champlain ... " States that the Continental Fleet contained 11 vessels. Relates that a Continental schooner, Royal Savage, was driven ashore and burnt according to the orders of British General Guy Carleton. States that American ships fled from the British fleet before finally escaping to Fort Ticonderoga. Reports that Fort…

GLC03902.019

14 March 1783

Watson, Brook, 1735-1807

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joshua Mauger

Indicates that there is still no mail from England. Reports (falsely) that the Congress has dissolved and the American people desire to reunite with England but, without word from England, his commander can do nothing to take advantage of this development. Discusses his business prospects and notes that he will embark for Nova Scotia in spring. The first ships carrying Loyalists to Nova Scotia will leave next month. He believes these people of property will form a barrier to protect the English constitution and will become the envy of their neighbors. Watson was a member of Parliament.…

GLC03902.030

17 June 1783

Watson, Brook, 1735-1807

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joshua Mauger

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…

GLC03902.032

12 July 1783

Watson, Brook, 1735-1807

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joshua Mauger

Indicates that he has heard Mauger decided to sell his lands in Nova Scotia and commends the decision. He estimates that 20,000 loyalists will immigrate there in the wake of the American Revolution. Expresses his desire to return to England and his dependence on the British government sending a ship. Displaying his staunchly pro-British perspective his states: "The People of this Independent country are run a muck, and will soon become objects of Compassion. The unfortunate People who they are now driving to seek refuge will very soon be envied by the Lawless wretches who now persecute them…

GLC03902.033

February 19, 1785

Watson, Brook, 1735-1807

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joshua Mauger

Inquires about Mauger's illness. He is on the Cricklade Committee.

GLC03902.041