147 | To Sir George Pocock

    Boston Augst. 19th 1762

    Sr.

    On the 19th of July I despatched a schooner express to you with advice that a french fleet had taken St. Johns in Newfoundland on the 27th June and broke up the whole fishery there.576 On the first of August I sent to you Duplicates of the former & some further Accounts of the french proceedings in Newfoundland by the Brig tartar a privateer bound to New Providence, inclosed in a Cover to Genl. Shirley.577 Having now a Master of a Sloop ready to sail to the Havannah I take this oppertunity to inform you of the present state of Newfoundland.

    The french force consists of the Robuste 74 guns Eveille 64 Licorne 26 Garonne a transport of 30:578 but they are so extreamly ill manned as to Sailors, that they can scarce work their ships. Their land forces are 1300 pickt troops. They have fortyfied St. Johns all around as well as they can & have laid a Boom across the mouth of the harbour. They have unbent their sails & struck their Yards, & declare that they will stay there ’till September & then leave a Garrison behind them however they will find their quarters beat up before that time

    Lord Colville has now under his Command the Northumberland, Antelope, Gosport, Sirene & our provincial Ship the King George a Complete 20 gun Frigate; & is, I believe, now preparing to Sail to St. Johns with a body of troops that are collecting at Halifax. This force will be Sufficient to block up the Port for the Present, if not to take the Port. All the danger we apprehend at present is from the French being reinforced, which by their remaining in such security, they seem to Expect. On the other hand there is as good reason for us to expect Succours from England or from your fleet

    I thought Proper to give you this short detail & am, with great regard Sr. your most obedt. &c & &

    His Excellency Sr. George Pococke

    L, LbC BP, 2: 175-176.