218 | To Jeffery Amherst

    Castle William June 5 1763

    Sr.

    I am favoured with yours of the 26th & 27th of May,820 & I am much obliged to you for your favorable intention towards the Lt Col Gay. In regard to what you mention of his having no thoughts of entring into the army I know not how to account for it but by supposing that his Modesty might prevent his earnestness in moving for an appointment in that Service, which he might understand you had a multiplicity of engagements for; or he might not be reconciled, after the different commands he had bore (altho under provincial commissions only) in the Kings Service, to be begin, de novo at the bottom of the Army. But I am sure, unless some such Objection interfered, He would, if left to his choice, prefer a military Employment to a civil: tho’ perhaps, upon account of this difficulty, the latter may be more suitable.

    I am very sorry that the Men could not be prevailed upon to stay beyond their Time. I am well assured that the province would not have grudged the expence if the Men could have been made easy. The Worst of these disputes is that it affords matter for popular declaimers:821 altho’ I have nothing to fear of this kind, but as it may affect any extraordinary requisitions, which I may have to make for his Majesty’s Service.

    I shall be very glad to receive the sketch of the Engineer you mention of Kennebeck river: for I am at a loss in guessing whence the faultiness of the plan I sent you (I mean above Fort Halifax) should arise. The Surveyor, I employed, was the Very best in this Country; His field book, which I have, is apparently very accurate; and Mr Miller, from my observation of his Working in my presence, is, I think, careful in protracting. I shall lay this before the Assembly & leave it to them whether it shall be continued or not: if they determine in the affirmative, I shall use all possible endeavour to get it done with the greatest exactness: & for that purpose shall be glad to be favoured with all the assistance which the Gentleman you mention can give.

    I am, with great regard, Sr Your most obedient & most humble Servant,

    Fra. Bernard

    His Excellency Sr Jeffry Amherst

    ALS, RC WO 34/26, f 237.