p. 933 C
No. 214.
PALLISER TO LORDS OF TRADE
REPORTING FRIENDLY COMMUNICATION WITH INDIANS WILL PROVIDE SECURITY FOR BRITISH SHIP FISHERS ON THE COAST OF LABRADOR.
B.T. Newfoundld VOL. 18. T. 15.
MY LORD,—My last Letter was of the 1st Septr giving your Lordships an Account of my proceedings and the State of Affairs in this Government.
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From Accidents the Frigate Station'd in the Streights of Bell Isle did not get to York Harbour and Quirpont some of our People Fishing at the first Place were frightened away by the Esquemeaux Savages who came in a Body of about two hundred to Trade and Plunder as is their Practice, the French found means to Invite them over to Querpont where they Trafficked with them for what Whale Bone and Furrs they had, but this may be easily prevented the next year. The Moravian who I mentioned to your Lordships in my last being then gone to the Labradore Coast did not meet with them till late he was Able to converse with them very well in their own Language to their great Astonishment and Satisfaction, having never before met with any Europian that could converse with them otherways than by Signes, I think a good use may be made of this Man the next Year, inclosed is a Memorandum of what passed between him and those Savages at the interview he had with them, he goes home in the Lark with this, should your Lordships think proper to Examine him I am of opinion Measures may be taken for opening a friendly Comunication with them, for gratifying them with what they want in the way of traffic and thereby provide a Security for our Fishers for Cod, Whale and Seal upon that Coast. Every encouragement to a Ship Fishery there and the North part of Newfoundland seems to me a Consideration worthy of Attention.
I am
My Lords
St Johns Newfoundland Your Lordships
9th October 1764. Most Obedient and
most Humble Servts
HUGH PALLISSER.
Endorsed: To The Right Honble Lords Commissioners for Trade & Plantations London.
[1927lab]
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