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that had been prepared for shipment by fourteen carpenters and mast-makers employed in his majesty's service. The vessel sailed for France on the 6th October, and arrived at her destination in 33 days.
The importance to the British fleet of a supply of masts constantly available, was a matter that could scarcely be over estimated. The Revolutionary troubles were brewing when the Hon. Charles Morris, May 21, 1774, submitted his well known report upon the woods of Nova Scotia, based upon the best observations he had been able to make during a residence in the province of about twenty-eight years. His remarks on the St. John river are as follows:—
"On the River St. John above the present settlements and on the other rivers flowing into it are great quantities of pine trees at present fit for masts, and great quantities of others growing into that state, which being so far inland, protected by growth of other timber and by hills and remote from those violent gales which infest the sea coast, will be the most effectual reserve for such purposes. I am therefore of opinion, that a reserve of all the lands on the River St. John above the settlements for the whole course of the river at least twenty-five miles on each side, will be the most advantageous reserve to the crown of any lands within this province, especially as the river is navigable for boats and ratting of masts the whole course of it, as also for rafting of masts in the several branches of it; and in this tract is contained a black spruce, fit for yards and topmasts, and other timber fit for shipbuilding."
The ultimate importance of "the black spruce fit for yards and topmasts" was little dreamed of by Mr. Morris. The Loyalists were indebted to this gentle-man for the reserve of lands for their accommodation on the upper St. John. Up to this time the Nova Scotia governors had been issuing grants in a very lavish fashion to retired army officers and government officials, but it was now decided to reserve the territory recommended by Mr. Morris, not however, out of consideration for the future settlers, but because its towering pines supplied the best masts in the world for the British navy.
In the year 1779, arrangements were made with