Page:1898 NB Magazine.djvu/331

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

314

THE NEW BRUNSWICK MAGAZINE.

White wrote to Francklin from time to time, of which the following is a specimen:

Fort Howe, 23rd March, 1782.

Dear Sir,—Since our last we have been at Maugerville viewing the masts, &c. &c. Mr Peabody hath cut down and procured as many sticks as could be expected under the disadvantage of having the other Contractor at his elbow. You will find enclosed Mr Hayes account and certificates of the number and sizes of sticks on the banks trimmed four square fit for Rafting: they have about 120 more cut, many of which cannot be got out this season. Mr Peabody set off on the 14th inst, to view a Glade of Pines on the Grand Lake about 40 miles distance from Mr. Simonds House where he hath a number of men to work His intention is not to cut any but what can be bowsed out where they will float in the Spring freshets. No doubt but that we will be able to complete our contract by that method by the time limited, tho' under many disadvantages.

The French people at Kanibikashes hath about too sticks cut. They say they shall be able to get out and bring here this Spring about 40 sticks, the others they can get out in Summer. Pork, beef and corn is very scarce and dear; the two former not to be bought. Have engaged what wheat and Indian corn we could on the River. * *

Mr. Baxter^[1] is here with his family and appears to be in distress. Please to let him have forty pounds on our account.

Davidson expects to have 200 sticks out this season and near as many more cut in the woods; he gives the people larger prices for sticks (and takes them at Mangerville or elsewhere afloat) than we give Mr. Peabody delivered here. Mr. Baxter is in search after land: we wish your advice to him if we had not better take our tract with him.^[2]

We must have two or three hundred pounds in cash here by the first conveyance,

Yours, &c.
Hazen & White.

Hon. Col. Michael Francklin.

The reference in this letter to the arrival of Simon Baxter and his family at St. John is interesting.

↑ Capt. Simon Baxter of New Hampshire, a Loyalist, was proscribed and banished and his property confiscated. In the war he was captured by the enemy and condemned to be hanged. When brought out for execution he broke from his captors and fled with the rope about his neck, to Burgoyne's army. In conjunction with Major Studholme and others, he obtained a grant of 9,500 acres on the Kennebecasis. He died at Norton in 1904, aged 74 years.
↑ Colonel Francklin says in his reply to John Hazen & White, stated April 25th, 1782:—"With respect to Lands, Mr. Baxter has a plan from the surveyor's office of the Township granted to Sir John St. Clair & others, which reaches an Kenebekishish River. Such of them as are American Proprietors and not in the King's service will have their shares forfeited. Mr. Baxter has orders to run the lines that we may know where they fall. In this Major Studholme & others may be accomodated, but Mr. Chas. Morris says that you (Mr. White & Mr. Simonds I think) have already had lands as disbanded officers, I think he told me near Fort Howe, so that when it comes to the point your old memorials will be produced."

[1] Capt. Simon Baxter of New Hampshire, a Loyalist, was proscribed and banished and his property confiscated. In the war he was captured by the enemy and condemned to be hanged. When brought out for execution he broke from his captors and fled with the rope about his neck, to Burgoyne's army. In conjunction with Major Studholme and others, he obtained a grant of 9,500 acres on the Kennebecasis. He died at Norton in 1904, aged 74 years.

[2] Colonel Francklin says in his reply to John Hazen & White, stated April 25th, 1782:—"With respect to Lands, Mr. Baxter has a plan from the surveyor's office of the Township granted to Sir John St. Clair & others, which reaches an Kenebekishish River. Such of them as are American Proprietors and not in the King's service will have their shares forfeited. Mr. Baxter has orders to run the lines that we may know where they fall. In this Major Studholme & others may be accomodated, but Mr. Chas. Morris says that you (Mr. White & Mr. Simonds I think) have already had lands as disbanded officers, I think he told me near Fort Howe, so that when it comes to the point your old memorials will be produced."

[1]

[2]