John Hamilton's letter to Governor Cornwallis of 05 January 1750 explaining how he came to be taken prisoner by the Indians. The original letter, written in French, was found 08 June 1972 by A. Yvon Handfield in the Public Record Office, Portugal Street, London, England. Ref: c.o. 217/33.
05 January 1749/50
To His Excellency Governor Cornwallis,
I have the honour of writing to you to inform Your Honourable Excellency of
what happened to us at the Mines, if you will permit me. I am pleased to give
you details of the event.
Mr. Handfield has told me that Your Excellency would appreciate having a map
of the little fort at Grand Pré. I was working on it and was mapping
the little River, and the higher land and prairie a short distance from the
fort when we were taken prisoner.
I had asked permission from Mr. Handfield to go with a couple of men to measure
the area and complete the map. He told me he had already ordered an officer
and detachment to check the town of Grand Pré. I went with the detachment
to Grand Pré, even though it was not my turn. Having taken two men without
arms, a sergeant, 14 men, and Mr. Handfield's young son, I went with a compass
and measuring cord. Because there was snow 16 to 18 inches deep in places, walking
was difficult. When we arrived at the place I wished to measure, I had the sergeant
line up his men. I took my compass and measuring cord and began my work. I heard
a cry and loud noise on the higher land which was very near us and the river.
It was about 200 to 300 yards from the Fort. At the same time at least 150 Indians
began shooting at us and killed two men. We were immediately surrounded and
taken prisoner.
Later, on the same day, six women and one soldier were taken at another place,
and the Indians refused to let us go. However, I was fortunate to find Monsignor
de Loutre, who was able to talk to the Indians. (An Indian woman, who had lived
at the home of Captain Gorham in Boston with his daughter, said the Indians
would sell us for money. Mr. Gorham is also in Boston now. I beg him write again
to these two girls and to send a letter of credit for ransom.
The soldiers are well but have very few clothes
and need all types of garments.
I have the honour with very profound respect, Sir, Your Excellency, Your very
humble and very obedient servant,
John Hamilton
Extracts from the answer of Governor Edward
Cornwallis to Lieutenant John Hamilton's letter of 05 January 1750:
Sir:
I received your Letter of the 5th Inst. from what
Place is a secret . . . .
I was astonished to see a Letter in French from an English Officer to me you
say that the Priest lent you money to ransom you and Mr. Hanfeild [sic] from
the Indians if you are ransomed why don't you come away. You mention the Sum
paid for Mr. Hanfeild [sic] Ransom then why don't he return home.
I am your humble Servant
Ed. Cornwallis