Despatches from Governor John Hodgson (dated August to Dec 1808) together with letters...

Despatches from Governor John Hodgson (dated August to Dec 1808) together with letters from 'offices' (government departments and other organisations) and individuals on matters related to Bermuda sent during the year. Despatches are described at item level; letters from offices and individuals are not, and correspondents and subjects are as follows:

• 'Free people of colour' (petition requesting that an Act prohibiting them from acquiring and conferring real estate be repealed, signatories include: James Darrell, Jacob Pitcarn, Daniel Melliroy, Ben Gilbert, Socker [?] Tucker, Tom Fox, John Higgs, Antony Gilbert, Samuel Fox, Joseph Fox, Thomas Darrell, Sam Trott, William Brinton, Thomas Smith, Peter Hubert, Jams Hurt, James D Trott, Ben Hurt, David Smith, Daniel Brown, and Thomas Bascomb);
• R Tucker, Paymaster General of Nova Scotia (expresses support for his cousin Henry Tucker's application for the government posts left vacant by his father's death);
• Commander in Chief (the attack in Baracoa, formation of a Black Regiment, Treasury position);
• Treasury (military expenditure, Brigadier General Hodgson's military allowance, bounty on Newfoundland fish, provision sent for troops, schooner Friends Adventure, Comptroller of Army Accounts' request for a salary, governor's purchase of flour);
• Board of Trade (scarcity of provisions, bounty on Newfoundland fish);
• V Gibbs and Thomas Plumer (attempt to swear in William Smith as Treasurer);
• Robert Kennedy, Colonial Secretary (proposal for the sale of certain land);
• Mr Freeling, Secretary (establishment of a post office);
• Treasury (military expenditure, proceeds of Spanish property taken before commencement of hostilities, purchase of a government schooner, provisions brought by the Hannah);
• Council Office (grant of licences to British vessels to trade with St Domingo ports, appointment of James Christie Esten and Tudor Hinson to Bermuda's Council, assent to Acts);
• Vice Admiral G Berkeley (defence of Bermuda, trade with the United States of America, smuggling, establishment of a free port);
• Board of Trade (importation of salt provisions from the United States of America);
• Admiralty (protection of Turk's Island trade)

Topics

Government finances

International

Army

Trade and commerce

Conflict

Pay and pensions

Food and drink

Navy

Americas

Communications

Armed Forces (General Administration)

Operations, battles and campaigns