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Collection Reference Number GLC03902.030
From Archive Folder The Joshua Mauger Archive: Correspondence regarding Nova Scotia politics and mercantile affairs 
Title Brook Watson to Joshua Mauger about dissolution of Congress and loyalists moving to Candida
Date 14 March 1783
Author Watson, Brook (1735-1807)  
Recipient Mauger, Joshua  
Document Type Correspondence
Content Description Indicates that there is still no mail from England. Reports (falsely) that the Congress has dissolved and the American people desire to reunite with England but, without word from England, his commander can do nothing to take advantage of this development. Discusses his business prospects and notes that he will embark for Nova Scotia in spring. The first ships carrying Loyalists to Nova Scotia will leave next month. He believes these people of property will form a barrier to protect the English constitution and will become the envy of their neighbors. Watson was a member of Parliament. Mauger was a loyalist merchant with business interests in British Nova Scotia.
Subjects Revolutionary War  Military History  Global History and Civics  Soldier's Letter  Continental Congress  Congress  Loyalist  Refugees  Law  Canada  Immigration and Migration  
People Watson, Brook (1735-1807)  Mauger, Joshua (1725-1788)  
Place written New York, New York
Theme The American Revolution; Creating a New Government; Government & Politics
Sub-collection The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Additional Information Background: One of the Revolution's most striking consequences involved the confiscation and auctioning of lands owned by British loyalists, a policy which resulted in wider land distribution. About one hundred thousand loyalists, and many former slaves, left America mainly for Canada or other regions following the Revolution. In the following letter, Brooks Watson, a British merchant, a member of Parliament, a founder of Lloyds of London, a director of the Bank of England, and a Lord Mayor of London, describes loyalist preparations for migrating to Nova Scotia. Joshua Mauger, the recipient of these letters, was a leading Nova Scotia land owner.
Copyright The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
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