Warfare in North America, c. 1756-1815 | British Perspectives
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Title:
PRO 30/55/077/068 - Autograph Letter from North to General Sir Guy Carleton
Date:
1783
Language:
English
Date from:
1783-08-08
Date to:
1783-08-08
Section:
2 : PRO 30/55 - British Army Headquarters Papers
TNA Shelfmark:
PRO 30/55/077/068
Full Description:
Lord North, Whitehall to Carleton a long letter [16 pages] covering various aspects of military, political and social events in America leading up to the withdrawal. Says that His Majesty is deeply impressed with the sufferings of his loyal subjects in America and regrets violence used against them by Americans. Notes that neither Congress nor governments of individual states have attempted to control the perpetrators. Conveys royal satisfaction at the manner in which he [Carleton] has handled the transfer of loyalists from America to Canada, England and Jamaica thus protecting them from the rage and persecution which they would have probabaly experienced at the hands of the Americans. The King also mentions the fate of prisoners-of-war and 'negroes'. The King expects that Carleton will continue to protect and assist the loyalists remaining and help them move elsewhere. Similarly, 'negroes' should be helped leave in peace for other British territories. Royal approbation is heaped too on plans to establish a strong force to protect Nova Scotia. The King is aware of the meritorious behaviour of the Prince of Wales's American Regiment commanded by Brigadier-General Brown. The King also confirmed promotions etc for some officers in North America and is anxious to have their names etc. He adds praise for Carleton's handling of the shipping shortage which caused serious difficulties in moving people and their effects to Nova Scotia and England. He promises empty vessels coming soon from the Leeward Islands. The King is particularly pleased with the outcome of Colonel Deveraux's expedition against the Island of Providence which resulted in the restitution of that island and the Bahamas Islands. He mentions Brigadier-General Benedict Arnold who has been in England for some time but is prevented by the Earl of Shelburne from returning to North America.
TNA Link:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C16532759
Format:
Handwritten
DOI:
10.1163/37612_WNA_PRO_PRO_30_55_77_68