Author

Nicholas Guy

Transcribed by

William Gilbert

Carbonear, the first of September 1631

Right Worshipful,

Sir, my duty and my service to you is always remembered. With God's help may your health, happiness and good success continue.

I am writing to let you know that I have received your letter. I was very happy and would have been glad if I had received only two lines from you. None of the other letters that you say you wrote me came into my hand. I have also written you many letters that, I now realize, never reached you. If these letters had arrived, it might have been a great help to both you and I.

You wrote asking what provisions and men would be of most help to us. If you would, please send over two men who would be paid £4 the first year and £5 the second year. We can increase their wages after that as they deserve. Two men would be enough. As for supplies, those that I have listed below will be enough for them.

This year I have made, by my industry, £100 clear. Therefore, if you would like to send £100 or £50 in the plantation ship, I hope that I will do both you and myself much good and I will not treat your business like Master Crook did. I hope that you will be happy with what I have done if you try it for a year or two.

Now, would you please advise me whether both sides of this harbour are part of your lot. The people of Harbour Grace say that it is part of their lot and, if it is, they want an answer from you.

If you choose to invest money, you will have no need to fear if it comes into my hands. I have enough meat and lots of butter and cheese. Some of this I sell and some I give to my neighbours. I don't need anything except bread and that is only because there are not enough men to plough your land. Your lot is as good as any in this land as Master Willis Cane will tell you.

There are many hawks in this land but the best time to capture them is also the busiest time of the fishery.

If you choose to send any men, you should send them from Bristol, if you can, in the plantation ship that usually comes. If they are not here in April or May, they won't be of any help to me. They must be in Bristol by the first of March. Also, if you please, could you send me two iron traps. They would be a great help.

Now, if your Worship would please send me a sealed contract, then more people will come and settle on your land and cultivate it for your benefit. People are afraid to settle without some formal agreement because they may take on the work and then be forced to leave without gaining anything. 

So, hoping that God will reward you and your proceedings, I shall always remain and stay your servant and friend to command.

Nicholas Guy

Transcription History

Robert Barakat –(housed at the Provincial Archives of Newfoundland and Labrador)

William Gilbert - His transcription in Early Modern English is available through the Baccalieu Trail Archaeology Website which is maintained by William Gilbert and the Baccalieu Trail Heritage Corporation:

Nicholas Guy to Sir Percival Willoughby from Carbonear, September 1, 1631

Modern English Version:

Written by Claudine Garland. Edited and Revised by William Gilbert.