Jacob Bayley to Colonel Little

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Newbury, November 24, 1775.

SIR: Means have been taken, I don' t doubt, to secure the conquest at Canada, and also to connect that Colony with ours; yet, as I am nigh to it, and somewhat acquainted with that country, would beg leave to let you know my thoughts of the matter. I say to you, as I need some one of ray acquaintance who may be able to assert my sincerity, I am not able any other way to improve the one talent I have, being settled in so remote a part of the country, and since the war applying myself wholly in carrying on the settlement of this country, so that of late I have

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had but little acquaintance with gentlemen who now are at the head of Colony affairs.

I must suppose that it will be needful that a body of men are the next spring stationed in Canada; for, if the whole is not subdued this season, it must be done. If taken, must be kept from France, as well as England. It would not surprise me, if, after the French had assisted us to drive off the Regulars, they should take it out of our hands for France. Of what vast importance to us is that country, and how easy it is defended; but one fortress commands the whole from any foreign power, and whatever nation or people holds that fortress commands all the back settlements of the United Colonies, and the most extensive fur and skin trade in the universe: I cannot but be thankful. The counsels of our adversaries are turned into foolishness, in respect to Canada; for if they had taken possession of Quebeck and New-York, with what strength they brought to Boston, how would the matter have been by this time with the Colonies? But Providence has interfered in our behalf. I would not lose so precious a jewel as Canada. The great difficulty we have, or shall have, to keep it, is for want of a communication, by land, into that country, altogether by land; which we may have from the St. John' s, which will not exceed ninety miles — by which quick intelligence and an army may be thrown into that country from this in six days. No danger then of a fleet and army from Britain or France. We can provide here for any number on their march, and when in Canada, there is no want of a road; also will connect these people with ours. Trade might be carried on, or proposed, which will secure the trading part. Our people, doubtless, are amongst them, which win wear out their Popish bigotry; until that is the case, no great trust to the French. Supposing we set up for independency, how much value is the fur and skin trade of that vast extensive river, lakes, and country, (doubtless a million a year.) On the whole, considering every circumstance, convenience, and situation, I could heartily urge that you use your endeavour that such a road be thought of and done early, as early as April. I would do all in my power to forward it. The course from this is nearly forty degrees northwest to Montreal. We are sixty miles east of Crown Point; nearly north from Hartford; northwest from Boston one hundred and forty miles; from Newbury northwesterly one hundred and twenty-five miles; about the same distance from Portsmouth. But the maps will inform. Dr. Langton' s is a very good one. If you remember, it is but two years last October that you, Esquire Stevens, and myself, sent a surveyor, chainman, &c., who measured and marked a road to Missisque Bay; and it is undoubtedly good for a road, so far, which is two-thirds of the way. Indeed, our line terminated forty-five degrees north latitude. I had thoughts that the road could be carried to the east of Missisque Bay. But there is danger of drowned land: should it be so, a ferry at the mouth of Missisque River, which will be but three-quarters of a mile; cross Windmill Point another ferry of the same width; then a good road may be had to Canada, at thirty miles distance, about six miles above Montreal. But I would, if practicable, make a road without being troubled with water. Water carriage is good, and answers air excellent end; but what I would is, that if we have a sudden call from Canada, we may repair thither without any hinderance. For suppose Canada to be in our hands next May or June, we are certain a fleet and army are in the mouth of the St. Lawrence, destined to reduce Quebeck. An army sufficient to repel might be sent this way seasonable; and I must think that in the bands of the Ministry it is their greatest advantage against, and in our hands as much and more, if can be: and I have always wondered that the wise heads against us, if any there be, had not struck on New-York and Quebeck, which would have cut off the communication between the north and south Colonies, and harassed our frontiers, which are of a great extent. The Indians would have been in their favour. We could not have stood out till now; therefore let us make by the advantage they have given us. I don' t know the situation of the entrance into York, but I should think, if possible, that harbour ought to be secured, for divers reasons. York is of more consequence to us than all the harbours to the east. How easy would it have been for

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the King' s Troops and shipping to have cut off the communication between the North and South Colonies, by taking possession of New-York and the North River; and would not numbers have joined them at York, and will not the King take possession there this winter? I trow not. Ibelieve that if the King had possession of Canada, before next June there would be a communication open for them by Albany. Even now, in the winter, fortifications ought to be built at Sandy-Hook, to keep out, &c. I only speak of this as it comes in my way. I have sent Colonel Bedel to see to the road on that side; but I am afraid the post will not get there, it is so bad crossing the lake at this season. If this road was done, in four days would come tidings. The affair of this road must be soon concluded upon, as provisions should be provided in the winter, and it is much easier got now than in April or May. I should be glad to have a return from you, as soon as possible, how your publick affairs stand. I would be willing to do any thing that might contribute to so glorious a cause as we are now engaged in. I have wrote, in a broken manner, my thoughts. You may pick out what of mine you like, and add to your own; perhaps you will, in so much, find something. When you go to Boston, save your and our Scotch people, if they are friends. I would recommend that you continue in the service, if you are like to be of service. I don' t say that I will not join the Army in the spring, if health remains. I am now in good health. All are well here. My best regards to the honourable gentlemen in the Army.

I am your humble servant, JACOB BAILEY

To Colonel Little.

Letter from Colonel Bayley to Colonel Little, Urges, in the strongest terms, the necessity and the advantages of a road through from the Colonies to Canada. [1775-11-24] Bayley, Jacob, Colonel. [S4-V3-p1663] [Document Details][Complete Volume]