Free E-Book: American & Bermuda Relations [1907]

February 11, 2010

Take a walk back in history with this e-book “Relations between Bermuda and the American colonies during the revolutionary war”. Written by A.E Verrill [1839-1926] and published in 1907, it has been digitized and placed online courtesy of the American Library of Congress.

Book excerpts:

The population in 1787 was estimated at 10,381, of whom 4,919 were colored

It is also a matter of official record that the Continental Congress granted very unusual and highly important favors to the Bermudians, by sending them large amounts of provisions; allow them free importation of salt; permitting them to enter the harbors; and exempting their vessels from capture by American privateers.

Some of the Bermuda privateers Avere also captured by the Americans. One which was captured and taken to Boston and condemned there had 70. negro sailors on board.

I have not attempted to compile a list of American vessels captured by the Bermudian privateers and condemned there, but a considerable number are recorded.

He also stated that the Bermudians had sent a petition to the English government declaring the necessity of getting provisions from America, and saying that if not permitted to do so, they must ask the protection of the Congress

It seems quite probable that Captain Ord had previously been informed of the gunpowder in Bermuda, and of the means of securing it, and that when he heard of the rewards offered by Congress for the importation of gunpowder, he hurried back to Bermuda and secured it. The intervening time was sufficient for that purpose.

But whether the Americans took it from the magazine, or received it from friendly Bermudians, who had taken it out to them in boats, is uncertain. In Bermuda the latter view seems to have been held.

You can download a PDF version by clicking the top right hand button.

[Clicking ‘full screen’ on the upper right hand corner is advised for clarity, click ‘ESC’ to return to this screen]


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