To His Honor James Edward Powell Esq., Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief in and over the Bahama Islands, Chancellor, Vice Admiral and Ordinary of the same.

The Petition of Cornelius Blanchard in behalf of the poor Inhabitants settled at Carleton upon the Island of Abaco.

Humbly Sheweth

That in consequence of a commission from his Excellency Sir Guy Carleton, then Commander in Chief of His Majesty’s Forces in North America appointing him Captain of a Company of Loyal Refugees destitute from a settlement upon the Island aforesaid, your Petitioner accordingly left New York on the 21st of September 1783 and arrived at Carlton the place of his destination.

That on their arrival not finding the Country so fertile as had been expected, certain circumstances also which prevented those who were desirous of making such trips as they wished. That as soon as those troubles subsided, the new Residents made every effort to gain themselves support, but no sooner did they begin to reap the fruit of their Industry than a Number of Negroes had taken the wood, and so robbed the place, that they have now no support left.

Therefore pray your Honor will be pleased to take their situation into consideration, and grant much supply as to your Honor shall seem necessary.

And your Petitioner as in duty bound will pray —

Corn. Blanchard.

Bahamas Islands, New Providence April 6th, 1705.