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Benjamin Lester18th Century, Circa 1760s
Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Lester Mercantile Premises, Trinity, NL18th Century, Circa 1770
Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Lester Fleet in Trinity Harbour18th Century, Circa 1795
Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Plan of the Admiral's Point, Trinity Harbour (1746)1746
Fort Point, Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Plan of Admiral's Point (1748)1748
Fort Point, Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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In the spring of 1762, nearing the end of the Seven Years' War France launched an attack on Newfoundland to improve their position in upcoming peace talks. St. John's surrendered and the French sent ships to other major settlements to acquire provisions. Trinity surrendered on July 17. The only shots fired were ceremonial and the French treated the inhabitants quite civilly. On August 1, 1762 the French left Trinity very suddenly when they heard that a British Fleet intent on recapturing Newfoundland was near St. John's. They only had time to render the Fort useless by spiking the guns and throwing most of them into the ocean, four 24 pound cannons remain at Fort Point, a few others were taken to Trinity East and Port Rexton.They also destroyed the military buildings (the magazine and barracks) and some of the other buildings around the harbour.7
Plan of Admiral's (Fort) Point (1762)1762
Fort Point, Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Legend for the Plan of Admiral's (Fort) Point1762
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Cartographic Map of Trinity Harbour (1762)1762
Fort Point, Trinity, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Benjamin Lester kept a daily diary during his time as a Newfoundland-Poole merchant, transcribed copies of his entries from the time of the French occupation are here for your reading.Lester was the chief magistrate and negotiator during the time of the occupation and had contact with the Commandant of the fleet in Trinity. He hosted him at the Lester-Garland House and was also welcomed on board the French vessels. However Lester was accused of having residents animals and other food stuffs taken and given to the French instead of from his own stores.
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Benjamin Lester's Diary (Page 1)1762
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Benjamin Lester's Diary (Page 2)1762
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Benjamin Lester's Diary (Page 3)1762
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Benjamin Lester's Diary (Page 4)1762
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