ing painted on
the boat; and from this circumstance Chatham, on the Miramichi River,
received its name.

CHAPTER I.

FIRST EXPERIENCE OF COLONIAL LIFE, 1769-70.

Captain Godfrey's health gradually improved after his return to his
native country. When he thought himself sufficiently recovered he felt
anxious to embark in some branch of business, and not feeling inclined
to do so in England, he purchased a grant of land from Lynge Tottenham,
Esq., this land was situated on the bank of the River St. John, Nova
Scotia.

In the early part of the year 1769, after three years of rest, Captain
Godfrey purchased various kinds of merchandize, which he was advised
were best adapted to the colonial trade. He freighted a vessel in
London, and embarked with his wife and family for Halifax, in the month
of June, 1769.

On the passage out the weather was usually fine, but the progress was
slow, and nothing remarkable occurred on board during the sixty-two days
they were in crossing the Atlantic.

Soon after landing at Halifax, Captain Godfrey heard that the Governor
of Nova Scotia, (Lord William Campbell,) required some person of
experience to enter into possession of Fort Frederick, situated at the
mouth of the River St. John, and take charge of the arms, ammunition,
and all other of His Majesty King George the Third's stores. He had an
interview with the Governor and was appointed to take charge of the
fort.

After having secured the appointment at Fort Frederick, he concluded to
commence trading operations at that post, and gave bonds to the governor
in the sum of one thousand pounds for the privilege of carrying on a
legitimate business with the settlers and Indians.[2]

[Footnote 2:

PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA.

Know all men by these presents, that we, Charles * * * Godfrey * * * and
Charles Morris, Esqs., both of Halifax, do acknowledge ourselves justly
indebted unto our Sovereign Lord King George the Third, his heirs and
successors, in the just and full sum of one thousand pounds currency of
the Province of Nova Scotia, to which payment well and truly to be made
and done, we bind ourselves, our heirs, executors and administrators
jointly by these presents. Witness our hand and seals, this thirtieth
day of April, one thousand seven hundred and seventy, in the tenth year
of His Majesty's reign.

CHARLES * * * GODFREY * * *
CHARLES MORRIS, JR.

Signed and sealed in the presence of