sent an extraordinary example of the duties which naval officers are sometimes called upon to perform.
the liberal support of the chief justice of the colony; the warm approbation of the principal inhabitants; the admission of the writers on both sides of a controversy respecting the propriety of employing naval officers as surrogates, of his talents, integrity, and zeal; and more than all, the gratitude of the poor fishermen, of whose rights he was the constant protector, amply compensated him for the unexpected opposition and annoyance which he encountered from a high quarter.
Nothing could more fully prove the estimation in which his conduct was held, than the readiness with which the inhabitants of Harbour Grace defended him, and the generous ardour with which they assured him of their esteem, when some of his decisions were attacked by an anonymous libeller. The proceedings on that occasion are copied from a Newfoundland newspaper.
At a meeting of the inhabitants of Harbour Grace and its vicinity, it was resolved unanimously to present the following address to Captain Nicolas, “expressive of the detestation evinced by the meeting, at the publication of two false and scandalous placards,” for the discovery of the author of which 400l. were subscribed, and “stating the high sense entertained by them of the zeal and impartiality shewn in the discharge of his duties as surrogate:”
“Sir,– We have the honor to state, that in consequence of two false and scandalous libels appearing lately posted in this town, the one tending not only to injure your character as a surrogate (by creating animosities and exposing you to public hatred and contempt), but also threatening your person, and the other holding his Majesty’s courts of Justice to ridicule–
“We, the greater part of the most respectable inhabitants of this town and neighbourhood, viewing the said libels with perfect disgust and detestation, with a desire to bring the writer or writers of the same to justice, have felt it a duty we owe you and ourselves, as a body of loyal subjects, voluntarily to come forward and make a subscription, which we have offered as a reward to any informer; thereby hoping and believing that this measure will lead to the detection of him or those concerned in this