History of the government of the island of Newfoundland

After my return from Newfoundland, in the year 1791, I was curious to look back into what had been done, in former times, on the subject upon which I had myself been just employed. I accordingly looked over the Newfoundland Entries, and the Newfoundland Bundles among the books which belonged to the late board of trade; and I then pursued the subject through the Registers of the present committee of council for trade and plantations.

I was very much struck with the matter and reflections furnished by this research; and I wished that the useful information, which I had derived from this retrospect, might be seen by those, who had at that time to consider the subject of Newfoundland. Hence arose the present History; and as the same subject is now before the House of Commons, I have ventured to print it, and throw it among the other materials under examination.

If this public enquiry had not been instituted, the story here told would have been confined to the circle for which it was originally intended.

J. R.

April 1793.