The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

Extract of a letter from Port Roseway, dated August 5, 1783.

As to the town of Shelburne it far exceeds any representation or idea that I had of it before I came there. the people in general have been remarkably industrious in getting their town and water lots clear, and in forming streets, as likewise in getting their houses built with as much expedition as possible. considering their situation and the difficulties they had to surmount upon their first arrival in this place, and there is not less now than about 250 or 300 good frame houses erected in the different streets. and the greatest part are finished and families residing in them; and a great many others that are in more indigent circumstances have erected small temporary houses and huts till such time as their circumstances will admit of them building good houses upon their respective lots. I am certain and convinced were you here present and to see the ground that is cleared. and the many houses some of them of three stories high that are building : it would exceed every thing you could have imagined. considering it was the 26th of May before any of the associated loyalists, landed at this place: Indeed the people here in general seem to be exceedingly happy with their situation, and I make no doubt if they continue to exert themselves as they have hitherto done, this will prove a very flourishing place in a few years.

The harbour is very commodiously situated for the fishery, as the fishing ground extends all along this coast, and only a few miles from the shore. and there is every probability of its becoming extensive in that branch in a few years, provided that men will come to reside with them possessed of money; and give the necessary encouragement to the fishermen in general along this coast ; in which case they will stand a good chance to monopolize it principally to this port.