ow and five children
to deplore his loss.

"MEMENTO MORI."

The success that attended William Davidson's masting operations led
Messrs. Hazen and White to engage in the same business. They were
fortunate enough to secure the co-operation of Colonel Francklin, with
whom they entered into partnership in the summer of 1781 for general
trade and "masting." Francklin's political influence at Halifax and
the personal friendship of Sir Andrew Snape Hamond, the lieutenant
governor of Nova Scotia and Commissioner of the navy yard, proved of
very great advantage to the partners in their business. A few
quotations from the original papers of the firm, which are now in the
possession of the author, will throw light upon the nature of their
subsequent operations.

"CONTRACTED and agreed on the 9th day of August, 1781, with Sir
Andrew Snape Hamond, Commissioner of his Majesty's Navy, resident
at Halifax, by us Michael Francklin, Esqr., of Windsor, and Wm.
Hazen and James White, Esqrs., of the River St. John in the
Province of Nova Scotia, And we do hereby covenant and agree to
deliver, free of all charges to his Majesty, at the mouth of the
River St. John, the undermentioned North American White Pine
Masts, Yards, and Bowsprits, Ash Rafters, Elm Timber, Oak Timber,
Anchor Stocks of White Oak, and Crooked or Compass Timber, in the
quantities, of the dimensions and at the prices expressed against
each size * * to be brought to the mouth of the River Saint John
by or before the 1st day of July, 1782, and there to remain at
our risque until they shall be embarked on board such ships or
vessels as shall be sent to transport them to England, Halifax or
elsewhere. * * *

"It is further agreed by Sir Andrew Snape Hamond for the
encouragement of the said Contractors, that in case the enemy
should make a descent on the Port of Saint John in order to
destroy the masts lying there, that the damages sustained thereby
should fall on Government and not upon the Contractors, provided
it shall appear that all proper endeavors on the part of the
Contractors were used to save the masts."

Great Britain was at this time engaged in a struggle for national
existence. She was at war, not only with the colonies in rebellion,
but with France, Holland and Spain, and that without a single ally.
Under such circumstances it was absolutely necessary that the navy
should be kept as efficient as possible. T